Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
News, coverage and analysis tracking Xbox Game Pass Ultimate across the outlets.- May 2026 Looks Like a Massive Month for the Now Cheaper Xbox Game PassMicrosoft has revealed the first wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in May 2026. The lineup includes several major titles, indicating a strong month for the subscription service.
Xbox Mode Starts Rolling Out For Windows 11 PCs TodayMicrosoft has begun rolling out "Xbox Mode" for Windows 11 PCs, offering a console-inspired interface that prioritizes game libraries and controller navigation. This feature, previously seen on the ASUS ROG Ally X, aims to provide a streamlined gaming experience by aggregating titles from Xbox Game Pass and other PC storefronts. Microsoft plans to continue refining Xbox Mode based on user feedback.- Xbox Mode Arrives on Windows 11 PCs with Controller-Focused Full-Screen UI; I Guess That's Cool?Microsoft has begun rolling out Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs, introducing a full-screen, controller-focused user interface. This mode integrates the user's game library, including Xbox Game Pass titles and games from other PC storefronts, into a simplified layout designed for easier navigation with a controller.
Steam Controller Won’t Support Xbox Game Pass at Launch, Frustrating PC GamersValve's new Steam Controller faces criticism for lacking native support for Xbox Game Pass at launch, primarily due to its reliance on Steam Input. This limitation prevents its advanced features from working seamlessly with games outside the Steam ecosystem, frustrating PC gamers who use Game Pass. While workarounds may exist, the controller's $99 price point and competition from the more universally compatible Xbox Wireless Controller raise questions about its market appeal.
Xbox Game Pass Gets Cozy New Home with Discord Nitro BundleA leaked report indicates Microsoft is planning to bundle a new 'Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition' with Discord Nitro subscriptions. This new tier will reportedly include over 50 games and limited cloud streaming capabilities. The partnership aims to leverage Discord's existing user base and subscription model to expand Game Pass reach.
Leak claims a new Xbox Game Pass tier called 'Starter Edition' that includes '50+ games' and more will be bundled with Discord NitroA leak suggests Microsoft is planning a new Xbox Game Pass tier called 'Starter Edition' that will be bundled with Discord Nitro subscriptions. This tier reportedly includes over 50 games, 10 hours of monthly cloud gaming, and Xbox rewards. This news follows recent price adjustments to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Leaked Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition looks to bundle a small library of games with your Discord Nitro membershipLeaked information suggests Microsoft is planning a new 'Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition' tier. This edition would reportedly bundle a selection of over 50 games with a Discord Nitro subscription, aiming to attract new users to Game Pass. The offering is expected to be similar to the current Game Pass Essential tier, including limited cloud gaming access and Xbox Rewards points, though pricing details are currently unknown.
"Game Pass Starter Edition" For Discord Nitro Members LeaksA leak suggests that Discord Nitro members will soon receive a 'Game Pass Starter Edition' offering over 50 games and 10 hours of Xbox Cloud streaming per month. The leaked art also indicates titles like Gears 5, Dishonored 2, and Fallout 4 could be included. Microsoft has been contacted for comment regarding this potential new tier of Game Pass.
Xbox Teases Collaboration With DiscordXbox is collaborating with Discord to make Xbox Game Pass more accessible and flexible for players. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma hinted at upcoming details and potential code sightings related to this partnership. This news follows reports of Microsoft considering a cheaper Game Pass tier focused on first-party titles due to concerns about the current subscription cost.
Xbox Game Pass vs PS Plus: Was Sony Right All Along?This analysis questions the long-term viability of Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription model, particularly after recent price increases and the decision to remove Call of Duty from day-one access. It contrasts this with Sony's PlayStation Plus strategy, which prioritizes later inclusion of first-party titles and offers a more affordable tier. The article suggests Sony's initial reluctance to adopt a Game Pass-like model may have been prescient, highlighting the economic challenges of offering a vast library of games on demand.
Xbox Game Pass "Pick-Your-Own" Plan Being Considered - ReportMicrosoft is reportedly considering a new 'pick-your-own' plan for Xbox Game Pass, aiming to offer greater flexibility to subscribers. This potential change aligns with previous statements from Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma about evolving the service. While no concrete details or guarantees exist, the idea could allow users to customize their subscription based on desired content and services.- Microsoft's new college deal is a half-hearted answer to the $500 MacBook NeoMicrosoft has launched the "Microsoft College Offer," a bundle aimed at students that includes Microsoft 365 Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a custom Xbox controller, and a discounted laptop. This offer is a response to Apple's new MacBook Neo, providing a value proposition that includes deals on devices from manufacturers like HP, ASUS, Acer, and Lenovo, as well as Microsoft's own Surface line.
'Game Pass has become too expensive for players' says leaked memo as Xbox CEO plans to 'evolve' the…Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has acknowledged in a leaked memo that Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive for players. Sharma plans to evolve the service into a more flexible system, indicating that the current model is not final. This comes after Microsoft increased Game Pass prices in October.
Xbox Game Pass "has become too expensive for players," new CEO reportedly admits in leaked memoNew Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma has reportedly acknowledged in a leaked memo that Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive for players. Sharma aims to evolve the subscription service into a more flexible system, suggesting a need for better value and potentially cheaper options in the short term.
How Payment Preferences Differ Between U.S. And Canadian Online PlayersOnline payment preferences significantly differ between U.S. and Canadian players, with Canadians favoring faster, more integrated domestic systems like Interac e-Transfer, while U.S. players often face slower bank approvals and lower credit card completion rates. The article highlights the growing importance of digital wallets and cryptocurrency in gaming transactions, driven by mobile-first strategies and a desire for privacy and speed, with regulated markets like Ontario showing strong growth in iGaming.
Indie Pass Is a Brand New Subscription Service Just for IndiesA new subscription service called Indie Pass has launched, offering a curated collection of indie games for $6.99 per month. The service features its own launcher and promises to add new titles regularly, with a portion of fees going to creators. Currently, Indie Pass is exclusive to PC.
Donkey Kong Bananza has a big-brained approach to asset recyclingRumors suggest Microsoft is considering a new tier for Xbox Game Pass that would focus on a catalog of first-party games. The article also briefly mentions Donkey Kong Bananza's approach to asset recycling.- Xbox Game Pass May Receive A New Tier Focused On Offering A Catalog Of First-Party GamesMicrosoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription service is reportedly planning to introduce a new tier. This potential tier would focus on offering a catalog of first-party games to subscribers.
Xbox Game Pass May Receive A New Tier Focused On Offering A Catalog Of First-Party GamesRumors suggest Microsoft is considering a new tier for Xbox Game Pass that would focus on providing access to a catalog of first-party games. This potential offering comes as PlayStation is running its Spring Sale, featuring discounts on over 5,400 items, including many AAA titles.
Netflix Is Getting More Expensive, And That Impacts Games, TooNetflix has increased the prices for all three of its subscription tiers, impacting both its streaming services and its growing library of mobile games. The Standard With Ads plan is now $9, Standard is $20, and Premium is $27 per month. This follows similar price hikes from other subscription services, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.