The Benefits of Buying Xbox Game Pass

Both Game Pass tiers give you multiplayer and access to a catalog, but they have monthly costs

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Updated on December 6, 2023

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Xbox Game Pass vs. Xbox Network

Xbox consoles allow you to create a free Xbox Network account, which is the same thing as a Microsoft account. The basic service allows subscribers to access online multiplayer features in free-to-play games, download items from the Microsoft Store on Xbox, chat with friends one-on-one or in groups, and use popular entertainment apps like Netflix. It also provides access to apps like Skype and OneDrive.

Xbox Game Pass Core subscribers get all the basic perks, plus a few extras, including:

Access to online multiplayer for all games
Discounts on digital titles at Deals with Gold
Quicker access to demos and betas
Access to a catalog of a few dozen games to download and play at no additional cost.

Game Pass Ultimate is the more expensive of the two paid options, and it includes the following additional benefits:

An EA Play account
Access to the full Game Pass catalog, which contains hundreds of titles.
Use across both console and PC.

What Is Deals With Gold?

Deals with Gold is included with a Game Pass subscription, and it offers weekly discounts on select titles, add-ons, and more in the Microsoft Store. The savings typically range between 50-75% off.

How Much Does Xbox Game Pass Cost?

You typically pay for Game Pass monthly, and it renews automatically. Game Pass Core for PC or console costs $9.99 a month, and Ultimate runs $16.99 monthly. Core for PC and Ultimate also typically have discounts for new users in which the first two weeks cost $1 before the full price starts.

You can sign up for Game Pass in the Marketplace app on your Xbox console or on the Xbox Marketplace website. Like with Xbox Live Gold before it, you can also buy prepaid Game Pass membership cards from retailers. where you may also find discounts and sales on these.

Is Xbox Game Pass Worth It?

Overall, Game Pass is worth the price just for the game downloads and discounts, but you should pick the tier that's right for you.

If you play on both console and PC, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a great deal, despite its higher cost. The library is immense, and the benefits are worth it.

The Core option is better if you don't play that often but still want to game online with your friends. The library is much smaller, but that shouldn't bother more casual players.

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