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Game Pass is one of the most worthwhile extras you can add to your Xbox Series X/S or even your PC gaming setup. From the get-go, each tier of the online game subscription is worth its default cost, but the last wave of price increases put extra pressure on finding a worthwhile Game Pass discount.
Microsoft announced on October 1 2025, that Game Pass was going through some changes, with the most notable difference being in price. A month of Game Pass Ultimate, which was $19.99 was then $29.99, a 50% increase that brought the value of Game Pass into question more than ever before. Microsoft must have heard our cries, as this was followed by an announcement on April 21 2026, that the Ultimate tier was dropping down to $22.99 a month instead.
This came with some caveats, as future Call of Duty titles will no longer join Game Pass at launch, and it's still not as affordable as it used to be. If you're still looking for Game Pass savings, Newegg and Loaded (formerly CDKeys) at least are still providing discounts on the gaming service, though they aren't always in stock. So you can still keep your Game Pass outgoings as low as possible in the face of these changing prices, we've rounded up all the latest Xbox Game Pass Ultimate deals and what games you can expect to play, down below.
What's new on Xbox Game Pass for May 2026?
Xbox Game Pass adds more games to its collection every month. This digital care package is usually several games strong, and depending on your membership, you can get games for Xbox Series X / S, Xbox One, or PC.
To give you a head start on everything coming your way this month, you'll find all the new games currently announced for May in the list below:
- Final Fantasy V (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC)
- Forza Horizon 6 (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – May 19
- Ben 10 Power Trip (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 6
- Descenders Next (Game Preview) (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 6
- Wheel World (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – May 6
- Wildgate (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – May 6
- Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC) – May 6
- Mixtape (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – May 7
- Outbound (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 11
- Black Jacket (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – May 12
- Call of the Elder Gods (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld and PC) – May 12
- Elite Dangerous (Cloud and Console) – May 12
- DOOM: The Dark Ages (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – May 14
- Subnautica 2 (Game Preview) (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – May 14
The best Xbox Game Pass Ultimate deals
If you want to combine your Xbox Game Pass PC and Console subscriptions and pick up some Live Gold months as well, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate deals are a much better value pick. While a little pricier than the single Game Pass subscriptions, you'll find all the lowest prices for three month subscriptions just below.
Best Xbox Game Pass Deals FAQ
Is there an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 12 month subscription?
There is currently no official Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 12-month subscription, with many retailers only offering one or three-month cards. However, these codes are stackable, so you can load up and not have to think about your library for a full year.
How to drop the Xbox Game Pass price to $1
There is no way to drop the Xbox Game Pass price to $1 without Microsoft's introductory price, which starts and stops throughout the year. In 2022, we did see this price return during Black Friday sales, so that's worth keeping an ear out for this year. The trial allowed anyone to try out Xbox Game Pass for a month at a reduced rate before being enrolled in the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which then originally only cost $14.99 a month.
Is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price worth it?
If you're at all interested in keeping up with the latest first-party Xbox releases, or exploring the massive back catalogue of first and third-party titles on the system, Xbox Game Pass is definitely worth it. However, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate price is a little higher now, and it's worth considering whether you're going to be using the additional features it includes.
If you're not going to be playing online (remember, Microsoft doesn't require a Live Gold subscription for free-to-play titles anymore), and you don't expect to be buying too many games from the store outright, the Game Pass Ultimate price might not be for you and you're better off sticking with the skinnier subscription.
Did the prices of Xbox Game Pass go up?
On October 1, 2025, Xbox announced that the prices of various Game Pass tiers would increase to reflect the "expanded catalog", which included Ultimate increasing to $29.99 a month in the US.
Standard subscribers' prices will remain at $14.99, however that tier is now named 'Premium'. Meanwhile, Xbox Game Pass Core subscriber prices will remain at $9.99 but will be known as the new 'Essential' tier.
The price of Game Pass Ultimate was then amended by Microsoft again on April 26, 2026, dropping from its $29.99 monthly cost to $22.99 instead. Meanwhile, PC Game Pass was also announced to drop from $16.49 to $13.99 a month starting from the same date.
You'll also find plenty of the best Xbox Series X controllers to complement your Game Pass subscription in our handy guide. Check out our best Xbox Series X headsets and best Xbox Series X accessories if you want the best Xbox peripherals at your disposal.
