It’s a running joke that because Game Pass is a seriously good deal, it’s hard not to sounds like a shill for Microsoft when we talk about it. But compared to competing services, including PlayStation Plus and to a lesser extent Nintendo Switch Online, Game Pass is undoubtedly good value. It offers subscribers a rotating catalog of good games, including AAA games (including Forza Motorsport And Star field) and many great indie titles. You can also get exclusive offers on titles you want to permanently include in your library.
If you’re not already a Game Pass subscriber, we’ve created this post with everything you need to know about the different perks and games that come with each plan, and how much it costs to subscribe.
- Available on Xbox One, Series X, and Series S consoles
- Instant access to new Xbox Game Studio releases
- Exclusive discounts and deals
- Exclusive Xbox Live Gold for Online Multiplayer
- Riot Game Pass Benefits
The console-exclusive version of Game Pass, known as Xbox Game Pass for short, has a membership fee of $9.99 per month. This version of Game Pass is available on Xbox One, or the Xbox Series X or Series S, and gives you access to the same library of titles accessible through the slightly more expensive Game Pass Ultimate subscription. What it lacks is online multiplayer access for most games (Fortnite does not require a subscription to play online, for example). However, you still get access to the same discounts on titles you might want to buy.
Riot Games also includes additional benefits for Game Pass subscribers in the form of in-game bonuses, including XP boosts, and access to new characters for games such as valorant, League of LegendsAnd Teamfight Tactics.
- Available on Windows 10/11 PCs
- Instant access to new Xbox Game Studio releases
- Exclusive discounts and deals
- Riot Game Pass Benefits
- Standard EA Play Membership ($4.99 per month normally)
PC Game Pass costs the same as the console-exclusive version of Game Pass ($9.99), and shares many of the same benefits. While PC Game Pass doesn’t technically include an Xbox Live Gold membership, you don’t need it to play online for free.
An important addition to PC Game Pass is an EA Play membership. EA Play is similar to Game Pass in that it offers unlimited access to a library of EA properties such as Madden, FIFA, The Sims, and more, plus 10% off everything in the EA Play library. EA Play members also have the option to play up to 10 hours of trial versions of select EA games before making a purchase. It is quite a nice extra to have this included in the subscription.
- Available on Windows 10/11 PCs and Xbox consoles
- Instant access to new Xbox Game Studio releases
- Exclusive discounts and deals
- Riot Game Pass Benefits
- Standard EA Play Membership ($4.99/month normally)
- Xbox Live Gold Membership (normally $9.99/month)
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Access to Xbox Cloud Gaming
Game Pass Ultimate bundles all the benefits of other Game Pass tiers and includes membership Xbox Live gold for online multiplayer. This allows you to play online with friends and strangers on your console, plus additional freebies to keep in your collection for as long as you remain a subscriber. It also gives you the option to stream Xbox games to your mobile device or PC, which is useful if you travel often.
With Xbox Cloud Gaming you can stream hundreds of titles directly to your PC, Android device or iPhone, provided you have a strong internet connection. Some games support using a touchscreen as a controller, or you can connect a controller for a more console-like experience. When you are calling, the Backbone One is a great option, as is simply plugging in one wireless Xbox controller through Bluetooth.
Cloud gaming is still a work in progress as it relies heavily on a strong and consistent internet connection for an optimal experience. Either way, it’s still a cool way to experience games on the go, namely games you might not otherwise have access to, such as older Xbox-exclusive bangers like Crimson Skies: High Road to Revengeor Blinx: the time sweeper.