Xbox Game Pass could let subscribers pick which features they pay for

Microsoft's gaming division, Xbox, is reportedly preparing a significant change to its Game Pass video game subscription: instead of picking one of several fixed tiers, subscribers would assemble their own bundle of features. The change could make the service more appealing and more affordable for newcomers and existing customers alike, though it is unclear whether it alone can improve the company's fortunes.

Xbox has been in flux since Asha Sharma became head of the division in February. Since then it has seen layoffs, studio sales and changes to its core products and services. Separately, there is talk that its next-generation Project Helix consoles could start at $1,800.

Current Game Pass tiers

After a price increase in 2025, one of the first moves following Sharma's arrival was a price cut for Game Pass Ultimate, the most expensive tier. The current lineup is:

• Ultimate ($23 per month): over 500 games, day-one releases, bundled Fortnite Crew, EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics subscriptions, online multiplayer and up to 15 hours of game streaming.
• Premium ($15): over 200 games, online multiplayer and up to 10 hours of streaming.
• Essential ($10): over 50 games, online multiplayer and up to five hours of streaming.
• PC Game Pass ($14): over 300 PC games, day-one releases and a bundled EA Play subscription.

What the new approach might look like

In April, Windows Central reported that Xbox eventually hopes to offer a more flexible version of Game Pass in which users decide which content packages form part of their plan. For example, dropping a bundled service such as Fortnite Crew could lower the price.

In October, Fortune profiled Sharma and, citing people familiar with the strategy, reported that Xbox plans to let players choose features à la carte, including add-ons for console-only games, cloud gaming and multiplayer, within a tiered structure. How this would work in practice remains to be seen.

Xbox has also begun previewing a way for people without Game Pass to pay to stream games. Turning the rest of the service into optional separate payments would not necessarily simplify things for Xbox owners, but it would give them more control over what they spend.