Some Xbox Game Pass subscribers aren’t thrilled with some of the latest additions to the service, especially since the Ultimate tier now costs $30 per month instead of $20. Microsoft first caused an uproar when it made the decision to restrict most day one games to the Ultimate tier of Xbox Game Pass, and then it upset subscribers even further when it announced that the Ultimate tier’s unfortunate price hike.
Now, even though Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs $30 per month, someone that actually uses the service regularly should still be getting their money’s worth and then some. Fortnite players who were signed up for Fortnite Crew actually save a couple of bucks now because those benefits are now a part of Game Pass Ultimate. But there are many subscribers who have decided that $30 doesn’t justify the price of admission and have ditched their subscription as a result. Microsoft will need to make sure that there is a constant stream of high-quality games added to Game Pass Ultimate if it wants to keep people signed up, and it seems that it is failing to do so in the eyes of some fans.
History of Xbox Game Pass Price Hikes Explained
To the chagrin of subscribers, Xbox Game Pass is increasing its cost once again, and it’s far from the first time the service has seen a price hike.
Xbox Game Pass Subscribers Aren’t Happy About the Latest Games
A Reddit post by ZTK94 throws shade at the recent Game Pass Ultimate additions, which include Bratz: Rhythm & Style, Mortal Kombat 1, Ultimate Sheep Raccoon, and A Game About Digging a Hole. Over 1,000 other Reddit users have upvoted the post, clearly agreeing with the premise that it’s “wild” for Microsoft to raise the price of Game Pass Ultimate and then offer these particular games in return. Unfortunately for subscribers that are unhappy with the latest games, there will be no new Game Pass games added for the rest of the year.
But while some of the more recent Game Pass additions may be underwhelming, it’s worth pointing out that 2025 has otherwise been an incredible year for Game Pass. Game of the Year winner Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 was a day one Xbox Game Pass game, and Blue Prince, which has the same 92 Metacritic score as Expedition 33, was also available day one on the service. Game Pass Ultimate subscribers were also treated to blockbuster games like Doom: The Dark Ages, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 this year, among many other titles.
Xbox Game Pass Has Big Plans for 2026
So far, there are only five Xbox Game Pass games with confirmed release dates for 2026. Two Xbox Game Pass games are dropping in January, with Metroidvania Mio: Memories in Orbit releasing as a day one game on January 20, and Nova Roma coming to PC on January 22. Menace will be added on February 5, while comedy FPS High on Life 2 is making its debut on February 13. Finally, the long-awaited Replaced will be joining Game Pass on March 12.
But those games are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to new Game Pass games for 2026. While they don’t have specific dates just yet, we do know that Microsoft plans on releasing the Fable reboot, the Halo remake, Forza Horizon 6, and Gears of War: E-Day next year to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of Xbox. We also know that there will be over 75 new day one games added to Ultimate, so subscribers should have plenty to look forward to. Whether the new games justify the price increase is going to be on a case-by-case basis, however.
Budget-minded gamers or those that simply do not want to pay more for Game Pass Ultimate may want to start simply being more selective when they are signed up for it. Just wait until a day one Game Pass game comes around that you really want to play, and then upgrade your tier or sign up. Then cancel when you’ve had your fill. This way, you can still enjoy Game Pass Ultimate’s benefits without taking too much of a hit from the price hike.
