GameStop to Keep Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at $19.99 Monthly Amid Price Hike – What Gamers Need to Know!

Microsoft has raised the price of its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate memberships from $19.99 to $29.99 per month. Along with this change, they also updated other membership tiers.

GameStop jumped in quickly. They announced on Twitter/X that they will keep selling the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at the old price of $19.99 both online and in stores. This move lets fans avoid the price hike for now. Other major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy have not made similar announcements and are still listing the subscription at the old rate.

The reasons for GameStop’s decision could vary. Some fans speculate that they might be working with older inventory codes that show the old price. These codes are typically printed with their values, making it tricky to raise prices on remaining stock.

Online sales dynamics might tell a different story. Retailers often adjust digital code prices automatically, so new stock could reflect the price hike more easily. However, it’s unclear how this affects codes issued before the price change.

Interest in pre-paid codes surged after Microsoft’s announcement. Many subscribers are trying to lock in lower rates before the hike takes effect. It’s possible to stack Game Pass membership time for up to 36 months, and some are choosing to secure long-term subscriptions despite the cost.

A three-year membership now costs $719.88. While that’s a steep investment, it’s a saving of $359.76 compared to the new monthly rate, which totals an astounding $1,079.64 over three years. However, many might prefer shorter commitments of three to twelve months.

This isn’t the first price hike for Game Pass. In July 2024, Microsoft raised the price from $16.99 to $19.99, marking an 18% increase. Now, just over a year later, there is a significant 50% jump, amounting to an extra $120 annually. Interestingly, this price rise comes alongside the addition of over 45 new games to Game Pass.

Here’s a quick look at the new pricing tiers:

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: $29.99/month
• Xbox Game Pass Premium: $14.99/month
• Xbox Game Pass Essential: $9.99/month
• PC Game Pass: $16.49/month

Gaming analysts have noted that rising subscription prices reflect broader trends across the industry, as companies seek to capitalize on growing user bases. According to a recent report by Statista, subscription-based gaming services are projected to reach $4.5 billion by 2026, highlighting the increasing importance of these models for studios.

As players respond to the changes, social media discussions highlight mixed opinions. Some gamers are unhappy about the increases, while others focus on the value added by new game additions.

For now, it seems GameStop and a few others are expert at navigating these price changes, keeping the older rates for longer. It remains to be seen how this strategy will affect sales as gamers weigh their options in a shifting market.

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