Microsoft is reportedly gearing up for another restructuring of its Xbox Game Pass tiers, with the intention of simplifying a subscription model that has grown increasingly intricate and costly for gamers. Recent reports indicate that the tech giant is considering merging the PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Premium tiers.
Current Game Pass Landscape
The existing Game Pass subscription framework resembles a labyrinth. Following the overhaul in October 2025, the Game Pass now starts at £6.99/.99 for the Essential tier. In contrast, the PC Game Pass experienced a significant price increase of nearly 40%, now costing £13.49/.49 per month, primarily to accommodate the inclusion of high-profile titles like Call of Duty on their release day. Meanwhile, the Xbox Game Pass Premium tier, which has replaced the previous “Standard” plan, is priced at £10.99/.99 per month but does not offer day-one access, a benefit enjoyed by PC and Ultimate subscribers. At the pinnacle of this structure is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which now demands a staggering £22.99/.99 per month.
According to Tom Warren’s report for The Verge, Microsoft is contemplating a merger of the Premium and PC Game Pass tiers. This potential unification could lead to a streamlined “mid-tier” subscription that operates seamlessly across all devices. However, questions remain regarding whether PC players will retain their day-one access during this transition or if another price adjustment is on the horizon.
Enhancing the Ultimate Experience
To alleviate the financial burden of the Ultimate subscription, Microsoft is reportedly intensifying its focus on third-party integrations. As of late 2025, the Ultimate tier already includes EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and a Fortnite Crew subscription. As 2026 unfolds, sources suggest that Microsoft is in discussions to incorporate additional services, aiming to position the subscription as a comprehensive hub for digital entertainment. The specifics of these potential additions—whether they will include streaming services or further gaming benefits from partners—remain to be seen.
Future Directions
This strategic software shift appears to be laying the groundwork for the anticipated next-generation Xbox, rumored to debut in 2027. Leaks surrounding the new console indicate that Microsoft may be moving away from the traditional console operating system in favor of a Windows 11 hybrid environment. This transition could enable native support for platforms like Steam and the Epic Games Store, effectively transforming the Xbox into a first-party gaming rig for the living room. If hardware and software converge into a cohesive Windows-based ecosystem, the rationale for maintaining a fragmented subscription service divided into “PC” and “Console” categories may no longer hold.
KitGuru asks: Are you subscribed to any Game Pass tier? Would you welcome a merger of the Premium and PC tiers, provided that PC gamers continue to enjoy access to day-one releases?
