Ever since Microsoft announced a price hike in Xbox Game Pass prices, gamers across the globe have been speaking against the same. There are ample discussion threads on Reddit about the development and many users said that they have cancelled their subscription after Microsoft’s move. But the price increase might not affect all users after all. Read on to know if you will have to pay the high price or not.
Also read: GTA VI pre-order available soon? Fans predict after updates to game’s PlayStation Store page
The tech giant has recently announced a temporary delay in the planned price increases for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for existing subscribers in certain countries. For the unversed, the company unveiled significant changes to its subscription tiers on October 1, 2025, which included a 50% price hike for the Ultimate plan in the U.S., raising it to $29.99 per month
The affected regions where existing subscribers will continue to pay the current rates, provided they maintain auto-renewal, include Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India. However, new subscribers in these markets will be subject to the new pricing immediately. Microsoft has also said that any future price adjustments will be communicated with at least 60 days’ notice to comply with local regulations.
The restructuring of Xbox Game Pass introduced three new tiers: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. While the Essential tier remains at $9.99 per month, Premium saw a 25% increase to $14.99, and Ultimate’s price jumped by 50% to $29.99.
In India, the Ultimate pass costs Rs. 1,389 per month, which is a 67.5 percent increase over its previous price of Rs. 829. Meanwhile, the Game Pass Premium now costs Rs. 699 a month. Earlier, it was priced at Rs. 619. Lastly, the Game Pass Essential price rose to Rs 499 from Rs 349.
Subscribers in the U.S. and U.K. are already experiencing the new pricing, as the delay does not apply to these regions. Microsoft has clarified that the price hikes will only affect new purchases and not current subscriptions for existing users who remain on auto-renewal plans. However, if users cancel and resubscribe, they will be billed at the new rates.
As Microsoft navigates these pricing changes, existing subscribers in the affected countries can continue enjoying their current rates for the time being, while new users will need to consider the updated pricing structure when subscribing to Xbox Game Pass.
Also read: Didn’t get Battlefield 6? Here are 5 free FPS games you can play right now