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A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Microsoft’s 2025 Game Pass Ultimate price increase was delayed for some existing subscribers in certain countries, but the delay was described as applying “for now”—not as a permanent price guarantee. Reports said it covered eligible subscribers with auto-renewal on, while new purchases and cancellations followed by resubscription could be charged the new price. As of October 4, 2026, available sources do not establish whether that delay still applies in each reported country or what local renewal prices are now.
What Microsoft said about the 2025 delay
In October 2025, GamesRadar+ reported that Microsoft told some existing subscribers on auto-recurring plans their current subscription would keep its existing market price “for now.” The statement attributed to Microsoft said: “Current subscribers in certain countries will continue renewing at their existing price for now, in line with local requirements.” GamesRadar+ reported the statement and subscriber email on October 7, 2025.
The email wording reproduced in that report said the increase would affect new purchases, not a current subscription in the subscriber’s market, provided auto-recurring billing remained on. Microsoft also said it would give advance notice before price adjustments took effect in the affected countries. “For now” matters: the statement did not promise that the old rate would last indefinitely.
Which countries were reported as included?
Tom’s Guide reported that subscribers in Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland and India had reported receiving emails about the delay. It also reported that Microsoft confirmed the United States and United Kingdom were not included. Tom’s Guide published that list on October 9, 2025.
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These are the countries named in contemporaneous reporting and subscriber reports, not an exhaustive official country list published in the sources reviewed here. Microsoft’s reference to local requirements does not, by itself, establish which specific law or rule applied in each country.
What the delay meant for different subscribers
| Subscriber situation | What 2025 reporting said |
|---|---|
| Existing subscriber with auto-renewal on in a reported eligible market | The existing subscription would continue renewing at its existing price “for now,” according to Microsoft’s reported statement. |
| New purchase | The reported email said the increase applied to new purchases at that time. |
| Subscriber cancels and later rejoins | The reported email warned that cancelling and repurchasing would mean paying the current new price. |
| Subscriber in the United States or United Kingdom | Tom’s Guide reported those markets were excluded from the 2025 delay. |
This describes the reported 2025 terms, not a verified current eligibility rule. The reviewed sources do not confirm whether keeping auto-renewal on still preserves a particular rate today.
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What is the U.S. Game Pass Ultimate price now?
Microsoft announced on April 21, 2026 that the U.S. Game Pass Ultimate monthly price would drop from $29.99 to $22.99, effective immediately that day. Microsoft also cautioned that prices may vary by region. Xbox Wire’s April 21, 2026 update establishes that U.S. change, but it does not provide current prices for every other market or settle the status of the 2025 delay abroad.
How to check your next Xbox subscription charge
- Go to the Microsoft account Services & subscriptions page and sign in with the account that has Game Pass.
- Open the subscription details and review the next billing date and renewal amount shown for your account. Check any Microsoft email or account notice about a price change in your market as well.
- Use the subscription controls there to change the payment method, switch plans or turn recurring billing off if that is what you want. Microsoft’s subscription payment and options guidance explains those account-management choices.
For prepaid subscriptions, Microsoft says a code can be redeemed after the existing subscription expires. That guidance does not establish that a prepaid code bypasses market-specific pricing or terms.
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- GAME PASS ULTIMATE: Play new games on day one, and enjoy hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and cloud. Game Pass Ultimate also includes online console multiplayer, EA Play, and other great member benefits.
- SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: From fast-paced action and adventure to timeless classics, family-friendly games, innovative indie titles, brain-teasing puzzles, immersive roleplaying adventures, and intense shooters. Dive into a world where every gamer can find their next favorite game.
- NEW GAMES ON DAY ONE: Enjoy incredible new games on day one from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, Activision Blizzard, and more. Play The Outer Worlds 2, NINJA GAIDEN 4, and High on Life 2 as soon as they are released.
- ONLINE CONSOLE MULTIPLAYER: Tap into the heart of the Xbox community and join millions of players ready to play together. Online console multiplayer is included with Game Pass Ultimate.
- EA PLAY MEMBERSHIP INCLUDED: Jump into Battlefield, STAR WARS, and other great game franchises with EA Play. Included at no extra cost, members get access to a collection of EA’s best-loved games, in-game rewards, and trials of select new games.
What remains unconfirmed in October 2026
The official April 2026 U.S. price update says regional prices vary; it does not give a market-by-market renewal schedule. The reports covering the 2025 delay likewise do not establish whether it remains in effect for subscribers in Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland or India as of October 4, 2026, or what those subscribers currently pay. For a decision about your own subscription, the renewal amount displayed in your Microsoft account and any current notice for your market are the relevant details.
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- PLAY TOGETHER ONLINE — Connect with friends and communities with online console multiplayer included with XBOX Game Pass Essential.
- STREAM WITH XBOX CLOUD GAMING — Enjoy up to 5 hours of cloud playtime per month and stream supported games to compatible devices with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
- EARN REWARDS WHILE YOU PLAY — Earn Rewards points by playing games, completing eligible activities, and shopping in the Store with your XBOX Game Pass membership.
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