Probably not automatically—but keeping Game Pass Ultimate year-round is no longer the obvious choice for every subscriber. In the United States, Microsoft cut Ultimate from $29.99 to $22.99 per month and PC Game Pass from $16.49 to $13.99 on April 21, 2026. The important catch is that future Call of Duty games are no longer promised as day-one releases in Ultimate or PC Game Pass; Microsoft says they are expected to join around the following holiday season, roughly a year after launch. Existing Call of Duty games already in the library remain available.
For many players, the best answer is to downgrade to Premium, switch to Essential or PC Game Pass, or turn off recurring billing and subscribe only during months when the catalog justifies the cost.
Xbox Game Pass prices in the U.S.
These are the regular U.S. monthly prices reflected in Microsoft’s 2026 plan information. Taxes, promotions, regional pricing, prepaid time, and billing terms can change the amount actually charged.
| Plan | Monthly price | What it is mainly for |
|---|---|---|
| Game Pass Essential | $9.99 | 50-plus games, online console multiplayer, cloud gaming, in-game benefits, and Rewards |
| Game Pass Premium | $14.99 | 200-plus games, multiplayer, cloud gaming, and Xbox-published games within one year |
| PC Game Pass | $13.99 | 300-plus PC games, day-one releases other than future Call of Duty launches, and EA Play |
| Game Pass Ultimate | $22.99 | 500-plus games, day-one releases subject to exclusions, EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, premium cloud gaming, multiplayer, and enhanced Rewards |
Microsoft’s April 21 announcement details the price reductions and revised Call of Duty policy, while the current Ultimate listing describes the plan’s catalog and benefits. Read Microsoft’s price and policy update and check the current Ultimate listing.
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What those prices cost over a year
- Essential: $119.88 before tax
- Premium: $179.88 before tax
- PC Game Pass: $167.88 before tax
- Ultimate: $275.88 before tax
Ultimate costs $8 more per month than Premium, $9 more than PC Game Pass, and $13 more than Essential. The question is whether you will actually use the benefits behind that difference.
What changed in 2025 and 2026?
October 2025: the major restructuring
The 2025 change raised Ultimate to $29.99 per month and PC Game Pass to $16.49, while Microsoft introduced or renamed the lower tiers. That is the price hike many older articles are discussing.
April 21, 2026: a partial correction
Microsoft reduced Ultimate to $22.99 and PC Game Pass to $13.99. However, this was not a complete restoration of the old value proposition. Future Call of Duty games are excluded from the day-one promise in Ultimate and PC Game Pass and are expected to arrive around the following holiday season instead.
That distinction matters. It is inaccurate to say that Call of Duty has disappeared from Game Pass: existing titles remain available, and the change concerns future releases and their launch timing. It is also inaccurate to say that every major Xbox release automatically launches in Game Pass. The promise applies to covered games and is subject to plan, platform, region, and title availability.
What each plan actually offers
Game Pass Essential: the multiplayer-first option
Essential costs $9.99 per month and includes a 50-plus-game catalog, online console multiplayer, cloud gaming, in-game benefits, and Rewards. It is the sensible choice for a console owner who mainly needs multiplayer and only occasionally samples the included library.
Free-to-play games generally do not require a paid Xbox subscription for online multiplayer, although rules can vary by title. Do not pay for Essential solely to play a free-to-play game such as Fortnite online unless you also want its other benefits.
Essential is a poor fit for someone subscribing mainly for day-one releases. It also has a smaller catalog and lower cloud priority than the more expensive plans.
Game Pass Premium: the strongest downgrade path
Premium costs $14.99 per month and includes more than 200 games, online console multiplayer, cloud gaming, in-game benefits, and Xbox-published games within one year of launch according to Microsoft’s plan description.
“Within one year” should not be read as a guaranteed exact 12-month date for every game. Availability can vary by title and region. Still, Premium preserves the broad library and core console features while avoiding Ultimate’s $8 monthly premium.
Rank #2
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Xbox Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FP.
- HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
Premium is usually the best compromise for players who want a substantial catalog, play older games, use cloud gaming occasionally, and can wait for Xbox-published releases. It does not include the listed Ultimate package of EA Play, Fortnite Crew, or Ubisoft+ Classics, and its cloud priority is lower.
PC Game Pass: for Windows-only players
PC Game Pass costs $13.99 per month and includes more than 300 PC games, EA Play, in-game benefits, and day-one games subject to exclusions—including future Call of Duty launches under the revised policy.
If you play only on Windows PC, PC Game Pass is difficult to justify replacing with Ultimate unless you need console access, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, or Ultimate’s cloud features. Microsoft’s PC page specifies Windows 10 or Windows 11 version 22H2 or higher, and the Xbox PC app is the primary access point. Individual games have their own hardware and operating-system requirements.
