Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from Microsoft — what is it, how must does it cost and how can you get for less? Lets find out more…
Update23/04/2024, 17:24
Gaming subscriptions are popping up like TV or music streaming services. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is just one of them, and arguably one of the best.
If you are an Xbox console owner, or a PC gamer, then Game Pass should be on your list of purchases, if it isn’t already. It essentially gives you access to a library of hundreds of games for a set monthly fee.
You can sign up for a plan on the official Xbox website.
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is a game subscription service from Microsoft that gives you access to a library of hundreds of games. You can play these games on your Xbox console, PC, or mobile device via Cloud Gaming.
Plus, Game Pass is a great way to play without having to actually buy the games either physically or digitally, meaning it’s also a great way to save money.
The games available to play change all the time, with new ones added each month, as well as titles being removed. Some of the big name games or franchises stay on for a long time, to give you more of a chance to play them.
The Xbox Game Pass subscription service has a library of games for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and even the original Xbox console. The latter two are available through backward compatibility. This means that there are plenty of top titles to choose from, regardless of which console you own.
If you don’t enjoy the games on there, simply cancel your subscription to Game Pass and buy the games you want instead!
How much does Game Pass cost?
In the UK, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate costs £12.99 per month, which includes Game Pass for Console, Game Pass for PC, and Game Pass Core — there are more than 500 games on Ultimate.
Game Pass for Console alone is £8.99 per month and gives you access to over 300 games to play on your Xbox console. The same goes for Game Pass for PC, but you can play on your laptop or desktop for £7.99 per month.
Game Pass Core gives you access to online multiplayer gaming, for £6.99 per month, and it also includes more than 25 games on a roster — but it must be said, these are often older or less attractive games.
It also gives you access to EA Play at no extra cost, so if you like sports games, or other Electronic Arts games (the Star Wars Jedi series, for example) then you will be able to play them for free too.
It could, potentially, include all of Activision Blizzard’s massive back catalogue of titles, including old and new Call of Duty games.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It’s a great way to try new games without having to buy them
- You can save money on games by subscribing to Game Pass
- You can play games on multiple devices, including your Xbox console, PC, and mobile devices
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes Game Pass Core, which gives you access to online multiplayer gaming
- Xbox Game Pass is constantly being updated with new games
- Xbox Game Pass is great value for the price
Cons
- You don’t own the games that you play through Game Pass
- If you cancel your subscription, you will no longer be able to play the games that you have been playing
- It is one of the more expensive gaming subscriptions
- The library of games might not feature the games you want to play
Can you get Game Pass for less?
Yes, but much like the ways of getting PS Plus for cheaper, it comes with some caveats.
Here are a few ways you can save on Xbox Game Pass subscriptions in the UK:
Buy prepaid subscriptions: Several retailers like CDKeys (a reputable third-party retailer selling game codes) often offer prepaid subscription codes for Xbox Game Pass, especially for the longer durations (e.g. three or 12 months). These can be significantly cheaper than the monthly price.
Convert Xbox Live Gold: If you have an existing Xbox Live Gold subscription (or have bought one from a seller with stock), you can convert the time to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at a discounted rate. Any remaining Gold time gets converted to Ultimate at a much better ratio (3 months of Gold will get you 2 months of Ultimate). It used to be 1:1, but Microsoft decided that was too much!
Look for free trials/introductory offers: Microsoft sometimes offers free trials or introductory offers for Xbox Game Pass at a heavily discounted rate (e.g., £1 for the first 14 days). Keep an eye on the official Xbox website or gaming news sites for these promotions.
Target member deals and discounts: As an Xbox Game Pass member, you get access to exclusive member deals and discounts on downloadable content (DLC) and some games within the Game Pass library. This can help you save money on titles you decide to purchase permanently.
- Be cautious when buying prepaid codes from unknown retailers. Stick to reputable sellers like CD Keys.
- Keep an eye on expiry dates when buying prepaid subscriptions.
- Factor in the total cost when considering prepaid options. Sometimes, a longer prepaid plan might be cheaper per month, but requires a bigger upfront cost.
For deals on Game Pass, Xbox Series X games or even PC games, have a look on hotukdeals.
