New Xbox Game Pass changes being considered by Microsoft

Microsoft may bundle more third-party services into Xbox Game Pass and merge Premium with PC tiers, but don't expect changes until after 2026. The company just raised Ultimate to $29.99 monthly in October.

Microsoft is reportedly considering further changes to Xbox Game Pass, including bundling more third-party services and potentially merging the Xbox Game Pass Premium tier with PC Game Pass, according to a new report by Insider Gaming citing Tom Warren of The Verge. However, no changes to the subscription service are expected in 2026.

What changes are being considered

The reported changes focus on two main areas: expanding third-party service bundles and restructuring subscription tiers. Microsoft is allegedly experimenting with adding more third-party services to Game Pass subscriptions beyond the current offerings. Game Pass Ultimate already includes Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, and EA Play alongside its game library.

The company is also reportedly considering merging Xbox Game Pass Premium, the second-tier offering, with PC Game Pass. Currently, PC Game Pass costs $16.49 per month and restricts access to PC only, without cloud gaming or console support that higher tiers provide.

No immediate changes expected

Despite these reported considerations, Tom Warren indicates no changes to Xbox Game Pass are anticipated during 2026. This comes after Microsoft implemented significant changes in October 2025, increasing Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99 per month whilst adding nearly 50 games and committing to over 75 day-one releases annually.

The company is reportedly still seeing growth in PC Game Pass subscriptions, which may influence the timing of any structural changes to the service.

Future Xbox hardware context

These potential Game Pass changes come as Microsoft plans its next-generation Xbox hardware. AMD recently suggested the next Xbox console could launch in 2027, potentially as a PC-console hybrid device.

In 2025, Microsoft expanded into the handheld market with ROG Ally Xbox devices, showing the company's commitment to diversifying its gaming hardware portfolio beyond traditional consoles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What changes are reportedly coming to Xbox Game Pass?

Microsoft is reportedly considering bundling more third-party services with subscriptions and potentially merging Xbox Game Pass Premium with PC Game Pass, according to sources.

When are these Xbox Game Pass changes expected?

No changes to Xbox Game Pass are expected in 2026, according to Tom Warren of The Verge who reported on the potential modifications.

What does Xbox Game Pass Ultimate currently include?

Game Pass Ultimate costs $29.99 monthly and includes console, PC and cloud gaming plus Fortnite Crew, EA Play, and Ubisoft+ Classics subscriptions.

How much does PC Game Pass cost?

PC Game Pass currently costs $16.49 per month and provides access to games on PC only, without cloud gaming or console support.

Why aren't changes expected in 2026?

Microsoft recently implemented major changes in October 2025 and is still seeing growth in PC Game Pass subscriptions, suggesting no immediate restructuring is needed.