Microsoft has rolled out its latest subscription offering: Xbox Game Pass Standard, which replaces the old Game Pass for Console tier. This new membership plan aims to deliver access to hundreds of games at a lower monthly price, yet it also introduces significant changes to what players can expect from their subscription.
Launched at $14.99 per month, Game Pass Standard provides subscribers with gameplay benefits reminiscent of its predecessor, allowing access to popular games including Halo, Age of Empires, Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege. Subscribers will still enjoy perks like online multiplayer and member discounts, making it appealing for those seeking gaming value.
Yet, this enticing array of perks doesn't come without sacrifices. Unlike previous Game Pass offerings, Game Pass Standard lacks immediate access to first-party day-one releases—a previously cherished benefit. Games like Starfield, Hellblade II, and Diablo 4, which have become staple offerings for Xbox Game Pass, are no longer available under this new tier, much to the dismay of long-time fans.
This move follows Microsoft's earlier announcements about sweeping changes to Xbox Game Pass, which confirmed the removal of day-one releases for subscribers of its revised basic tier. With the new system, day-one releases are now the exclusive benefit of the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which is priced at $19.99 per month.
Subscribers who previously had access to games on Xbox Game Pass for Console will find over 40 titles, including major releases, missing from the new Standard catalogue. Some notable absences include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, Diablo 4, and Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. Instead, the catalogue has been stripped down to include quite the limited selection compared to what players are used to.
Megan Spurr, senior community lead for Game Pass, stated, "Some games coming to Game Pass Ultimate (day one games or other entries) will not be immediately available with Game Pass Standard and may be added to the library at a future date, which could be up to 12 months or more and will vary by title." This suggests not only are players missing out now, but they could remain in the dark for quite some time about when, or if, these games are ever reinstated.
Interestingly, changes made to the Game Pass structure also reflect some nuances concerning Microsoft's other service offerings. The Game Pass PC membership remains unaffected, consistently providing day-one releases, along with the traditional offerings from Game Pass Ultimate. This cohesion within the systems creates a layered gaming ecosystem, where PC and Ultimate subscribers enjoy the full benefits, yet console players may feel squeezed with limited options.
For gamers used to the previous setup, this transition could feel quite jarring. After all, the allure of day-one releases, those eagerly awaited titles like Starfield, played no small part in the appeal of the Game Pass offering. New subscribers must now decide whether they’ll opt for the more expensive Ultimate plan if they want to enjoy these titles as soon as they launch.
With the launch of Game Pass Standard, existing subscribers of Xbox Game Pass for Console will maintain access to day-one games, but new arrivals who hoped to jump on board at the lower tier will have to rethink their strategy if they want the latest games. Clearly, Microsoft has revamped its approach, ideal for cost-conscious gamers who are willing to wait for their favorite titles.
Microsoft's shift to Game Pass Standard coincides with both changes in pricing—which have seen increases for Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers—as well as the rebranding of Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass Core, the entry-level tier priced at $9.99. This level grants access to over 25 games and online multiplayer gameplay.
So, is the new Xbox Game Pass Standard worth it? For players who are less concerned about grabbing the latest and greatest titles on launch day, it offers substantial gaming value at an attractive price point. But for those who want to stay at the forefront of gaming or are particularly eager about the upcoming high-profile releases, it may warrant some reconsideration of what tier aligns best with their gaming lifestyle.
And with Microsoft's ambitions for its gaming platform continuing to grow, it'll be interesting to see how this new plan evolves and whether it draws more gamers to the Xbox ecosystem, or whether it alienates them with its stripped-back offerings. Only time will tell how these changes play out and what recommendations players and consumers will make based on their experiences.
