Rumors of Game Pass Ultimate started leaking earlier this month, alongside renewed reports of a disc-free Xbox One S. It also offers players up to four free games each month and unlocks discounts via Deals with Gold.

Xbox Live Gold, meanwhile, enables online multiplayer gaming. Google recently revealed Stadia, an ambitious streaming system that's set to go live later this year. Of course, Microsoft isn't the only company seriously considering game streaming.

This isn't quite 'Netflix for games,' since the titles have to be installed locally, but Microsoft is working on a streaming service and Xbox hardware that could take advantage of the Game Pass ecosystem. Game Pass grants access to a digital library of more than 100 games, which are available to download and play as long as the subscription is active. Essentially, Xbox is tempting more Gold players to try Game Pass, which serves as the backbone of the company's digital-first future. The best deal on both services currently runs $180 a year (that's $60 for a year of Gold and $120 for a year of Game Pass, paying monthly or quarterly), which is exactly what Game Pass Ultimate costs. The bundle went live today for a limited number of Xbox Insider members, and it's due to launch in all current Game Pass markets later this year.įor consumers, this is more of a de-cluttering effort than a money-saving move. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gives players all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold and Microsoft's digital subscription service, Game Pass, for $15 a month.

Game pass ultimate pricing