Microsoft May Raise Xbox Game Pass Price Amid Console and Game Cost Increases

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft may be planning to raise the price of its Xbox Game Pass subscription service, according to a notification type discovered within Xbox Cloud Gaming. This potential price hike comes after the company increased the price of its Xbox consoles and individual games. The notification suggests that Microsoft is exploring a tiered pricing model for its cloud gaming services, which could result in higher payments for access to premium features.

Key Takeaways:

  • A "SubscriptionPriceIncrease" notification type was discovered in Xbox Cloud Gaming, suggesting that Microsoft may be planning to raise the price of Xbox Game Pass.
  • Microsoft has previously raised the price of its Xbox game consoles and individual games, with the cost of individual games increasing to $80.
  • The company is testing next-generation Xbox Cloud Gaming servers, which are expected to offer reduced latency, better bitrates, and support for higher resolution streaming.
  • Microsoft is exploring the possibility of launching a standalone cloud-only subscription, separate from Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which could lead to higher payments for access to premium features.
  • Subscribers can still stack Xbox Game Pass cards for up to two years to lock in current pricing.
  • The company's decision to increase prices for its Xbox consoles and games may be a precursor to a potential price hike for Xbox Game Pass.
  • The discovery of the notification type was made by a developer of the Better xCloud Xbox Cloud Gaming enhancement project, RedPhx.

Statistics:

  • 80: The new price of individual Xbox games.
  • 2 years: The maximum duration that Xbox Game Pass cards can be stacked to lock in current pricing.
  • $80: The increased price of individual Xbox games.
  • Xbox Series X: The console that may be succeeded by a new device in Microsoft's upcoming hardware lineup.

Sources:

  • [RedPhx on social media platform X (Twitter)] A developer of the Better xCloud Xbox Cloud Gaming enhancement project.
  • [Windows Central] A report published by Windows Central that suggests Microsoft is testing next-generation Xbox Cloud Gaming servers.