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Following the company's recent declaration of an extensive restructuring of its Game Pass plans, the tech giant has clarified what these changes signify for gamers who currently hold an legacy Console subscription in effect. As stated by Xbox, anyone who currently maintains a legacy Console subscription with recurring payments enabled will remain unaffected by the updated cost adjustments.

Recent Updates to Xbox Game Pass Subscription Plans

Earlier this week, Xbox announced that its top-tier plan will now cost $29.99 monthly, a controversial move among subscribers. This change comes with two renamed tiers—Essential and Premium—which modify the service's offerings and do not include new titles at launch. The move came after a prior change in 2024, which phased out the Console plan in favor of Core and Standard tiers. Back then, Xbox allowed existing members on the Console plan to keep their subscription at the unchanged price of $11 per month with full benefits, including the ability to play day-one releases.

“Players who are currently subscribed to the Console plan and have recurring billing activated can continue their subscription,” an Xbox spokesperson stated. “If players disable recurring payments, or their membership expires, they will have to choose between the Essential, Premium, Ultimate, or PC Game Pass plans when rejoining.”

Benefits and Pricing Remain Unchanged

Benefits and pricing of the legacy subscription will not be changing, according to Xbox: “Day one games are available with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass plans, as well as for members who continue to hold an active Game Pass for Console. Players who are currently subscribed to the Console plan and have automatic payment renewal turned on can continue their membership at $10.99 per month.”

Upon inquiry, a company representative did not confirm how long grandfathered Console plans will stay available for current subscribers.

Steps to Check If You Are On a Console Plan

• Go to the official Game Pass page and sign in with your Xbox account.
• Click your profile name in the top right corner of the page once signed in.
• Click on “My Microsoft Account.”
• If you find “Console subscription” listed as an active subscription, you will continue to access new releases for $11 a month as long as automatic billing are turned on.

Make sure to check if you still have this golden ticket before canceling your subscription, as you won’t be able to get back into it once you opt out.