The Xbox Game Pass subscription is Microsoft's must-have offering today. Some like to call it the “Netflix of video games,” and we’re not far from the truth with Microsoft’s offering. The service comes in various forms. If you want to know everything about how Xbox Game Pass works, the different subscriptions on console, PC, iOS or Android, as well as the prices and special offers, follow the guide!
Summary
What is Xbox Game Pass and how does it work?
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft's on-demand video game service. Available in three offerings, it gives gamers access to a catalog of more than 400 Xbox games through a monthly subscription. Every month, new games are added to the Xbox Game Pass catalog and others are removed. Today, Xbox Game Pass has over 23 million subscribers worldwide.
Xbox Game Pass is often referred to as the “Netflix of video games,” but in reality the Game Pass formula is a little different. In fact, where Netflix offers a streaming service, Xbox Game Pass allows you to download games from the catalog directly to the console, so you can play them with peace of mind. However, it is possible to play streaming with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan. (the most complete), we explain all this below.
With Xbox Game Pass, no streaming is required and no internet connection is required. If you want to get the most out of Xbox Game Pass, we still recommend that you have a reasonably stable internet connection to download and install games quickly. Of course, games from the Game Pass catalog are only available when the subscription is active.
Important dates for Xbox Game Pass
- June 2017: Xbox Game Pass console launch.
- June 2019: Xbox Game Pass for PC released.
- September 2020: Xbox Game Pass launched on mobile devices via Android
- September 2020: The EA Play game catalog is integrated into Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC.
- June 2021: Xbox Game Pass launches on PC, iPhone and iPad via iOS. The cloud service is now also supported by the Xbox Series X.
- September 2023: Launch of Xbox Game Pass Core as a replacement for Xbox Live Gold
How much does Xbox Game Pass and the 4 different subscriptions cost?
Xbox Game Pass is available in 4 offerings, each with its own features and specific access:
- Xbox Game Pass Core to play online on Xbox and access a catalog of 38 games (€ 6.99 per month without promotion)
- Xbox Game Pass console to play on an Xbox console (€10.99/month without promotion)
- Xbox Game Pass PC (PC Game Pass) to play on PC (€9.99 per month without promotion)
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to play on console, PC and cloud (€14.99 per month without promotion)
There are regular promotions to buy a cheaper Xbox Game Pass subscription. Go to the relevant section in this article.
Xbox Game Pass Core
As mentioned above, Xbox Game Pass Core replaces Xbox Live Gold, which was previously required to play online. The Xbox Game Pass Core therefore allows you to use online services and multiplayer, as well as providing access to a catalog of 38 games.
Note that unlike the offers below, Xbox-exclusive games are not available directly on Xbox Game Pass Core.
Xbox Game Pass console
The Xbox Game Pass console subscription offers access to over 300 Xbox games for €10.99 per month. Every month on Xboxygen we publish the list of new Xbox Game Pass console games. The catalog of games available is evolving and there are Xbox Series or Xbox One games as well as Xbox 360 or original Xbox games. Xbox Game Pass console games can only be played on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S consoles.
Please note that the Xbox Game Pass Console subscription does not provide access to online services and multiplayer, just like the Xbox Game Pass Core subscription.
Xbox Game Pass PC (PC Game Pass)
The Xbox Game Pass PC subscription, called PC Game Pass, offers access to more than 200 PC games for the price of €9.99. You can find the list of new Xbox Game Pass games for PC every month on Xboxygen.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: the ultimate and comprehensive offer!
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is the combination of Game Pass Console and PC Game Pass as well as the EA Play subscription priced at €14.99 per month. Access to online services and multiplayer is also included.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership content
- Xbox Game Pass Core subscription (to play online on Xbox consoles).
- Xbox Game Pass console subscription.
- Xbox Game Pass PC subscription.
- EA Play subscription (Electronic Arts games catalog).
- Ability to stream Xbox Game Pass games via the cloud, mobile or PC.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the only way to stream Xbox games to mobile devices via the cloud. This is the most comprehensive Game Pass offering. Below is a comparison of the benefits of the different Game Pass subscriptions.
| core | console | PC | Ultimate | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online multiplayer | Yes | NO | Yes | Yes |
| Offers and discounts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| games | 25 games | Over 400 console games | Over 400 PC games | Over 400 console and PC games |
| New Day One Games | NO | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| EA game | NO | NO | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud gaming | NO | NO | NO | Yes |
| Public price | €6.99 | €10.99 | €9.99 | €14.99 |
| Xboxygen price | €2.42 | €9.49 | – | €7.26 |
Where to buy a cheap Xbox Game Pass subscription?
The public price for the Xbox Game Pass subscription is €10.99 per month and €14.99 for the Game Pass Ultimate subscription. You can take out a subscription through the official Xbox website or through your Xbox console, but it's often possible to find cheaper deals. You can find them here.
