Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Gets Another Price Hike, and It's Rough
Some other Game Pass plans are being upgraded and will be renamed, but they aren't getting a price increase.
www.cnet.comDirect answer: As of now, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate pricing has seen several changes recently, with mainstream reports confirming a price increase in 2025 to about $29.99/month in the U.S. and similar hikes in other regions.
Details you might care about:
- Recent price move: Ultimate rose from around $19.99–$20 in 2024 to $29.99/month in late 2025, a 50% uplift in the U.S. market.[2][3]
- Rationale and scope: Microsoft broadened benefits across tiers with the overhaul, but Ultimate was the one that carried the most noticeable price jump.[3][2]
- Regional variation: Price changes are described as varying by region due to currency and market conditions, so expect different local prices outside the U.S..[2]
What this means for you in Los Angeles:
- If you’re paying in USD, you’re likely seeing around $29.99/month for Ultimate now, unless you’re in a new regional offer or promotional period.[3][2]
- If you were considering annual commitments, note that some regions do not offer annual options for the updated Ultimate tier, and pricing may differ by country/region.[4][3]
Illustration: Example price trajectory
- prior price (Ultimate): ~$19.99/mo → current price: $29.99/mo in U.S. after the overhaul.[2][3]
Would you like me to pull the latest regional prices for your exact location (Los Angeles, USA) and compare with other regions, or set up a price-tracking alert? I can also summarize the new feature changes included with the overhaul if you’re deciding whether to renew now.[3][2]