Provider deep-dive

Xbox Game Pass

Four monthly gaming plans spanning entry console multiplayer, larger cross-device libraries, select day-one releases, cloud gaming, and a PC-only option.

Official sources · last checked 2026-09-06

Strong fit when
  • Four clearly differentiated monthly plans
  • Console, PC, handheld, and supported cloud-device coverage
  • Select day-one releases on Ultimate and PC Game Pass
  • An entry plan below PlayStation Plus Essential’s monthly price
Important limitations
  • No verified annual billing option
  • Libraries and benefits change over time
  • The strongest partner and release benefits require Ultimate

Plans

Current pricing snapshot

Open pricing detail

Game Pass Essential

The entry Xbox plan for a smaller game library, cloud gaming, in-game benefits, and online console multiplayer.

$9.99 / month
What you get
  • A current library displayed as 50+ games across console, PC, and supported devices
  • Cloud gaming on supported devices; monthly hour limits are announced for November 2026
  • Online console multiplayer
  • In-game benefits and Xbox Rewards earning
Watch forUpcoming change: starting in November 2026, Essential includes 5 cloud-gaming hours per month. The September 3 announcement says current eligible subscribers are not yet subject to this limit; the exact start day and extra-hour pricing are not announced.Does not include the plan’s new-release day-one benefitGame count, titles, features, and availability change by plan, platform, region, and timeFree-to-play console multiplayer does not require this subscription

Game Pass Premium

Expands Essential with a larger cross-device library, priority cloud access, and delayed access to select new Xbox-published games.

$14.99 / month
What you get
  • Everything included with Essential, with the Premium cloud allowance described below
  • A current library displayed as 200+ games across console, PC, and supported devices
  • Select new Xbox-published games within one year of launch
  • Cloud gaming with shorter waits than Essential; monthly hour limits are announced for November 2026
  • Higher Xbox Rewards earning than Essential
Watch forUpcoming change: starting in November 2026, Premium includes 10 cloud-gaming hours per month. The September 3 announcement says current eligible subscribers are not yet subject to this limit; the exact start day and extra-hour pricing are not announced.Does not provide the general day-one release benefit included with Ultimate and PC Game PassThe within-one-year release commitment excludes Call of Duty titlesDoes not include EA Play, Fortnite Crew, or Ubisoft+ Classics as listed Ultimate benefits

Game Pass Ultimate

The broadest Xbox plan, combining the largest listed cross-device library, select day-one games, premium cloud access, multiplayer, and partner memberships.

$22.99 / month
What you get
  • A current library displayed as 500+ games across console, PC, and supported devices
  • Select new games on day one
  • EA Play, Fortnite Crew, and Ubisoft+ Classics
  • Cloud gaming at the highest listed quality and shortest waits; monthly hour limits are announced for November 2026
  • Online console multiplayer
  • The highest listed Xbox Rewards earning rate
Watch forUpcoming change: starting in November 2026, Ultimate includes 15 cloud-gaming hours per month. The September 3 announcement says current eligible subscribers are not yet subject to this limit; the exact start day and extra-hour pricing are not announced.Future Call of Duty titles are excluded from day-one access under the April 2026 updateGame count, titles, partner benefits, features, and availability can changeCloud quality and access depend on supported devices, regions, network conditions, and game availability

PC Game Pass

A Windows-focused library plan with select day-one games, EA Play, in-game benefits, discounts, and rewards.

$13.99 / month
What you get
  • A current library displayed as 300+ PC games
  • Select new games on day one
  • EA Play membership
  • In-game benefits, member discounts, and higher Xbox Rewards earning than Essential
Watch forDoes not include the Xbox console library, online console multiplayer benefit, or cloud gamingFuture Call of Duty titles are excluded from day-one access under the April 2026 updateGame count, titles, features, and availability can change

Before you switch

Cancellation and fit

Cancellation: Game Pass subscriptions renew automatically until canceled through the Microsoft account or Xbox console before the next billing date.

Who should avoid it: People who buy only a few specific games; Players outside supported devices or regions.

How to complete cancellation

Marking Cancel in Dehaze is an estimate, not a cancellation. Complete the change with whoever bills you.

Check your receipt to identify the provider, app store, or billing partner. Use their official account or support page, and keep the cancellation confirmation and effective date. Provider-specific guidance is not currently verified here.

Check your next statement for remaining charges. Dehaze does not verify that billing has stopped.

Append-only record

Price history

  1. Game Pass Essential observed at $9.99 / month. Official U.S. Xbox store page documents the regular monthly charge and current Essential benefits; introductory offers were excluded.
  2. Game Pass Premium observed at $14.99 / month. Official U.S. Xbox store page documents the regular monthly charge, current Premium benefits, and delayed access for select new Xbox-published games; introductory offers were excluded.
  3. Game Pass Ultimate observed at $22.99 / month. Official U.S. Xbox store page documents the regular monthly charge and current Ultimate catalog, release, membership, multiplayer, and cloud benefits.
  4. PC Game Pass observed at $13.99 / month. Official U.S. Xbox store page documents the regular monthly charge and current PC-only catalog, EA Play, release, rewards, and system conditions.
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Provenance

Sources and verification