Most affordable for new subscribers
If you're not currently subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, there's a simple trick to take advantage of an unbeatable price. Follow our tutorial to convert an Xbox Game Pass Core subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You can benefit from the most comprehensive Game Pass offer at an unbeatable price divided by three.
This tip only works if you're not already an Xbox Game Pass subscriber. It also works if you have already subscribed to Game Pass with the 1 euro offer in the past. In this case, you only have to pay the standard price instead of 1 euro for the first month. Then the codes you purchased at a cheaper price will apply.
Cheapest for Game Pass subscribers
If you're looking for a Game Pass subscription on sale, then you've come to the right place! At our partner Eneba you can find the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for 3 months for less than €28 instead of €38.99. Select the cheapest offer on the page and use the promotional code “XBOXYGEN” to further reduce the price in the shopping cart.
> View special offers at Eneba
You can check other offers on Amazon for special offers or on Eneba for other subscription periods such as 14 days or 1 month.
How do I download Game Pass games?
- On the Xbox console
- Go to the Xbox homepage
- Go to the “Game Pass” tab.
- Browse, search, filter library
- Choose a game
- Select “Install”
- The game will begin installing as soon as possible and you will be able to play it as part of your subscription
- In the Xbox app for PC
- Download the Xbox app for PC (Link)
- A Windows 10 update may be necessary
- Go to the “Game Pass” tab at the top.
- Choose a game
- Click “Install”
- The game will begin installing as soon as possible and you will be able to play it as part of your subscription
- From the Microsoft Store
- Go to the relevant all games page (log in if necessary)
- Select the game you want
- Click “Install” at the top of the page.
- The game will begin installing as soon as possible and you will be able to play it as part of your subscription
What games are available on Xbox Game Pass?
The number of games available on Xbox Game Pass now exceeds 350 games. The catalog varies and new games are added every month. You can find our selection of the best Xbox Game Pass games in our dedicated article. Here are some of the games available on Game Pass:
- A Plague Story: Requiem
- Halo Infinite
- Gears 5
- Sea of Thieves
- Far Cry 6
- Rest II
- Starfield
- ebb
- The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition
- Eternal fate
- Age of Empires II and III: Definitive Edition
- Forza Horizon 5
- Forza Motorsport
- Microsoft Flight Simulator
The full list of games can be viewed in the Xbox interface or on Xbox.com.
The Xbox Game Pass games catalog is constantly evolving and is extensive and diverse with racing games, adventure games, puzzle games, children's games, RPGs and other single-player games. Some are very well known, others less so, but there are always games to discover. Note that too Games developed by Xbox Studios are available on Xbox Game Pass from day one of their release (except Xbox Game Pass Core).
Ultimately, Xbox Game Pass is a great way to build a nice game library for anyone who has just bought an Xbox or wants to play a lot of games cheaply. For big-spending gamers, this service is more of an add-on, but the new games added every month sometimes come as a surprise.
What are the next games on Xbox Game Pass?
It's hard to predict what deals are planned between Microsoft and its partners to add new games to the Xbox Game Pass catalog, but certain games have already been announced as being added to the catalog. Here are some of the most anticipated:
- STALKER 2: Heart of Chernobyl – Q1 2024
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – 2024
- Towerborne – 2024
- Replaced – 2024
- Galacticare – 2024
- Little Kitty Big City – 2024
- Another Crab's Treasure – 2024
- ARC 2 – 2024
- Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 – 2024
- Perfect dark
- Always wild
- fable
- Explained
- State of decay 3
- The Elder Scrolls VI
For a more complete list of the next Xbox Game Pass games planned for 2024 and beyond, check out our dedicated article.
Xbox Game Pass FAQ: Answers to your questions
What are the benefits of Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass offers several significant benefits including:
- Unlimited access to a library of over 300 games.
- Games developed by the 34 Xbox studios will be released directly to Game Pass on the day of their release (Halo, Forza Motorsport, Starfield, Hellblade 2, Avowed, Fable and soon Call of Duty…).
- Access to exclusive discounts and offers for members.
- With Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, an all-inclusive subscription to also play online and in Xbox cloud gaming.
How can I cancel Xbox Game Pass subscription?
To cancel an Xbox Game Pass subscription, you need to go to Xbox Game Pass subscription management and other Xbox subscriptions (Xbox Live Gold, EA Access).
- From the Xbox console :
- Go to Settings and Accounts on the console
- Choose an Xbox Game Pass subscription
- to unsubscribe
- From the Microsoft website
- Sign in to the Microsoft website
- Go to the subscription page
- Click Manage next to your Xbox Game Pass subscription.
- Select “Cancel Subscription”
- Confirm
What is the difference between Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold subscription?
These are two different services. The Xbox Live Gold subscription allowed online gaming, while the Xbox Game Pass subscription only gave access to a catalog of games. As of September 2023, the Xbox Game Pass Core subscription replaces the Xbox Live Gold subscription, allowing you to play online while also having access to a limited catalog of 38 games.
Does Xbox Game Pass work with account sharing?
