It’s a running joke that since Game Pass is a really good deal, it’s hard not to sounds like a shilling for Microsoft when talking about it. But compared to competing services, including PlayStation Plus and, to a lesser extent, Nintendo Switch Online, Game Pass is undeniably good value. It offers subscribers a rotating catalog of good games, including AAA grade games (including Forza Motorsport And starfield) and lots of great indie titles. You can also get exclusive offers on titles that you want to permanently add to your library.
In case you’re not already a Game Pass subscriber, we’ve created this post that includes everything you need to know about the various perks and games that each subscription comes with, and how much a subscription costs.
- Available on Xbox One, Series X and Series S consoles
- Instant access to new Xbox Game Studio releases
- Exclusive discounts and offers
- Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer is not included
- Riot Game Pass Benefits
The console-exclusive version of Game Pass, simply called Xbox Game Pass, has a membership fee of $9.99 per month. This version of Game Pass is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series What is missing is online multiplayer access for most games (Fourteen days does not require any subscription to play online, for example). However, you still get access to the same discounts on titles you may want to purchase.
Riot Games also includes Additional Benefits for Game Pass subscribers in the form of in-game bonuses that include XP boosts and access to new characters for games like Appreciation, League of LegendsAnd Teamfight Tactics.
- Available on Windows 10/11 PCs
- Instant access to new Xbox Game Studio releases
- Exclusive discounts and offers
- Riot Game Pass Benefits
- Standard EA Play Membership (typically $4.99 per month)
PC Game Pass costs the same as the console-exclusive version of Game Pass ($9.99)and offers many of the same benefits. While PC Game Pass doesn’t technically come with an Xbox Live Gold membership, you don’t need it to play online for free.
An important addition to PC Game Pass is an EA Play membership. EA game is similar to Game Pass in that it offers unlimited access to a library of EA properties e.g Driving me crazy, FIFA, The Simsand more, plus 10% off everything in the EA Play library. EA Play members also have the option to try select EA games for up to 10 hours before committing to a purchase. It’s a pretty nice perk to have this included with the subscription.
- Available on Windows 10/11 PCs and Xbox consoles
- Instant access to new Xbox Game Studio releases
- Exclusive discounts and offers
- Riot Game Pass Benefits
- Standard EA Play Membership (typically $4.99/month)
- Xbox Live Gold Membership (typically $9.99/month)
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Access to Xbox Cloud Gaming
Game Pass Ultimate bundles all the benefits of other Game Pass tiers and includes one membership Xbox LiveGold
Xbox Cloud Gaming lets you stream hundreds of titles straight to your PC. Android device or iPhone, provided you have a strong internet connection. Some games support using a touchscreen as a controller, or you can connect a controller for a more console-like experience. When you make a call, the spine one is a great option, as is simply plugging one in wireless Xbox controller via Bluetooth.
Cloud gaming is still evolving as it relies heavily on a strong and consistent internet connection for the best experience. Regardless, it’s still a cool way to experience games on the go, especially ones you might not otherwise have access to such as older Xbox-exclusive bangers Crimson Skies: The Road to Vengeanceor Blinx: The Time Sweeper.
