Xbox Game Pass is one of the most popular gaming subscription services right now. It gives players access to a large library of games on Xbox consoles and PC for a monthly fee. Over the years, this has made Game Pass a great option for gamers who want variety without spending too much upfront.

However, the service hasn’t always remained affordable. Since its launch, Microsoft has increased the price multiple times. The most recent hike pushed Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99 per month, which many players felt was too expensive. There was a lot of backlash, with users questioning whether the service still offered good value.

Xbox Game Pass new pricing in April 2026

Now, Microsoft has finally responded. After listening to feedback, the company has announced a price drop (shortly after a leaked memo revealed its plans). Starting now, Game Pass Ultimate is down to $22.99 per month, while PC Game Pass now costs $13.99 instead of $16.49. Premium and Essential tiers remain at the same price as their October 2025 introduction.

There is a catch, though. Microsoft has confirmed that future Call of Duty games will no longer be available on Game Pass at launch. This is a major change, especially since day-one releases are one of the biggest reasons people subscribe to the Ultimate and PC Game Pass tiers. Instead, new Call of Duty titles will arrive on Game Pass almost a year after their release. Existing Call of Duty games, however, will remain in the library.

By removing day-one access to one of the biggest franchises, Microsoft has been able to bring the subscription cost down. For players who don’t care much about Call of Duty, this is obviously great news. They get a cheaper subscription while still having access to a large library of games and other benefits like cloud gaming and online multiplayer. This move also marks a big step under the leadership of Xbox’s new CEO, Asha Sharma.

About the Author

Abdul Haddi

Abdul is a tech writer and Editor for PC Guide, specializing in all things tech, gaming, and hardware.