Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s all-in-one subscription platform that unlocks access to a vast catalog of games for both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs. With a single monthly payment, players can enjoy hundreds of titles—ranging from first-party blockbusters to indie releases—including all new Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda games the moment they launch.
For those who want the full experience, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate bundles even more value. It combines Game Pass for console and PC, adds EA Play, includes Xbox Live Gold, and unlocks cloud gaming, letting players stream titles across phones, tablets, and other supported devices.
With extensive content, day-one access to new releases, and versatile streaming capabilities, Xbox Game Pass remains one of the most compelling game subscription services available—earning top marks for affordability and convenience.
Xbox Game Pass Plans & Pricing: Which Tier Is Right for You?
Xbox Game Pass offers multiple pricing tiers tailored to how and where you play—whether it’s on Xbox consoles, Windows PCs, or both. Here’s a breakdown of each subscription level:
Xbox Game Pass for Console – $10.99/month
- Access to 100+ Xbox games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
- Includes day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios
- Enjoy member discounts on full game purchases and DLC via the Xbox Store
- Does not include online multiplayer (Xbox Live Gold required separately)
Xbox Game Pass for PC – $9.99/month
- Access to 100+ PC games on Windows 10/11 systems
- Includes day-one Xbox Game Studios releases
- EA Play membership included (normally $4.99/month), unlocking top EA titles and early trials
- Ideal for gamers using a gaming desktop, gaming laptop, or handheld Windows device
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – $16.99/month
- Combines Console + PC Game Pass into one unified subscription
- Includes Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer and 2–4 free monthly games
- Adds cloud gaming (Xbox Cloud Gaming) for streaming across mobile and tablet devices
- Includes EA Play, exclusive member discounts, and syncing across platforms
Xbox Live Gold Transitions to Game Pass Core – What You Need to Know
As of September 14, Xbox Live Gold has been officially retired and replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core—a nearly identical service that retains essential benefits like online multiplayer for Xbox consoles. While it lacks the extensive game library of other Game Pass tiers, Core includes a rotating catalog of free titles and the same online capabilities players relied on with Gold.
- Pricing: $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year
- Includes: Xbox console online multiplayer, curated game selection, member discounts
- Excludes: access to full Game Pass PC/Console libraries or cloud gaming
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – One Subscription, All Features
At $16.99 per month, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate remains Microsoft’s all-in-one membership, combining:
- Game Pass for Console + PC
- Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold)
- Cloud Gaming (formerly Project xCloud)
- EA Play membership
- Online multiplayer and exclusive discounts
With Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can stream hundreds of titles:
- On Android phones and tablets via the Xbox app
- On Samsung smart TVs (no console required)
- On iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Windows PC via a browser
Ultimate competes with top-tier subscriptions like:
- Apple One ($16.95/month for Apple Music, TV+, Arcade, and iCloud)
- PlayStation Plus Premium ($17.99/month or $119.99/year)
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack ($49.99/year)
While Microsoft no longer offers an annual discount for Ultimate, the feature-packed offering holds strong value for cross-platform gamers.
What Games Can You Play on Xbox Game Pass?
At the core of its appeal, Xbox Game Pass’s game library is massive and constantly evolving. With hundreds of titles spanning genres and generations, the service offers:
- Platform-specific titles (some only on PC or Xbox)
- Monthly content refreshes (new games added, older ones rotated out)
- Full access to Xbox Game Studios games on day one
First-Party Highlights Include:
- Forza Horizon 5 & Forza Motorsport 7
- Halo: The Master Chief Collection & Halo Infinite
- Gears of War series
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Zenimax, Bethesda’s full library is now included:
- Doom (classic and rebooted)
- Fallout series
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
- Starfield
Xbox Cloud Gaming – Stream Console Games Anywhere
Xbox Cloud Gaming, formerly known as Project xCloud, is Microsoft’s game streaming platform bundled into the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. While still labeled a beta, it’s proven to be one of the most accessible and user-friendly cloud gaming services on the market.
Where and How to Play
With Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can stream hundreds of Xbox Game Pass titles directly to:
- Android phones and tablets (via the Xbox Game Pass app)
- Samsung Smart TVs (2021 or newer)
- Windows PCs (Xbox app or web browser)
- iPhone, iPad, and Mac (via Safari browser with home screen shortcut)
Controllers & Accessories
To get started, you’ll need a Bluetooth-compatible controller. Supported options include:
- Xbox Wireless Controller
- Backbone One (iPhone-specific mobile controller)
- Razer Kishi / Kishi V2 Pro
- PowerA Moga XP5-X Plus
Many of these gamepads feature built-in phone holders or clamps, allowing you to play like you would on a Nintendo Switch. Devices like the Razer Edge combined with the Kishi V2 Pro offer a premium, handheld console-like experience.
Network Requirements
Cloud gaming demands a solid internet connection. Microsoft recommends:
- 5GHz Wi-Fi as the ideal setup
- LTE or 5G (with at least 10Mbps download speed)
- Consistent upstream speeds to maintain low input latency
Performance in Action
Using an iPhone 12 paired with the Backbone controller and connected to a 5GHz home Wi-Fi network (740Mbps down / 38Mbps up), the experience was impressive. Test games included:
- Hollow Knight – precise platforming felt natural
- Guilty Gear Strive – combo timing was tight, though not perfect for competitive-tier fighters
While frame-perfect enthusiasts may detect slight lag, casual and midcore players will find Xbox Cloud Gaming surprisingly responsive for most genres—including action, racing, and RPGs.
Game Library Highlights
Beyond Microsoft’s own lineup (Forza, Halo, Flight Simulator), Xbox Game Pass includes third-party hits:
- EA Play games: Mass Effect Legendary Edition, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, Dead Space Trilogy
- Capcom and Sega titles: Exoprimal, Monster Hunter Rise, Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, Persona 5 Royal, all mainline Yakuza games
- Legacy titles: Mega Man Legacy Collection, Resident Evil, Final Fantasy (availability may rotate)
Seamless Cross-Save Support
One of Xbox’s best features is cloud save synchronization:
- Switch seamlessly between PC, console, and cloud
- Games like Forza Horizon 5, Hollow Knight, and Microsoft Flight Simulator carry over progress instantly
- Unlike Nintendo Switch Online, Xbox’s cloud save support is consistent across nearly all titles
