Microsoft pauses Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price hike for existing subscribers in selected countries

Microsoft is pausing planned price increases for its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription in several countries, sparing current subscribers from the higher costs, for now. The company confirmed that the price adjustment, which represents nearly a 50 percent increase for new customers, will not take effect immediately for existing users in markets including Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India.

“At this time, these increases will only affect new purchases and will not affect your current subscription for the market in which you reside, as long as you are on an auto-recurring plan,” explains Microsoft in an email that was sent to some Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers overnight. “Should you choose to cancel your plan and repurchase, you will be charged at the new current rate.”

Microsoft confirmed to The Verge that the email is authentic and clarified that subscribers in the US and UK are not affected. Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, said, “Our recent Game Pass update remains unchanged. Current subscribers in certain countries will continue to renew at their existing rate for now, in accordance with local regulations. We will provide advance notice before any price adjustments take effect in these markets.”


Xbox Game Pass subscribers in Poland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and South Korea have all reported that they’ve received the emails today.

The price delay is likely due to local regulations. In Ireland, existing subscribers with auto-renewal will continue paying €17.99 instead of the new €26.99. Microsoft says users will get at least 60 days’ notice before any changes take effect.

“This updated pricing will go into effect on October 1st for new subscribers, and then at the next billing cycle, likely to be November 4th, for current subscribers,” said Dustin Blackwell, director of gaming and platform communications at Microsoft, in a briefing with The Verge last week.