There are various tiers, benefits and costs associated with Upgrading to Xbox Game Pass.
The differences between the standard levels of Xbox Game Pass compared to those of the Ultimate edition can be significant. Each tier offers distinctive advantages making it a bit perplexing in determining which one is most suitable for you.
The best subscription for you and whether it’s worth upgrading to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate relies on your gaming style, location of play, and budget. Let’s determine the right fit for you.
What does Xbox Game Pass entail? Also, what are the different tiers that a person can choose from while availing it?
A subscription package known as Game Pass provides an extensive selection of games that can be played for a fixed monthly fee. This is extremely useful if you desire to enhance your game collection without having to pay full price for each individual title.
Although Xbox Game Pass falls short of being a true gaming equivalent to Netflix, it comes quite close. Similar to Netflix, you don’t purchase or possess individual games; Microsoft can withdraw them from the list anytime. However, during their availability period, players can play as many titles on Game Pass without restrictions.
Similar to other subscription services, Xbox Game Pass offers various tiers for users to select. Precisely, the tiers offered by Xbox Game Pass include:
Core Xbox Game Pass.
Game Pass for Xbox Console.
PC Xbox Game Pass.
The Ultimate Xbox Game Pass.
What comes with Xbox Game Pass’ Standard Tiers?
Xbox Game Pass offers three levels: Core, Console, and PC. The Core plan is the most affordable, offering access to multiplayer console gaming, 25+ games, and special offers on Xbox Store purchases.
It costs $9.99 per month and is the most cost-effective option. However, the Core library may have a limited selection of games. For complete access, consider upgrading to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The Console plan offers the complete Xbox Game Pass game catalog, first-party titles, and discounts on Xbox Store membership.
The PC tier is similar to the Console tier but exclusively supports PCs. It offers over 100 games, including Xbox Game Studio releases, and access to EA Play’s gaming membership program for $9.99 per month.
What is comprised in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
After getting an idea of the inclusions of Xbox Game Pass standard tiers, you might be curious about its comparison with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You may also want to know what extras are available with Ultimate that aren’t provided by other tiers. The following features come bundled with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate:
Online multiplayer accessibility.
Complete entry to the roster of games under Xbox Game Pass, available for both consoles and PCs.
On the day of release, you can gain entry to game titles produced by Xbox Game Studios.
Discounts and deals that are exclusive to Xbox Game Pass.
EA Play can be accessed.
Entry to Xbox Cloud Gaming.
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate encompasses all the advantages of the standard levels of Game Pass, providing unrestricted access to identical games and deals. However, it takes everything up a notch – hence its “Ultimate” moniker.
To begin with, your subscription grants access to Game Pass titles on both console and PC, giving you the freedom to switch between devices. Moreover, opting for Ultimate allows streaming of Game Pass games onto a smartphone or PC along with exclusive Xbox Game Pass Ultimate perks that can be claimed. However, availing these advantages comes at a considerable cost – precisely $16.99 per month prompting one crucial query: is it worth investing in such benefits?
Is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Worth the Benefits?
The decision to switch to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is based on the significance you attach to its exceptional features, primarily because Xbox Game Pass for Console or PC includes complete entry into all games offered through Game Pass.
According to this reasoning, the chief advantages of subscribing to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate lie in its provision for access to services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and EA Play under the console category. If your intention is playing Game Pass games while on-the-move, choosing Ultimate becomes a fundamental level within Game Pass that cannot be overlooked.
If you use Xbox Game Pass for both console and PC, then opting for the Ultimate version would be a wise choice since it offers various perks. However, in case you solely play games on your Xbox system, choosing the Ultimate plan might appear redundant or unworthy of consideration.
Regardless of how you compare the tiers, it doesn’t make sense that Xbox Game Pass Core offers a limited selection of games for the same price as Xbox Game Pass for PC.
Upgrading to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate may not be worth the cost.
If you want to make the most of Xbox Game Pass, opting for its Ultimate version is ideal. However, it only makes financial sense if you plan on gaming across PC and console platforms while also utilizing Xbox Cloud Gaming services.
Sadly, if you solely play on consoles like the majority of Xbox Series X|S owners and consider the exorbitant monthly fee, opting for Ultimate tier in Game Pass falls short when weighed against Xbox Game Pass for Console.
