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In the United States, Xbox Game Pass costs $9.99 to $22.99 per month, depending on the plan. Essential is the cheapest console tier, Premium adds a much larger catalog and cloud gaming, Ultimate is the full day-one and multi-device package, and PC Game Pass is the focused option for computer players.
Xbox Game Pass prices at a glance
| Plan | US price | Included catalog | New Xbox-published games | Cloud gaming | Online console multiplayer | Notable extras |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential | $9.99/month | 50+ games | Not day one | Not listed | Yes | In-game benefits and Rewards |
| Premium | $14.99/month | 200+ games | Within 12 months of launch, according to Microsoft | Yes | Yes | Benefits and cloud play |
| Ultimate | $22.99/month | 500+ games | Day one | Best listed quality and shortest waits | Yes | EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics and enhanced Rewards |
| PC Game Pass | $13.99/month | 300+ PC games | Day one on PC | Not listed | Not applicable to console multiplayer | EA Play |
Microsoft says game titles, counts, features and availability vary over time, by region, plan and platform. The figures above are the US listings checked on October 2, 2026, not permanent guarantees.
| # | 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 |
What each Game Pass plan includes
Essential: the lowest-cost console tier
Essential costs $9.99 per month and is aimed at console players who primarily need online multiplayer and a relatively small included library. Microsoft lists more than 50 games, in-game benefits and Rewards with the plan. It does not include day-one releases.
Microsoft’s store page also showed a 14-day introductory price of $1 for eligible subscribers. That is a promotion rather than the regular rate, and it may not appear for every account or region.
#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.
Premium: more games and cloud access for less than Ultimate
Premium costs $14.99 per month and includes more than 200 games, cloud gaming, online console multiplayer and in-game benefits. Microsoft says new Xbox-published games arrive in Premium within 12 months of launch rather than on release day.
This tier suits players who want to play across supported devices and use cloud streaming but do not need every Xbox-published game immediately. A first-14-days-for-$1 offer was displayed for eligible subscribers on Microsoft’s pages; check the checkout screen because promotional eligibility can change.
Ultimate: the complete multi-device package
Ultimate costs $22.99 per month and is the only listed tier combining the largest catalog, day-one releases, the highest-listed cloud-gaming quality with the shortest waits, and all of the partner memberships described by Microsoft.
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.
The plan includes more than 500 games, online console multiplayer, EA Play, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics and enhanced Rewards. It is the strongest fit for households using both console and PC, players who follow Xbox releases at launch, and anyone who expects to use cloud gaming heavily.
PC Game Pass: the focused PC value
PC Game Pass costs $13.99 per month. It includes more than 300 PC games, day-one PC releases and EA Play. It costs $9 less per month than Ultimate, but it is not the all-device package: the listed benefits are centered on PC, and the plan does not provide the console multiplayer and broader console benefits described for the console tiers.
Which Game Pass plan is worth it?
Choose Essential if you mainly play on Xbox console
- You want online console multiplayer at the lowest regular monthly price.
- A 50-plus-game catalog is enough for your household.
- You can buy new releases separately instead of playing them on day one through Game Pass.
Choose Premium if you can wait for first-party games
- You want a 200-plus-game catalog and cloud gaming.
- You play on more than one supported device.
- Receiving Xbox-published games within 12 months is acceptable.
Choose Ultimate if you want everything at launch
- Day-one releases matter to you.
- You want the largest listed catalog and the best listed cloud experience.
- You will use EA Play, Fortnite Crew or Ubisoft+ Classics enough to justify the higher monthly fee.
- You play across console, PC and other supported cloud devices.
Choose PC Game Pass if you are a PC-only player
- You want day-one PC games for $13.99 per month.
- EA Play is useful to you.
- You do not need console multiplayer or the console-focused benefits bundled into Ultimate.
Does Game Pass include online multiplayer?
Yes. Essential, Premium and Ultimate list online console multiplayer. PC Game Pass is a PC subscription and is not a console multiplayer plan. Multiplayer requirements can still vary by the game and platform, so check a specific title’s listing if you are setting up cross-platform play.
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.
Does Game Pass include cloud gaming?
Premium and Ultimate list cloud gaming. Ultimate provides the best cloud quality and shortest waits among the listed plans. Microsoft’s plan pages do not state a universal monthly cloud-play allowance in this price snapshot, and cloud availability depends on region, device, platform and plan.
Supported access can include console, PC, handheld, mobile, TV, browser and headset environments where Xbox makes the relevant service available. The exact catalog and features can differ between those devices, so a game appearing in a plan does not guarantee that it is streamable everywhere.
How day-one releases work
Ultimate and PC Game Pass include day-one releases in their listed focus areas: Ultimate for the broad Xbox package and PC Game Pass for PC games. Premium does not promise day-one access; Microsoft says Xbox-published games join that plan within 12 months of launch. Essential has no day-one-release benefit listed.
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.*
“Day one” applies to games Microsoft designates for the service. It does not mean every new game from every publisher enters Game Pass on release day.
What happens after the introductory offer?
The $1 offers shown for Essential and Premium apply only to eligible subscribers for the stated first 14 days. After that period, the subscription moves to the regular monthly price unless the offer’s terms say otherwise. Promotions can be unavailable in some regions or for accounts that have used a previous trial.
Microsoft states: “Subscription continues automatically unless cancelled through your Microsoft Account.” Review the renewal price and cancel through the account settings before the next billing date if you do not want another month.
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This comparison uses US dollar pricing checked on October 2, 2026. Taxes, local currency, introductory offers, catalog composition, supported devices and cloud limits can differ elsewhere. Use the Microsoft store page for your account’s country before treating any price or promotion as available to you.
The practical verdict
Essential is the budget console choice; Premium is the middle ground for a larger library and cloud play when you can wait for first-party games; Ultimate is worth its premium when you value day-one launches, the broadest catalog, top-tier cloud access and bundled partner services; and PC Game Pass is the clearest value for PC-only players seeking day-one games and EA Play.
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.
