- Microsoft is reportedly merging two Xbox Game Pass tiers
- PC Game Pass could be combined with Xbox Game Pass Premium
- Some users may end up paying more for the same features
There is a worrying rumor that Microsoft is considering combining the Xbox Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass subscription tiers, which could eventually lead to some users paying more each month.
According to The Verge and Windows Central, Microsoft could “potentially” merge the two plans, although nothing is official yet. It’s also apparently looking at ways to bundle more third-party services with those subscriptions, which would be a plus.
It’s by no means certain that price increases will happen, and the timeframe for this isn’t clear — word is that nothing major will happen in 2026 — but as it stands today, PC Game Pass gives subscribers more for less compared to the other plans.
This would certainly be an opportunity for Microsoft to simplify the various Xbox subscription options across consoles, PC and the cloud, although existing subscribers are understandably concerned about the future – especially in light of recent price increases.
Prices and benefits
Microsoft is considering merging Xbox Game Pass with PC Game Pass from r/pcgaming
Right now, the PC Game Pass plan will set you back $16.49 / £13.49 / AU$19.45, and gives you access to the full Xbox PC library plus Day-1 releases. The potential merger is with Xbox Game Pass Premium, which costs $14.99 / £10.99 / AU$17.95 each. month.
Crucially, however, Premium does not include the full PC title library or day-1 access. That means PC gamers may have to pay for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate instead, which now costs $29.99 / £22.99 / AU$35.95 after a price hike last year.
It’s speculative at this point, and the merged plan might include all PC benefits at the same price – but given the usual trend with subscription services, including those from Microsoft, existing users aren’t optimistic about what the future holds.
Reddit post predicts Microsoft will kill PC Game Pass and push PC gamers to Ultimate to get day-1 access and other benefits. Several posts mention a “price increase in progress”, while one thanks Microsoft for “reminding me to cancel”.
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