Microsoft is raising the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and reshaping its subscription lineup as it looks to keep the service sustainable amid rising game development costs. Starting in September 2024, the monthly price of Game Pass Ultimate will increase from $16.99 to $19.99.

At the same time, Microsoft is introducing a new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier priced at $14.99 per month. Unlike Ultimate, the Standard plan will not include day-one access to new first-party releases, making it a lower-cost option for players who do not need immediate access to the latest titles.

The company said the changes are intended to support the long-term growth of Game Pass as production budgets and operating costs continue to climb across the gaming industry. The updated pricing structure gives Microsoft a broader range of subscription options while preserving its premium offering for users who want the full set of benefits.

Current subscribers will not see the new pricing immediately. Microsoft said customers can keep their existing rate until their next billing cycle, giving them a short window before the changes take effect. The move marks one of the service’s most significant adjustments since its launch and reflects the increasing pressure on subscription gaming models to balance value for players with financial sustainability for publishers.

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Microsoft Raises Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price, Adds New Standard Tier