Some PC games require third-party launchers. That can add account and installation friction, and certain Rewards activities exclude PC games that require third-party launchers or Battle.net.
Game Pass Ultimate: the broadest package
Ultimate costs $22.99 per month and includes more than 500 games, day-one games with Call of Duty excluded from that promise, EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, online console multiplayer, in-game benefits, premium cloud gaming, and the highest listed Rewards multiplier.
It remains the right plan for heavy users who play across Xbox and PC, stream games regularly, use several bundled services, or play enough new releases that buying them separately would cost more than $22.99 in a typical month.
It is a weak fit for a player who uses one or two games, plays only free-to-play titles, buys Call of Duty annually and mainly wants that game at launch, or never uses cloud gaming and the included services.
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The current plans emphasize several benefits that became more prominent during the restructuring, but not all of them are brand-new in 2026. Think of them as continuing plan features whose value differs by tier:
- Catalog size: Microsoft advertises 50-plus, 200-plus, 300-plus, and 500-plus games by plan. The catalog changes over time.
- Day-one games: Ultimate and PC Game Pass include covered day-one releases, but future Call of Duty titles are excluded.
- Cloud gaming: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate can stream hundreds of games, with plan-dependent differences in priority and quality.
- EA Play: Included with PC Game Pass and Ultimate.
- Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics: Listed with Ultimate.
- In-game benefits: Available according to plan and title. They are not permanent ownership of the underlying content.
- Rewards: Plan multipliers increase at higher tiers, but the practical value depends on your activity, market, and redemption options.
Microsoft says catalog numbers, features, games, platforms, and availability vary by region, plan, time, and platform. Check the live catalog before subscribing.
Rank #3
- Access your favorite entertainment through apps like YouTube, Netflix, and more
- Enjoy over 100 games right out of the box with a 1 month Xbox Game Pass trial
- Watch 4K Blu-ray movies and stream 4K video on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Microsoft Movies & TV, and more
- Play with friends and family near and farsitting together on the sofa or around the world on Xbox Live, the fastest, most reliable gaming network
- Xbox One games and accessories work together
How much value does cloud gaming add?
Cloud gaming can make Ultimate substantially more useful if you play on supported devices and have a reliable connection. Xbox says subscribers on Essential, Premium, or Ultimate can stream hundreds of games, while select games that users own or buy can also be streamed on eligible devices. Free-to-play games such as Fortnite can be streamed with a free Microsoft account.
Supported devices and access can include Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, TVs, phones, tablets, VR headsets, and browsers, subject to game, device, region, and account support. Review Xbox’s current cloud-gaming requirements.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesCloud access is not ownership. A game must be cloud-enabled, and network speed, latency, data caps, device support, region, and service demand all affect the experience. Ultimate’s higher cloud tier does not remove those local constraints. If streaming is consistently frustrating in your home, do not assign much value to the cloud portion of the subscription.
Who should keep Ultimate?
- Keep it if you are a heavy multi-platform player. Console, PC, and cloud access can prevent you from paying for separate libraries or releases.
- Keep it if you use several bundled services. EA Play, Fortnite Crew, and Ubisoft+ Classics matter only if you would otherwise use them. Do not count their full theoretical value if you never open them.
- Keep it if you play several covered releases each year. Day-one access can justify the monthly price, excluding future Call of Duty launches.
- Keep it if cloud gaming is central to how you play. The higher cloud tier and shorter waits may matter more than catalog size.
- Think twice if Call of Duty is your main reason. A future Call of Duty launch is no longer an Ultimate or PC Game Pass day-one benefit. Existing included Call of Duty titles are a separate question.
When downgrading is smarter than canceling
Choose Premium if you can wait
Premium preserves a large catalog, online console multiplayer, and cloud gaming for $14.99. Choose it when your priority is breadth rather than launch-day access, and when EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and Ultimate’s best cloud priority are not important.
Choose Essential if multiplayer is the real need
If you mostly play purchased games and need online multiplayer on console, Essential may cover the requirement at $9.99. Its 50-plus-game catalog is a bonus rather than the main reason to subscribe.
Choose PC Game Pass for a Windows-only setup
At $13.99, PC Game Pass retains day-one access to covered releases and EA Play without charging for console-specific benefits you will not use. Future Call of Duty launches remain excluded from the day-one promise.
When canceling makes sense
Cancel—or at least stop renewal—when:
- You have not played an included game recently.
- You subscribe for anticipated releases but rarely start them.
- You mainly play free-to-play games.
- You prefer owning a small number of games outright.
- You subscribe all year but only need Game Pass during major release months.
- The catalog is creating a backlog rather than saving money.
- You do not use cloud gaming, EA Play, Fortnite Crew, or Ubisoft+ Classics.
