Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: Is It Really Worth Your Money? Let’s Dive Deep.
So, you’re eyeing Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Smart move. Or maybe you’re curious about the hype. Either way, let’s break down everything about this gaming subscription service. No marketing fluff. Just dry wit.
The Cold Hard Cash: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cost
First things first, how much does it cost? The monthly price for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is $19.99. Yes, twenty bucks a month. This subscription auto-renews unless you cancel. Think of it like a gym membership, except you’ll probably use it.
No one likes paying full price. Luckily, whispers of discounts exist. The official price is $20, but watch retailers like Amazon. They sometimes offer one-month codes for around $15 to $17. Every penny saved can buy more games.
But wait, there’s a twist. Xbox actually increased prices last year. Yes, in July 2024 for new subscribers and September 2024 for everyone else. Gaming joy comes with a premium, apparently. For a broader overview of Xbox Game Pass pricing and plans, check out this guide.
Yearly Game Pass Ultimate? Don’t Get Your Hopes Up (Officially)
Looking for a yearly subscription for Game Pass Ultimate? Officially, you can only do that with monthly payments from the Microsoft Store. They prefer that consistent cash flow.
However, there’s a loophole. It involves stacking codes. Buy digital codes for Game Pass Ultimate from authorized retailers. You can pile these codes onto your account for a max of 36 months. Three years of gaming goodness, possibly at a discount. Clever, right? This PCWorld article explains how to potentially snag Game Pass Ultimate for cheaper by stacking codes.
Forget Xbox All Access; it’s not relevant here.
Xbox Game Pass Core: The Simpler Sibling
Now, let’s touch on Xbox Game Pass Core. It’s the younger, less flashy sibling of Ultimate. The monthly price is $9.99, half that of Ultimate. Again, auto-renewal applies.
No 12-month option exists for Core, so it is all about monthly commitments. What is Core? Well, Xbox Game Pass Core is basically the evolution of Xbox Live Gold. If you had Xbox Live Gold, think of Core as its upgraded version.
Ultimate Benefits: What Do You Actually Get?
Alright, let’s get to the juicy bits. What makes Game Pass Ultimate… ultimate?
The big one: an extensive game library. Hundreds of high-quality games across console, PC, and cloud gaming await you. You can play new games on day one. No waiting, no agonizing. Just pure gaming bliss.
Remember Xbox Live Gold? It’s bundled too, meaning online multiplayer is included.
And that’s not all. EA Play Membership is also part of the package. This unlocks a library of EA games and perks without extra fees. A gaming double-whammy.
Plus, there’s cloud gaming, allowing play on multiple devices. There are even additional perks, though they’re vague. Think of them as bonuses on your gaming sundae.
Code Stacking: Gaming the System (Legally, Of Course)
Let’s revisit those stackable codes. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives access to an enormous game library. Each 3-month code costs around $36.49. You can stack up to five codes, netting you 15 months of gaming goodness. Over a year of fun for a reduced price.
And yes, you can stack codes from any legit retailer. Say goodbye to renewal reminders for three years. Future-proof your gaming.
Sharing is Caring (But With Limits)
Want to share your Game Pass love? Good news: you can! With Home Xbox, share your subscription with other accounts on your console. Set your console as the “Home Xbox,” and other profiles can access your Game Pass games and benefits. For official Xbox Game Pass sharing details, check out the FAQ.
However, there’s a catch. You can only have one Home Xbox at a time. Choose wisely or prepare for console shuffling.
No family plan exists for Xbox Game Pass. The “Friends & Family” preview program ended in August 2023. It’s a one-household-at-a-time deal.
Free Trials and the Missing Dollar Deal
Remember the days of the $1 trial for Xbox Game Pass? Microsoft has discontinued this trial offer. Just before Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launched, too. Coincidence? Probably not.
Don’t expect other free trials or Microsoft Rewards to magically unlock Game Pass for free. They are not highlighted as options currently.
Game Pass vs. The Competition: Who Wins?
Let’s peek at the competition. Specifically, PlayStation Plus. While it has merits, Xbox Game Pass offers a larger and more diverse collection of high-quality titles. Xbox includes all its console exclusives on day one. PlayStation’s strategy is different.
What about EA Play Pro? It’s a distinct subscription available only through the EA app. It’s not included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.
Subscription’s Over? Game Over (Access, Anyway)
When your Game Pass subscription ends? Simple: you lose access. Groundbreaking, I know.
No playing those Game Pass games. Also, multiplayer is restricted. If Xbox Game Pass Core renewal fails, you lose online multiplayer in most games. Only free-to-play titles work online now. Keep those payments up to date.
Is Game Pass Ultimate Actually Worth It? The Verdict
The question (or the twenty-dollar-a-month question): is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate worth it? Generally, it’s considered good value. Especially for those who love trying new games and enjoy a variety across console and PC.
Ultimately, if it’s worth it depends on you. Do you game often? Would you play many of the available games? If you’re only playing one or two a year, maybe not. But if you want a buffet of titles, then Game Pass Ultimate deserves your attention. For a broader perspective on whether Xbox Game Pass is
right for you, check out this Business Insider guide.
Other Game Pass Flavors: Standard and PC
A brief note on other Xbox Game Pass options: Xbox Game Pass Standard and PC Game Pass. PC Game Pass targets PC players specifically. Xbox Game Pass Standard is an option too, but Ultimate generally offers better value.
Call of Duty and Game Pass: A Frag-tastic Future
Finally, big news for CoD fans: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Modern Warfare III are both available on Xbox Game Pass. Day one access to Call of Duty is a huge perk.
The rumors suggest that the 2009 Modern Warfare 2 is potentially coming to Xbox Game Pass in March or April 2025. If you’re a CoD enthusiast, Game Pass looks appealing.
So there it is. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate dissected and demystified. Now you can make an informed decision and get back to gaming. Happy fragging!