Yes, the Xbox Game Pass subscription works smoothly with Xbox account sharing, as does the Xbox Live Gold subscription. However, with one small subtlety: only the subscription holder can view the catalog of the offer and thus start the installation of a game. The other account must therefore go to the “Ready” section. to install the games on your console.
Is it possible to play Game Pass games offline?
Yes, if you have a valid subscription, you can play all the games of the previously installed service without being connected to the Internet within the term of your subscription, i.e. a maximum of 30 days. . After this period, the console will need to reconnect to verify the validity of your subscription.
Note that as with any digital game, this is only possible on your “main Xbox” and therefore it is not possible to play offline if you share your account.
Can I continue playing games when my Xbox Game Pass subscription ends?
You need a valid subscription to play Game Pass games. However, the games will not be uninstalled outside of the subscription. They remain installed on your console, but can no longer be started. To continue playing, you will then be asked to renew your subscription or purchase the game.
In which countries is Xbox Game Pass available?
Xbox Game Pass is currently available in the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Israel. Italy, Korea, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom United States, United States.
Does Xbox Game Pass work on PC?
Yes, Game Pass is available on PC, it is PC Game Pass. The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription (see above) even combines the console + PC service. Some games on sale are also compatible with Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning you can buy just one game and play it on your platform of choice, Xbox or PC.
How do I know what new games are available on Xbox Game Pass?
New games for Xbox Game Pass are announced at the end of the month for the following month. Keep reading Xboxygen to stay up to date on new Xbox Game Pass games and those disappearing from the catalog. Stay up to date with the latest Xbox Game Pass news on this Xboxygen page!
How long can I use Xbox Game Pass?
Access to Xbox Game Pass games is unlimited as long as you pay for an Xbox Game Pass subscription. If your subscription expires or you cancel it, you will no longer have access to the games.
How do I play a game that has been removed from Xbox Game Pass?
Once a game is removed from the Xbox Game Pass catalog, you will no longer be able to play it through your subscription. You will then need to purchase the game in a physical version from stores or a digital version in order to continue playing it.
How do I get discounts on Xbox Game Pass games?
If you play a game from the Xbox Game Pass catalog, it may one day disappear from the catalog. Therefore, it is possible to permanently purchase the game at a reduced price compared to the public price. Simply go to the games page in the Xbox Store or go through the Xbox Game Pass menu and purchase the game with the discount. This also works for DLCs (additional content for games).
Between 31 and 90 days after a game's release, members receive up to 10% off the Microsoft Store price. After 90 days, the discount can be up to 20%.
Will a game deleted from Game Pass be deleted from the hard drive?
No, if a game disappears from Xbox Game Pass, it remains on your hard drive. If you have purchased the game, you can continue playing it. If you haven't purchased it and are only using it through the Game Pass service, you will need to purchase the game to continue playing it.
How does switching other subscriptions to Xbox Game Pass work?
If you subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, any prepaid time you have on Xbox Live Gold, Xbox Game Pass or EA Play subscriptions will be transferred to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at the current conversion rate for a maximum duration of 36 months -Transfer program.
Prepaid time conversions are final and prices are subject to change by Xbox teams. Below you will find the conversion table for Xbox Game Pass.
| Code entered | Receive |
|---|---|
| 1 month Game Pass Core | 20 days Game Pass Ultimate |
| 3 months Game Pass Core | 50 days Ultimate (1 + month) |
| 6 months Game Pass Core | 81 days Ultimate (from 2 months) |
| 12 months Game Pass Core | 4 months Ultimate |
| 24 months Game Pass Core | 6 months Ultimate |
| 1 month gold | 20 days Game Pass Ultimate |
| 3 months gold | 50 days Ultimate (1 + month) |
| 6 months gold | 81 days Ultimate (from 2 months) |
| 12 months gold | 4 months ultimate |
| 24 months gold | 6 months Ultimate |
| 1 month Xbox Game Pass for the console | 22 days ultimate |
| 3 months Xbox Game Pass for the console | 68 days Ultimate (from 2 months) |
| 6 months Xbox Game Pass for the console | 135 days Ultimate (from 4 months) |
| 12 months Xbox Game Pass for console | 9 months Ultimate |
| 24 months Xbox Game Pass for console | 18 months Ultimate |
| 1 month Game Pass for PC | 20 days ultimate |
| 3 months Game Pass for PC | 60 days Ultimate (1 + month) |
| 1 month EA Play | 10 days ultimate |
| 6 months EA Play | 40 days ultimate |
| 12 months EA Play | 2 months ultimate |
How long does a game stay on Xbox Game Pass?
Games available in the Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate catalog will not remain in the catalog indefinitely. With the exception of games developed by Xbox Studios, other titles in the catalog have limited availability. We've calculated that on average a game stays on Xbox Game Pass for 18 months before being removed. Some stay for 6 months and others for 2 years. Continue to follow Xbox Game Pass news on Xboxygen to be notified of the withdrawn games each month.