Xbox Game Pass has continued to evolve over the past few years, giving you more ways to access games across console, PC, and cloud. What started as a simple subscription has grown into a multi-tiered service designed to fit different play styles and budgets, whether you play casually or spend most of your time gaming.
Today, Xbox Game Pass is available in three main plans: Essential, Premium, and Ultimate. Each tier offers a different level of access, ranging from online multiplayer and a curated game library to cloud gaming and expanded content depending on the plan.
Let’s take a closer look at Xbox Game Pass and what you should know before choosing the plan that works best for how you play.
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service for Xbox, PC, and cloud gaming, offering access to a rotating library of games, online multiplayer, and additional features depending on the plan you choose.
The service is built around flexibility, letting you play the way that works best for you. Whether you’re gaming on console, PC, or through the cloud, Xbox Game Pass offers options that scale with how and where you like to play.
Xbox Game Pass is currently available in three tiers:
Each tier builds on the one below it, adding more games, features, and access across devices.
Xbox Game Pass plans explained
Xbox Game Pass is available in three different plans, each designed to match how you prefer to play. Whether you focus on online multiplayer, want access to a larger game library, or like playing across console, PC, and cloud, there’s a tier that matches how you play.
Xbox Game Pass Essential focuses on online play and access to a rotating selection of games without requiring a larger library. It’s a straightforward option if you want the core Xbox experience, including online multiplayer and a simple game lineup.
Xbox Game Pass Premium is ideal if you want access to a much larger library and the flexibility to play across console, PC, and cloud. It includes hundreds of games, with new Xbox-published titles added after launch rather than on day one, along with in-game benefits and expanded cloud gaming features.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is best if you want full access across all platforms. It includes day-one Xbox releases, EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and the most complete cloud gaming experience available.
The chart below breaks down what each Xbox Game Pass plan includes so you can easily compare the differences at a glance.
| Feature | Essential | Premium | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online console multiplayer | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Game library | 50+ games | 200+ games | 400+ games |
| Cloud gaming | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Day one Xbox releases | — | Limited | ✓ |
| EA Play | — | — | ✓ |
| Ubisoft+ Classics | — | — | ✓ |
| In-game benefits | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rewards with Xbox | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PC, console, and cloud play | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
What games are included with Xbox Game Pass?
Game availability varies by tier, but all plans include access to a rotating library of games. The size of the library and the types of titles available depend on the plan you choose, with higher tiers offering access to more games, additional platforms, and select day-one releases.
The Game Pass catalog is updated regularly and includes a mix of major releases and smaller titles across console, PC, and cloud. Recent additions have included games such as Resident Evil Village, MIO: Memories in Orbit, Death Stranding Director’s Cut, Ninja Gaiden: Ragebound, The Talos Principle 2, and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine II, with availability varying by platform and subscription tier.
The chart below outlines what kind of game access you can expect with each Xbox Game Pass plan.
| Plan | Game Access |
|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass Essential | Access to a curated library of 50+ games, playable on console, PC, and cloud. The selection rotates over time. |
| Xbox Game Pass Premium | Access to 200+ games, including major releases and popular third-party titles. New games are added regularly. |
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | Access to 400+ games, including day-one Xbox first-party releases, EA Play titles, Ubisoft+ Classics, and cloud-enabled games across multiple devices. |
Game availability changes over time, and titles may rotate in and out of the service.
How much does Xbox Game Pass cost?
Xbox Game Pass pricing varies by plan and billing length. All subscriptions renew automatically unless cancelled, and available options may change over time.
Xbox Game Pass Pricing
| Plan | 1 Month | 3 Months | 6 Months | 12 Months |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass Essential | $13.99 | $34.99 | $55.99 | $109.99 |
| Xbox Game Pass Premium | $17.99 | $53.99 | — | — |
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | $33.99 | $101.99 | — | — |
Pricing and availability are subject to change.
How Do I Purchase Xbox Game Pass at Best Buy?
You can purchase Xbox Game Pass memberships directly through Best Buy. Xbox Game Pass subscriptions are available as digital downloads and can be redeemed to your Xbox account after purchase.
Best Buy currently offers several Xbox Game Pass options, depending on the plan you choose. These include:
- Xbox Game Pass Essential memberships
- Xbox Game Pass Premium memberships
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate memberships
Once redeemed, your subscription is applied to your Xbox account and provides access to the features included with your selected plan. This can include online multiplayer, access to the Game Pass library, cloud gaming, and additional member benefits depending on the tier.
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