Microsoft Pushes Back Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Price Increase for Certain Users
Microsoft has announced a temporary pause on the planned price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in certain countries,according to The Verge. Last week, the company revealed a 50% hike in the subscription’s cost, but this change will currently only apply to new subscribers, leaving existing customers in markets such as Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Poland, and India unaffected for the time being.
The company clarified in an email to some subscribers that “these increases will only affect new purchases and will not affect your current subscription for the market in which you reside, as long as you are on an auto-recurring plan.” If a subscriber cancels and then re-subscribes, however, they would be charged the new, higher rate.
Kari Perez, head of Xbox communications, confirmed to The Verge that the email is legitimate. The policy does not impact subscribers in the US or UK. She explained that current subscribers in these select countries will continue renewing at their existing price in accordance with local regulations, and Microsoft will provide advance notice before any adjustments take effect.
The temporary delay in the price hike appears linked to local regulations governing subscription services. In Ireland, for instance, subscribers with auto-renew enabled will maintain their €17.99 monthly rate rather than switching immediately to the new €26.99 price. Microsoft indicated that subscribers will receive a minimum 60-day notice before any price changes occur, meaning the update won’t take effect for at least two months.
Previously, Microsoft had stated that the new pricing would begin on October 1 for new subscribers and take effect for current subscribers at their next billing cycle, likely around November 4. The company’s revised approach represents a shift from that initial plan, aiming to accommodate local compliance requirements and ensure transparency for customers.
Subscribers in Poland, Ireland, Italy, Germany, and South Korea have reported receiving Microsoft’s emails regarding the delayed price changes. While the company’s adjustment only postpones the increase, it underscores Microsoft’s commitment to keeping users informed and maintaining fairness in subscription billing amid global regulatory differences.
