Xbox Game Pass Testing Yet Another Tier of the Service

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Xbox Game Pass Testing Yet Another Tier of the Service

Highlights

  • Xbox Game Pass is testing a new Standard tier, offering different game options for users to explore their preferences.
  • New Xbox Insiders can access the Standard tier for $1/month during the preview, with pricing set to increase to $14.99/month.
  • Xbox Game Pass Standard offers “hundreds” of console games but no day one launches, differentiating it from other tiers with unique benefits and prices.

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent navigating the vast digital landscapes of Xbox, I must admit my curiosity is piqued by the new Xbox Game Pass Standard tier. Having dabbled in all tiers, from Core to Ultimate, I’ve seen the benefits and drawbacks each one offers.

The Xbox Game Pass team is currently trialing a standard version of the service with a limited number of gamers. These chosen players will get to explore the variety of games available and decide if this level suits their needs, or if they require a different tier based on the offerings.

Originally announced in the summer, the Xbox Game Pass for Console is being phased out and replaced with an Xbox Game Pass Standard tier. Current members on the Xbox Game Pass for Console will be able to continue their subscription as usual, but new sign-ups or reactivations won’t be accepted for the older version. Since the Xbox Game Pass Standard hasn’t been released yet, this is your chance to test it out before everyone else.

Effective August 20th, Xbox Insiders can now sign up for a discounted Xbox Game Pass Standard tier. During this preview phase, the monthly subscription fee has been significantly reduced to only $1 instead of the anticipated $14.99. As long as the preview continues, subscribers will be able to keep their subscription at this low price. Once the trial ends, all users will pay $14.99 USD per month regardless of their Xbox Insider status. Eligible for this trial are Xbox Insiders who already have a Game Pass for Console subscription, PC Game Pass, or Game Pass Core members with less than two months stacked in their accounts.

What Makes Xbox Game Pass Standard Different?

Over time, Xbox Game Pass will offer four subscription tiers, starting with the most fundamental Core plan and progressing up to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier. The higher tiers, including Ultimate and PC options, continue to receive new games on their release day. However, the Core and Standard tiers will not receive day-one releases. The variety of playable games will also vary. Xbox Game Pass Standard provides access to hundreds of console games, while Core guarantees a minimum of 25. Games that launch on Ultimate’s day one may become available on Standard at a later date, up to 12 months after release.

Certainly, each tier of Xbox Game Pass offers different advantages, and their respective prices vary as well. The entry-level Core plan costs $9.99 per month. Following the Xbox Insider preview, the Standard plan will be priced at $14.99 monthly. For PC users, the subscription is $11.99 a month, while Ultimate currently goes for $19.99 a month.

As an ardent Xbox gamer, I’m eagerly awaiting the launch of the new Xbox Game Pass tier. One of the key attractions of the current service is its access to day one titles, a feature that the upcoming tier seems to be lacking. However, with its lower price point, it could potentially win over some gamers. It’s hard to say if users will find the tier valuable until it’s officially unveiled. For now, this dollar-a-month offer for Xbox Game Pass Standard is a fantastic chance for Xbox Insiders like me to test it out and provide feedback that can help mold the future of our gaming environment.

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2024-08-21 01:13