A seasonal strategy can be cheaper than permanent membership: subscribe for a major release, turn off renewal immediately, finish the game, buy a favorite before it leaves if the member discount is useful, and rejoin when the catalog earns another month.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How to stop recurring billing safely
You do not necessarily need to end access immediately. Turning off recurring billing normally prevents the next renewal while allowing access to continue through the paid period, subject to the terms shown on your account.
- Sign in to the Microsoft account linked to Game Pass.
- Open Microsoft Services and subscriptions.
- Locate your Xbox Game Pass subscription.
- Select the displayed management, cancellation, or recurring-billing option.
- Choose whether to turn off renewal or cancel, then read the effective date carefully.
- Save the confirmation email or take a screenshot.
Microsoft also says recurring billing can be controlled from an Xbox console. Labels and available choices can differ for prepaid time, promotional subscriptions, bundled codes, and third-party purchases, so use the account page’s displayed terms rather than assuming immediate termination.
Rank #4
- What's in the box: Xbox Series S 512GB console, 1 Wireless Controller, High Speed HDMI cable.
- CPU: 8X Cores @ 3.6 GHz (3.4 GHz w/SMT) Custom Zen 2 CPU; GPU: 4 TFLOPS, 20 CUs @1.565 GHz Custom RDNA 2 GPU; SOC Die Size: 197.05 mm2.
- Memory: 10GB GDDR6 128 bit-wide bus; Memory Bandwidth: 8GB @ 224 GB/s, 2GB @ 56 GB/s.; Internal Storage: 512GB Custom NVME SSD
- Gaming Resolution: 1440p; Performance Target: Up to 120 FPS; HDMI Features: Auto Low Latency Mode, HDMI Variable Refresh Rate, AMD FreeSync.
If you were charged because recurring billing was not disabled, Microsoft says you may be eligible for a refund of the most recent recurring charge if you cancel within 30 days after payment. This is an eligibility rule, not a guaranteed refund, and the stated right is limited to once per Microsoft account per subscription product. Review Microsoft’s subscription controls.
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What you keep—and what you lose—after cancellation
| Item | After Game Pass access ends |
|---|---|
| Games purchased outright | You continue to own and play them. |
| Games included through Game Pass | They generally stop launching unless you buy them or resubscribe, or unless another entitlement applies. |
| Cloud saves and progression | Do not confuse saved data with the subscription license. Ending Game Pass removes access to included games; it should not be treated as automatic deletion of your account’s saves. |
| Online multiplayer for paid games | Requires an eligible plan. |
| Free-to-play multiplayer | Follows separate Xbox rules and generally does not require a paid subscription. |
| Cloud gaming | Subscription-based access ends unless the game and account qualify through another route, such as supported streaming of an owned title. |
| In-game benefits | Microsoft says these are removed when you unsubscribe or change to Essential or Premium. |
| Member discounts | Available only while the applicable subscription is active. Buy a departing favorite before access ends if the discount matters. |
| Rewards multipliers | The plan-specific multiplier no longer applies after the plan changes or ends. |
For current discounts and catalog limitations, consult the official Game Pass deals page and the live catalog rather than relying on a static game list.
The simplest decision rule
Ask what you will use this month. If you will play enough included games, use enough bundled services, or rely enough on cloud gaming to justify $22.99, keep Ultimate. If you want the library but can wait, choose Premium. If multiplayer is the main requirement, choose Essential. If you play only on Windows PC, choose PC Game Pass. If none of those benefits will be used, turn off renewal or cancel and spend the money on games you actually want to own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Game Pass Ultimate still include Call of Duty day one?
Not for future Call of Duty releases under Microsoft’s revised policy. Existing Call of Duty games already in the library remain available, and future releases are expected around the following holiday season rather than at launch.
Will I lose my saves if I cancel Game Pass?
Ending the subscription removes the entitlement to play included games; it should not be described as automatic deletion of your account’s saves. You may need to buy the game or resubscribe to continue playing.
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Should I cancel immediately or turn off recurring billing?
If you want to use the service through the paid period, turn off recurring billing and confirm the effective date. Immediate cancellation and refund options depend on the terms displayed for your account.
Is Premium better than Ultimate for casual players?
Often. Premium costs $14.99 and retains a 200-plus-game catalog, multiplayer, and cloud gaming, but sacrifices day-one access and Ultimate’s listed EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and higher cloud priority.
The Bottom Line
Bottom line: Ultimate is cheaper than it was after the 2025 increase, but it now comes with a narrower Call of Duty launch promise. Keep it for heavy, multi-device users who actively use its bundled benefits. Otherwise, Premium, Essential, PC Game Pass, or a seasonal subscription is likely the better value.
Quick Recap
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.
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