How this translates to online sales is less certain. Retailers typically distribute digital codes via automated systems rather than manually, which means prices could potentially be adjusted more easily if new stock were issued. How this applies to codes already supplied by Microsoft, is still unclear.
Without clarification from GameStop, it remains unclear whether the unchanged price is the result of logistics, old inventory, or simply deliberate move to attract customers.
Interest in prepaid codes still at pre-hike prices rose sharply following Microsoft's announcement, as subscribers looked for ways to avoid the changes.
Game Pass Ultimate membership time can be stacked on a single account for up to 36 months, and many fans immediately sought to lock in the lower rate before the changes took effect.
We calculated that securing three years in advance would cost $719.88, or effectively $239.96 per year.
While this is a considerable cost, it represents a saving of $359.76 compared with the new monthly rate of $29.99, which brings the three-year total to an eye-watering $1,079.64.
This figure reflects the maximum saving possible, although many subscribers are potentially more likely to commit to shorter periods such as three months or a year.
This is not the first time Game Pass prices have changed either, but it does mark the first siginficant jump. In July 2024, Microsoft increased the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in the US from $16.99 to $19.99 a month, an 18 percent rise.
Now, 14 months later the cost has climbed even more notably, with a massive 50 percent increase that adds $120 a year. As part of the announcement, Microsoft also added more than 45 new games to Game Pass, and you can check out the full list here.
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