With Xbox Game Pass Standard tier finally launching, which subscription should you get?

The US' FTC has previously called the new tier a "degraded product."

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Key notes

  • Xbox Game Pass Standard is now available for $14.99/month.
  • Standard lacks day-one releases but will get new titles later.
  • The lineup now includes Core, Standard, PC Game Pass, and Ultimate tiers.
Xbox Game Pass Standard

After months of anticipation, Microsoft has finally launched the Xbox Game Pass Standard tier. The new subscription plan costs $14.99/month, combining features from Game Pass for Console and Game Pass Core.

The Game Pass lineup now includes four tiers: Core ($9.99/month) for basic access, Standard ($14.99/month) for a larger game library for consoles, PC Game Pass ($11.99/month) with day-one releases and EA Play, and Ultimate ($19.99/month) which combines all features including day-one games and extra perks.

Confusing much? Here’s the chart that can help you choose which Game Pass tier suits you best:

Xbox Game Pass subscription tiers

Unlike the previous Game Pass for Console, this Standard tier does not include immediate access to new game releases but will eventually feature new first-party titles and other games later. But, still, it offers access to a broad library of games and online multiplayer for Xbox consoles.

“This plan brings together features that players love about Game Pass for Console and Game Pass Core, while providing an additional option when you are deciding which plan is right for you,” says Microsoft in the announcement.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has previously called out Microsoft for the Standard tier, calling it a “degraded product.” The agency believes that Microsoft is pushing users to switch to a more expensive or less valuable service, hence it’s also increasing the price of the Ultimate tier back in July.

You can subscribe to the Xbox Game Pass here.

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