Xbox Game Pass is one of the most exciting features of Microsoft's next-gen Xbox Series X and S consoles. But what is actually behind it? What can the Game Pass do? And how much is all of it? We'll tell you!
The new generation of Microsoft consoles has been released. The Xbox Series X is well received by gamers all around the world and the international press. This is mainly due to a unique selling point with which Microsoft has revolutionized the gaming world in recent years: the Xbox Game Pass.
- READ MORE: Xbox Series X vs. Xbox Series S
What Is Xbox Game Pass?
The concept of the Xbox Game Pass is not a new one - in the gaming area, however, it is. Netflix and other streaming providers have shown the way: For a fixed monthly fee you can watch as many TV shows, movies, and documentaries as you want.
The concept of a subscription awaits you in the Xbox Game Pass, only that it does not contain movies or TV shows, but games. Lots of games.
Compared to PSNow, all games in the Xbox Game Pass can be downloaded to your hard drive and do not have to be streamed - an active internet connection is therefore not necessary.
The range of games includes around 100, with new titles being added every month, while some older games are leaving the party again. The best thing about Xbox Game Pass: with no exception, all first-party titles from Microsoft (i.e. games such as Forza Horizon 4, Gears Tactics and, in the future, Fable or Halo Infinite) are included in the Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost as soon as they're released.
How Much is the Xbox Game Pass?
Well, it depends on which option you choose. The Xbox Game Pass is now available in different versions:
- Xbox Game Pass for consoles - $9.99 per month
- Xbox Game Pass for PC - $9.99 per month
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate - $12.99 per month
The Xbox Game Pass for PC works exactly as it does for consoles. Only that around 100 selected PC games await you here. The range of titles is different, but all first-party games are included here too.
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, however, offers the best price-performance ratio: For just three bucks more per month, it not only includes the PC and console version but also xCloud for Android devices, as well as the Xbox Live Gold membership which is required to play online on the console (which is usually $6.99 per month).
Oh, and EA Play - the subscription-based video game service of Electronic Arts - has also been part of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate since the release of Xbox Series X | S. A very good offer!
Is Xbox Game Pass Worth it?
The question is very easy to answer: Yes, the Xbox Game Pass is worth it.
In our German column on the Xbox Series X we have already made an example calculation and simply quote/translate it here for you:
“Instead of investing 60 euros in a new game, I simply pay 10 euros a month (or 13 euros for PC, console and Android devices) and get direct access to over 100 games - including all Xbox first party titles for the release. "
As the original author of this article, Philipp Briel, I'm just going to get personal for a second: I've been enjoying the benefits of the Xbox Game Pass since it was introduced in 2017. The number of games I've bought for my Xbox One X (or my gaming PC) since then has been about zero.
Why? On the one hand, because all the important exclusive titles are included anyway, and because over the years through the Xbox Game Pass I have come to know and love many new games that I would never have bought without this service.
Every Xbox and PC gamer should take a look, especially because of the still valid introductory offer of $1 in the first month.
What do you think about the Xbox Game Pass? Is it a good investment? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter, we would love to hear your opinion!