When Did the Xbox Game Pass Price Increase Start?

The reported Xbox Game Pass price increase began on October 1, 2025, for new subscribers. The exact date existing subscribers moved to the higher rate has not been verified in the official sources available here. Xbox later lowered some US prices on April 21, 2026, so the October increase is no longer the latest price change.

What changed, and when?

IGN reported on October 1, 2025, that the increase was taking effect that day for new subscriptions. Its report put the US monthly price of Game Pass Ultimate at $29.99, up from $19.99. Because the original Xbox announcement could not be verified here, treat the date and those earlier prices as secondary reporting, not as a confirmed statement from Xbox. IGN’s October 1, 2025 report

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3		$50 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]	$50.00	Buy on Amazon
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5		Xbox Physical Gift Card	$25.00	Buy on Amazon

For existing subscribers, the precise date the higher rate began is not established by the official information cited here. Your account’s renewal date and displayed price are the practical details to check.

Xbox later reduced some US prices

On April 21, 2026, Xbox announced that US Game Pass Ultimate fell from $29.99 to $22.99 per month and PC Game Pass fell from $16.49 to $13.99 per month, effective that day. Xbox notes that prices may vary by region, so these figures should not be assumed to apply outside the US. Xbox’s April 21, 2026 update

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These later reductions do not establish when an individual existing subscriber was moved to the 2025 rate. For the current price applicable to your account, check the plan and billing details while signed in to Microsoft.

How to check your next charge

1. Sign in to your Microsoft account and open Services & subscriptions.
2. Find your Game Pass subscription and review its next billing date and renewal price.
3. If you do not want it to renew at the displayed price, turn off recurring billing or cancel before that billing date. Xbox also describes cancellation through an Xbox console. Xbox Game Pass plans and billing information

Promotional offers may be limited to particular regions or new subscribers. Xbox says subscriptions generally continue at the then-current regular price after a promotional period unless canceled, so check the terms shown for your specific offer.

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Cloud gaming limits are a separate change

Xbox announced a planned monthly cloud gaming allowance beginning in November 2026: 15 hours for Ultimate, 10 for Premium, and 5 for Essential. This is a cloud-service allowance, not an announced subscription price increase. Xbox said more pricing details would follow and estimated the change would affect 4% of Game Pass subscribers. Xbox’s September 3, 2026 cloud gaming announcement

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• GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
• PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
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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.