REPORT: Microsoft Holds Off Game Pass Ultimate Price Increases In Certain Countries

Last week, Microsoft made the bold and controversial decision to increase the price of its top tier service, Game Pass Ultimate, by 50%, bringing its cost to $30 a month. This also comes shortly after announcing the price hike to its Series X and Series S consoles. even though the more expensive tier comes with revamped benefits, the decision sparked ire from consumers.

As reporting by Tom Warren of The Verge, it appears there will be a hold (for the time being) on the price jump in some countries. In emails that Game Pass subscribers in European regions have received, the price change will only affect new purchases and subscriptions, while omitting current customers in Germany, Ireland, Italy, South Korea, Poland, and India. The Verge confirms the email sent to some Ultimate subscribers is genuine.

“At this time, 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,” Microsoft states in an email sent to some Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. “Should you choose to cancel your plan and repurchase, you will be charged at the new current rate.”

This will not take effect in the US or the UK, of course. The current hold on the price hike appears to be the result of EU law and regulations on price changes for subscription services. There does not appear to be a full list of the countries that will fall under this policy. For the time being, if you're a Game Pass Ultimate subscriber that remains on auto-renew, to avoid the price change, don't cancel your service and re-up.

SOURCES: The Verge, Microsoft