Microsoft's Gaming Subscription Subscribers Can Still Get Day-One Releases for Under $30 Per Month
Following the company's latest declaration of an extensive overhaul of its gaming subscription plans, the tech giant has clarified what these changes mean for gamers who still have an legacy Console subscription active. According to Xbox, subscribers who presently holds a legacy Console subscription with recurring payments turned on will not be affected by the updated cost changes.
Latest Changes to Game Pass Tiers
Just a few days ago, Xbox announced that its top-tier plan will now cost $29.99 monthly, a controversial move among members. This change accompanies two renamed options—Essential and Premium—which modify the available features and exclude day-one game releases. The move came after another adjustment in 2024, which eliminated the Console plan in exchange for Core and Standard tiers. Back then, Xbox permitted current Console subscribers to keep their membership at the same price of $11 per month with full benefits, including the ability to play games on launch day.
“Players who are currently subscribed to the Console plan and have recurring billing enabled can maintain their membership,” a representative explained. “If users disable automatic payment renewal, or their membership expires, they will need to choose between the Essential, Premium, Ultimate, or PC Game Pass plans when rejoining.”
Benefits and Costs Stay the Same
The perks and monthly fee of the legacy subscription will not be changing, as confirmed by Xbox: “Day one games are available with Ultimate and PC plans, as well as for members who continue to hold an active Game Pass for Console. Gamers who are currently enrolled in the Console plan and have automatic payment renewal enabled can continue their membership at $10.99 per month.”
When asked, a company representative did not confirm for what duration grandfathered Console plans will stay available for existing members.
Steps to Verify If You Are On a Console Plan
- Visit the official Game Pass page and sign in with your Xbox account.
- Select your username in the upper-right section of the page once signed in.
- Choose “My Microsoft Account.”
- If you see “Xbox Game Pass for Console” shown as an active subscription, you will continue to get day-one games for $10.99 monthly as long as recurring payments are turned on.
Be sure to check if you still have this exclusive benefit before canceling your subscription, as you won’t be able to get back into it once you cancel.
