Microsoft has officially raised the prices of its Xbox Game Pass plans globally, but existing subscribers in select countries, including India, won’t feel the impact—at least for now.
Updated Guidelines
Several users on Reddit shared screenshots of emails from Microsoft confirming that the price hike will only apply to new subscriptions at this time. “At this time, these increases will affect only new purchases,” the company reportedly stated. Current members will continue renewing at their existing rates until further notice.
However, users who cancel their plans and resubscribe later will have to pay the new price. Microsoft added that it will issue a 60-day advance notice before implementing any changes for existing accounts.
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Technology publication The Verge verified the authenticity of the communication and reported that countries such as Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India are among those where the old pricing will remain valid temporarily.
Kari Perez, Head of Xbox Communications, confirmed the development, saying, “Our recent Game Pass update remains unchanged. Current subscribers in certain countries will continue renewing at their existing price for now, in line with local requirements. We’ll provide advance notice before price adjustments take effect in these countries.”
Effective Price
The new prices, effective immediately for new users, set Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at $18.47 per month and Xbox Game Pass Essential at $6.63 per month.
While the delay offers brief relief to loyal subscribers in a few regions, the eventual price hike appears inevitable—signaling Microsoft’s continued effort to align its subscription model with rising global costs.
FAQs
1. Has Microsoft increased the price of Xbox Game Pass globally?
Yes, Microsoft has officially raised the prices of its Xbox Game Pass plans globally. However, existing subscribers in select countries, such as India, Germany, and South Korea, are temporarily exempt from the price hike.
2. Who is affected by the Xbox Game Pass price increase?
The new pricing currently applies only to new subscribers. Existing members in certain countries will continue at their current rates until further notice, unless they cancel and resubscribe.
3. When will existing Xbox Game Pass subscribers see the new prices?
Microsoft has stated it will provide a 60-day advance notice before implementing new prices for existing subscribers in regions where the price remains unchanged.
4. What are the new Xbox Game Pass prices?
As of now, the updated monthly prices are:
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: $18.47
- Xbox Game Pass Essential: $6.63
These rates are effective immediately for new users.
5. Will Xbox Game Pass prices go up in India?
Not yet. Microsoft has confirmed that India is among the countries temporarily exempt from the price hike for existing subscribers. However, future changes are likely, with advance notice expected.
6. What happens if I cancel and resubscribe to Xbox Game Pass?
If you cancel your current Xbox Game Pass subscription and resubscribe later, you’ll be required to pay the new, increased price as a new customer.
