Love video games? Xbox Game Pass is your ticket to unlimited access to more than 200 games from Xbox One, Xbox 360, Xbox and Xbox Live Arcade. The service launched in June 2017, offering gamers a huge selection of titles for one low monthly subscription fee. Think of it like a Netflix-style subscription service for video games.
What can I play on Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass offers a large selection of games from major studios like 2K Games, SEGA, Capcom, Square Enix, Bethesda and Bandai Namco. It also, of course, includes major titles published by Xbox Game Studios themselves. Currently the selection of 200+ Xbox games features heavy-hitters like Monster Hunter: World, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Resident Evil 5, Crackdown 3, and Just Cause 4.
It’s not just older Xbox Game Studios games that are available though. The service includes all new exclusive Xbox games from first-party studios the same day they launch. That means upcoming blockbusters like Gears 5, Ori and the Will of the Wisp, Battletoads and Halo Infinite can be yours to play with Xbox Game Pass. Talk about great value!
Xbox Game Pass also features older Xbox 360, Xbox Live Arcade and Xbox games to further bolster its value. That means you get three generations of gaming all in one subscription service. So, you can play your favourite Xbox 360 games including Saints Row: The Third, Banjo Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, and Gears of War 1-3. Moreover, Xbox classics such as Fuzion Frenzy, Ninja Gaiden Black and Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic are all available to play.
One thing to keep in mind—Xbox Game Pass isn’t the same as purchasing the games outright. A handful of games rotate in and out of the service each month, so if you want permanent ownership, you’ll need to purchase games like you normally would. There’s no need to worry though as Xbox gives plenty of notice when any changes are made, and discounts are offered if you decide to buy the game while it’s in the Game Pass library.
Xbox Game Pass Subscription
Currently, Xbox Game Pass is only available on Xbox One consoles. However, there are many Xbox Play Anywhere titles that you can play on your PC as well. It’s easy to find the service on your Xbox—simply go to the Xbox Games Store located on last tab of the Xbox One dashboard. There you’ll find Xbox Game Pass and can browse through the library, which currently stands at a little over 200 games.
In order to access the service you’ll need an Xbox Game Pass subscription card, available on BestBuy.ca. I also recommend getting an Xbox Live Gold membership, as you’ll need that to play the online portions of the games. Xbox Live Gold subscriptions currently come in 3-Month, 6-Month, and 12-Month duration.
Xbox also offers a 14-day free trial of Game Pass if want to try before you buy.
Titles coming to Xbox Game Pass in 2019
As mentioned, the big news is all future exclusive Xbox games will be coming to Game Pass. Here’s a look at what you can expect:
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
From the creators of Ori and the Blind Forest, comes the highly anticipated sequel Ori and the Will of the Wisps. You’ll embark on an adventure with all-new combat and customization options while exploring a vast and exotic world. During your adventure, you’ll encountering larger-than-life enemies and challenging puzzles.
Gears 5
Get ready to travel across the biggest, most beautiful Gears world ever created. Play solo or with a friend in local split-screen co-op, or online co-op. And, you’ll experience every mode in glorious 4K Ultra HD resolution with stunning HDR at a smooth 60 frames per second on Xbox One X.
Battletoads
Another huge game coming in 2019 to Xbox Game Pass is Battletoads. As a fan of the series dating back to 1991, I’ve been waiting for a new game for over 20 years. Officially announced at E3 2018, Batteloads features genre mash-ups, 3-player couch co-op and 4K hand-drawn 2.5D graphics.Â
Xbox Game Pass Essentials
Want to get the most out of your Xbox Game Pass experience? Here are a few essentials I recommend having:
Xbox One Wireless Controller
Let’s start with the obvious: an Xbox One Wireless Controller. Xbox’s standard controller is one of the best on the market—and I usually keep two or three around the house. Not only will you want additional controllers for local multiplayer games, but it’s always good to have a spare handy. Xbox has controllers in a variety of colours, so you can pick one that fits your personal style!
Xbox One Charge & Play Kit
You can power your Xbox Wireless Controllers with AA batteries, but the Charge & Play Kit is a better solution. With it you’ll be fully powered to game for hours, and it saves on money over time. Plus, since it’s a reusable battery it’s better for the environment, now that’s win-win! What’s really convenient is you can charge your controller while you play, meaning you won’t miss a second of the action.
Xbox One Gaming Headset
Many games on Xbox Game Pass have online features you can play with friends. Party chat is therefore essential and I recommend picking up an Xbox One Gaming Headset. Whether it’s banding together for Sea of Thieves or getting competitive with Crackdown 3, you’ll appreciate having this headset for communicating.
Are you a current Xbox Game Pass subscriber? Thinking of subscribing? Let me know in the comments below your thoughts on the service!
