- Microsoft is rumored to merge two Xbox Game Pass tiers
- PC Game Pass could be combined with Xbox Game Pass Premium
- Some users may end up paying more for the same features
A worrying rumor is circulating that Microsoft is considering combining the Xbox Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass subscription tiers, which could potentially result in some users paying more each month.
According to The Verge and Windows Central, Microsoft could “potentially” merge the two plans, although nothing is official yet. It also appears that it is looking at ways to bundle more third-party services with these subscriptions, which would be beneficial.
It’s by no means certain that price increases will happen, and the timeline for that isn’t clear – the word is that nothing major will happen in 2026 – but as it stands, PC Game Pass offers subscribers more for less, compared to other plans.
This would certainly be an opportunity for Microsoft to simplify the various Xbox subscription options across consoles, PC, and the cloud, although existing subscribers are understandably concerned about the future, especially in light of recent price hikes.
Prices and benefits
Microsoft plans to merge Xbox Game Pass with PC Game Pass from r/pcgaming
Right now, the PC Game Pass plan will cost you $16.49 / £13.49 / AU$19.45 and will give you access to the full Xbox PC library, as well as day one releases. The potential merger concerns Xbox Game Pass Premium, which costs $14.99 / £10.99 / AU$17.95 per month.
But importantly, Premium doesn’t include the full library of PC titles, nor day one access. That means PC gamers may have to fork out for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which now costs $29.99 / £22.99 / AU$35.95 after a price hike last year.
It’s speculative at this point, and perhaps the merged plan will include all the benefits of PC for the same price – but given the usual trend of subscription services, including Microsoft’s, existing users aren’t optimistic about what the future holds.
Posts on Reddit predict that Microsoft will remove PC Game Pass and push PC gamers to Ultimate for day one access and other benefits. Several articles mention an “imminent price hike,” while one thanks Microsoft for “reminding me to cancel.”
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