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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Xbox Live Gold is no longer a subscription you can buy under that name: Xbox says it became Xbox Game Pass Core on September 14, 2023. In the US, Core currently costs $9.99 per month and includes online multiplayer on console, a changing catalog of more than 25 games, and member deals. It may be worth paying for if you regularly play multiplayer games that require a console subscription or will use the catalog; it is a poorer fit if you mostly play alone or do not expect to use those benefits.
What happened to Xbox Live Gold?
Xbox Live Gold is retired branding. Xbox’s legacy Gold page now says, “Xbox Live Gold is now Xbox Game Pass Core.” The change took effect on September 14, 2023; Xbox said existing Gold members would transition automatically, with no price change at the time. You cannot sign up for a separate Gold tier today. Xbox’s legacy Gold page and its 2023 transition announcement explain the change.
What does Game Pass Core include?
For the US offer, Xbox currently lists three main benefits: online console multiplayer, a curated catalog of more than 25 games, and member deals. The listed subscription price is $9.99 per month, with automatic renewal unless canceled. Price, taxes, promotions, and billing terms may differ by country or account, so check the localized Xbox or Microsoft billing page before subscribing. Xbox Game Pass Core
Online console multiplayer
Core is the current Xbox subscription associated with paid online multiplayer on console. Its value on this point depends on the games you play and whether they require a paid console membership for online play; the official offer describes this as online console multiplayer, not PC multiplayer.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
A rotating game catalog
Core includes access to a changing selection rather than a permanent list of owned games. Xbox says catalog access ends if the membership is canceled or expires, and a title may also leave the catalog. The available games can vary over time, by region, plan, and platform; check the current catalog for your market rather than relying on an old list.
Member deals
Xbox also lists member deals. Their practical value depends on the offers available to your account and whether you would otherwise buy the discounted games or content; a discount is not a saving if it prompts a purchase you would not have made.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Is Xbox Live Gold still available?
No—not as a distinct subscription. You may still encounter the Gold name on legacy pages or old retail cards, but Xbox’s present successor is Game Pass Core. In its 2023 launch announcement, Xbox said physical Gold cards would redeem for Core while supplies lasted; that was a transition-era statement, not a current guarantee of availability. Xbox Wire’s launch-era details
What changed from the old Gold offer?
One major change was the game benefit. Games with Gold ended on September 1, 2023, and Core began on September 14, replacing the monthly Games with Gold redemptions with a curated, rotating catalog. The access rules for previously redeemed games differ by console generation:
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
- Xbox One Games with Gold titles: they remain playable only while you have an active Core or Ultimate membership.
- Xbox 360 Games with Gold titles: they remain in your library independently of subscription status.
These legacy rules apply to games already redeemed under the old program; they do not make current catalog games permanent purchases. Xbox’s transition announcement
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Is Xbox Live Gold—now Core—worth it?
There is no universal answer: compare the recurring price in your region with the features you will actually use. The following is a practical decision framework based on Xbox’s listed offer, not a claim that every member will save money.
Rank #4
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Ice Breaker keeps it forever fresh with a mix of iced and frosted blues. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
Core is more likely to suit you if
- You regularly play online multiplayer on an Xbox console in games for which you need a paid console membership.
- You expect to play several games in the included catalog while they are available.
- You will use member deals on purchases you already planned to make.
Core is less likely to suit you if
- You mostly play single-player games, play online infrequently, or your games do not require a paid console multiplayer subscription.
- You would rarely try games from the rotating catalog and do not expect to use member deals.
- You want a much broader selection, access across PC or cloud, or day-one releases. Xbox’s plan comparison describes additional features on higher tiers; compare the current offers against the devices and games you actually use.
Check the renewal before subscribing
The US Core page lists $9.99 per month with automatic renewal unless canceled. Confirm your next charge, term, taxes, and cancellation timing in your localized Microsoft account billing settings; the US listing is not a global price, and the amount alone cannot determine whether the plan is worthwhile for you.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
- TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
- Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
How to decide before you pay
- Check the local price and renewal terms. Use the offer shown for your account and note the billing period, taxes, any promotion, and renewal date.
- List the online games you actually play. Determine whether they require paid online console multiplayer and how often you play them.
- Browse the live Core catalog. Count only titles you intend to play while they are included, not every game in the catalog.
- Compare tiers only if you need their extras. If PC or cloud access, a substantially wider library, or day-one releases matter, compare current plans on Xbox’s plan page.
- Decide whether the recurring charge matches your use. Treat deals as useful only when they lower the cost of purchases you would otherwise make.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
