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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Microsoft opened a PC Game Pass preview in 40 new countries on February 28, 2023. The first stage was for Xbox Insiders on Windows, not a full public launch; Microsoft made the service generally available in those countries on April 11, 2023.
What Microsoft announced
The February 28 announcement was a preview of PC Game Pass, Microsoft’s Windows PC subscription—not a launch of Xbox console Game Pass or cloud gaming in those countries. To take part, eligible players had to use the Xbox Insider Hub on a Windows PC, join the Xbox Insider Program, and enroll in the preview. Microsoft said full availability would follow in the coming months. Microsoft’s announcement describes that initial rollout.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Carbon Black | $49.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Logitech G F310 Wired Gamepad Controller Console - Blue/Black | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller | Shock Blue | $54.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller + USB-C Cable | Carbon Black | $49.00 | Buy on Amazon |
The two-stage timeline matters: the Insider preview began February 28, 2023, and the public launch followed April 11, 2023. The preview was a market test, not a separate permanent subscription tier or a free trial. Microsoft offered a special first-month testing price but did not announce one universal price for all 40 countries; local pricing and currency varied.
The 40 countries in the expansion
Microsoft’s official list named these countries:
- Albania
- Algeria
- Bahrain
- Bolivia
- Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Bulgaria
- Costa Rica
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- El Salvador
- Estonia
- Georgia
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Iceland
- Kuwait
- Latvia
- Libya
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Moldova
- Montenegro
- Morocco
- Nicaragua
- North Macedonia
- Oman
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Qatar
- Romania
- Serbia
- Slovenia
- Tunisia
- Ukraine
- Uruguay
The list appeared in the preview announcement and was repeated when Microsoft confirmed the public launch.
#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.
What the preview included
Microsoft described access to a library of hundreds of PC games, Xbox Game Studios releases on day one under the terms then in effect, Bethesda titles, an EA Play membership, and selected benefits in Riot Games titles such as League of Legends and Valorant. These were Microsoft’s descriptions of the service and benefits, not a guarantee that every game or perk would be available in every region or remain in the catalog.
The April 2023 launch announcement highlighted games including Forza Horizon 5, Sea of Thieves, Grounded, Age of Empires IV, and FIFA 22. It also cited then-upcoming releases such as Minecraft Legends, Redfall, and Starfield. Those examples describe the 2023 announcement and should not be read as a current catalog listing. Microsoft’s full-launch post provides the historical examples.
Rank #2
- With broad game support, the Logitech Gamepad F310 works with old standbys to today's biggest titles, so it's easy to set up and use with your favorite games.
- Profiler software allows the gamepad to be programmed to perform keyboard and mouse commands for games without gamepad support.* * Requires software installation.
- A familiar control layout that doesn't require a learning curve to be able to use, with all the same buttons as on an Xbox 360.
- The unique floating D-pad rests on four switches-instead of a single pivot point-making it responsive to quick changes in direction.
- The six-foot cord lets you lean back and play a comfortable distance from your PC monitor.
How the preview worked—and what changed at launch
During the preview, the enrollment sequence was:
- Download the Xbox Insider Hub app on a Windows PC.
- Join the Xbox Insider Program.
- Enroll in the PC Game Pass preview through the Insider process.
- Purchase the preview subscription at the locally offered testing price.
- Use the Xbox app on PC to browse and install supported games.
That was the temporary preview route, not the ordinary sign-up process today. On April 11, 2023, Microsoft said PC Game Pass was fully available to players in all 40 countries. It also promised people who participated in the preview two free months, to be added directly to their accounts in the following days. The reward was for preview participants, not a standing offer for new subscribers.
What PC Game Pass means for players now
PC Game Pass is a subscription for Windows PC players. Microsoft’s current PC Game Pass page directs users to the Xbox PC app to browse, filter, and install games, see recommendations, and connect with friends. For the current app, Microsoft lists Windows 10 or Windows 11 version 22H2 or higher as a requirement. The app’s listed storage and display requirements do not establish that a particular game will run: each title has its own hardware requirements, and some games may require a recent Windows update.
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.
The catalog changes over time, and availability can vary by region, plan, and platform. Some games may leave the service, and some titles or publisher benefits can involve separate accounts, launchers, or terms. A subscription provides access while it is active and the title remains included; it is not the same as permanently owning every game.
Microsoft says recurring billing is enabled by default. Promotional offers can depend on region and account eligibility, and after an offer ends the subscription renews at the then-current price plus applicable taxes unless canceled. Check the local checkout terms before subscribing; the 2023 preview’s special price does not establish today’s price or offer.
Rank #4
- XBOX WIRELESS CONTROLLER + USB-C CABLE — Includes the XBOX Wireless Controller in Carbon Black and a 9' USB-C cable. Play wirelessly or plug in for a wired gaming experience, right out of the box.*
- WIRED OR WIRELESS, YOUR CALL — Connect the included 9' USB-C cable for zero-setup wired play on console and PC. Go wireless when you want the freedom to play from the couch, the desk, or anywhere in between.
- PC READY. NO EXTRAS NEEDED — Plug the USB-C cable into your Windows PC and you're playing instantly. No adapters, no Bluetooth pairing, no additional purchases required. Works across the XBOX app, Steam, and more.*
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience sculpted surfaces and refined geometry designed around how you actually hold a controller. Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of wireless battery life on standard AA batteries. When the batteries run low, plug in the included cable and keep playing without missing a beat.*
Checking availability and deciding whether to subscribe
The April 2023 announcement establishes that Microsoft publicly launched PC Game Pass in all 40 named countries at that time. For present-day regional availability, payment options, offers, and catalog details, use Microsoft’s regions page and the live PC Game Pass page, rather than assuming a 2023 announcement guarantees current local terms.
The subscription is most useful if you play on Windows and want to try a changing range of games, particularly releases included on day one under Microsoft’s applicable terms. It may be a poor fit if you play only on console or mobile, want permanent ownership of a small number of games, or face tight data, download, or storage limits. Check the requirements for the specific game you want before upgrading a PC: the app’s minimum requirements are not a promise that every catalog game will run on that system.
Recommended Free Tools
For a current PC setup, Microsoft provides the Xbox PC app download. Availability, catalog contents, and subscription terms can change, so confirm them for your country and account before purchase.
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.
