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For those who don’t know, Xbox Game Pass is like the Netflix of video games — a collection of hundreds of exceptional video games that you can enjoy playing on your Xbox console. The Xbox Game Pass acts like a movie streaming platform, but you have the latest video games as your choices.

We’ll break down what the Xbox Game Pass comes with, the cost, and whether it’s worth paying for.

What is Xbox Game Pass?

Launched globally on June 1, 2017, Microsoft released the Xbox Game Pass as its version of a video game subscription service for Xbox console and PC users. For a monthly subscription fee, you’ll have unlimited access to over 100 high-quality games, with new games added to the collection all the time. 

Subscribers can play Xbox Game Studio titles right on their release dates, and also enjoy exclusive member discounts.

How Much Does Xbox Game Pass Cost?

Xbox Game Pass has two options:

  • The monthly fee for the Xbox Game Pass stands at $9.99 for its standard package, and you can choose one for the PC or the Console package.
  • The Xbox Ultimate package is $14.99 a month, and comes with additional member discounts, ability to play from the cloud, as well as free perks.

What Are the Current Deals on Xbox Game Pass?

Xbox will occasionally have deals on their Game Pass subscription packages, so check out our coupon page for the latest deals.

Here are the current deals Xbox deals and promos:

  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $1: For a limited time, you can score the Ultimate package for just $1 for your first month, then $14.99/month afterwards.
  • 4 Months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $2: You can get a 4-month subscription to the Ultimate pass for just $2 for the entirety of 4 months.
    • Join Xbox Game Pass for PC for $1 for 3 months.
    • Then upgrade to Xbox Ultimate at $1 for 1 month.

Can You Play Xbox Games on Other Devices?

xbox app
Microsoft

If you purchase Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can use the subscription on your Android, iOS, and iPadOS devices. This is made possible via Xbox Cloud Gaming, a platform that lets you play Xbox console games on your current hand-held devices if you have an active subscription to the Xbox Game Pass. You just have to download the Xbox app on your device to play your favorite Xbox console games straight on your smartphone or tablet. 

Benefits of Xbox Game Pass

playing games on xbox game pass
Unsplash

The benefits that will come with your Xbox Game Pass will depend on the specific package you’re subscribed to. Here are some of the best benefits that you could take advantage of when you subscribe to an Xbox Game Pass plan.

1. Enjoy Exclusive Member Discounts and Deals

Along with access to hundreds of top-rated video games, you can also score some exclusive member discounts and promos, regardless of the Xbox Game Pass plan you’re subscribed to. 

2. Access to an EA Play Membership

When you subscribe to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate plan, you will automatically earn a membership to EA Play at no extra cost. EA Play provides you with exclusive access to Electronic Arts’ best-rated games, and gives you a discount when you purchase expansion packs and in-game currency on your favorite EA games.

3. Play Day One Releases

Get ahead of your friends and competition by playing brand new games the same day that they are released. If you are subscribed to any Xbox Game Pass deal, you will get immediate access to new video games and avoid the hassle of pre-ordering or lining up on a video game shop.

Drawbacks of Xbox Game Pass

The Xbox Game Pass is a play-all-you-can platform, and you literally have to play all you can to maximize what you get for your subscription. If you’re an avid gamer and you have tons of hours each day to spare for playing video games, then there is no doubt that you can get your money’s worth from your Xbox Game Pass subscription.

But the Xbox Game Pass may not be worth it for the following people:

  • People who don’t spend enough time gaming: If you don’t have enough time to explore the hundreds of games in the Xbox Game Pass library, then you won’t be able to enjoy the full perks of Game Pass.
  • People who only play one game for a very long time: If you tend to commit most of your gaming hours to just a single game, then chances are you might not get the full value of your paid subscription.

The Xbox Game Pass is still worth the price of a subscription even if you play a handful of games for several hours a week, especially considering that you just have to pay less than $10 monthly (or $15 for Ultimate) for that gigantic amount of video games.

Best Games on Xbox Game Pass

Halo: The Master Chief Collection
Xbox Game Studios

The amount of games available in the Xbox Game Pass library is astounding, but there are several titles that stand out among the pack. Here are some of the best games that you can find on Xbox Game Pass right now.

  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection
  • MLB The Show 22
  • Slay the Spire
  • UFC 4
  • Tunic
  • Forza Horizon 5
  • Mortal Kombat 11
  • A Plague Tale: Innocence
  • Among Us
  • Crusader Kings III
  • Paradise Killer
  • The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind
  • The Sims 4
  • Stardew Valley
  • Batman: Arkham Knight
  • Hollow Knight
  • Final Fantasy 13
  • Burnout Paradise Remastered
  • Minecraft
  • Age of Empires 4
  • Craftopia
  • Broken Age
  • Hitman Trilogy
  • It Takes Two

Can You Share an Xbox Game Pass Subscription?

Yes, you can share an Xbox game pass subscription. You will need to designate one device as the “Home” console by logging into your account with that device, and then sign into other devices with your Game Pass account to share the subscription with friends and family. Anyone who uses any of those devices can then access the Game Pass perks.

How Do I Cancel Xbox Game Pass?

If you need to cut down on your monthly budget or if you feel like you have already maximized your use of the Xbox Game Pass, canceling your subscription is an easy process. 

To cancel your subscription to the Xbox Game Pass, just follow these steps:

1. Head to the Services & Subscriptions page of your Xbox Game Pass account.

2. Then click on Manage next to the subscription plan that you want to cancel.

3. Click on the Cancel Subscription option or the Turn Off Recurring Billing button.

Moreover, requesting a refund for your Xbox Game Pass subscription is also possible. Gamers usually file for a refund when their subscription plan is auto-renewed, which forces them to pay a certain price even if they don’t want to renew their subscription, or if they are planning to switch to a different package. If you find yourself in this same situation, you can request a refund through the Xbox support page.

Is Xbox Game Pass Worth It?

xbox controller
Microsoft

The Xbox Game Pass is definitely worth it if you are an avid gamer and love trying out different games frequently. If you still don’t have a specific game that you want to play, or if you want to try out a new genre, then the hundreds of games in the Xbox Game Pass library will come in handy. Along with playing every game that you want to try, subscribing to an Xbox Game Pass plan will earn you free gifts that could come in the form of in-game currency that you can use in your favorite video games.

If you’re searching for discounts on Xbox video games and the Xbox platform doesn’t have one currently available, you can try looking at current deals for video games. Slickdeals has helped online shoppers save over $6.8 billion in the past 20 years, and we’re sure that you can score a deal with them as well.


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Slickdeals Staff

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