Xbox Game Pass Prices Jump, but GameStop Fires Back with Old-School Deals Microsoft hikes Game Pass Ultimate to $30/month, but GameStop is keeping subscription codes at the classic rates — for now

Microsoft has officially raised the cost of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to a staggering $29.99 per month, or roughly $360 per year. Once touted as the “best deal in gaming,” Game Pass is suddenly testing that title with higher costs and perks many fans didn’t ask for.

That’s where GameStop has jumped in, offering players a way to fight back against the price hikes.

💸 GameStop Holds the Line on Old Pricing

For now, GameStop is still selling digital codes at the original rates:

1 month Ultimate – $19.99
3 months Ultimate – $59.99
3 months PC Game Pass – $35.99

That’s a big savings compared to the new official pricing. Better yet, these codes can be stacked, letting players secure months (or even years) of Game Pass at a discount before Microsoft inevitably closes the loophole.

🖥️ The Best PC Deal

PC players arguably benefit the most. While PC Game Pass has also jumped in cost (from $9.99 to $16.49 monthly), GameStop’s three-month option at $35.99 keeps it affordable. The tier still includes:

Day one releases (including Call of Duty)
EA Play access
A large PC game library

For those used to grabbing deals on Steam, this helps cushion the blow of Microsoft’s new pricing.

🎮 Ultimate Perks — But at a Price

At its new $29.99 rate, Game Pass Ultimate still offers a ton of content:

400+ games across PC, console, and cloud
75+ day one releases each year
EA Play
Ubisoft+ Classics
Fortnite Crew (coming November, with monthly V-Bucks + Battle Pass access)
Cloud streaming upgraded to 1440p

It’s a strong lineup, but the higher cost is tough to swallow. That’s why GameStop’s $19.99/$59.99 pricing feels like such a win — and why fans are stacking codes quickly.

🗨️ GameStop Roasts Xbox

GameStop didn’t stop at just offering the deal. The retailer took a playful jab at Microsoft after the price hike announcement:

“Game Pass: $29.99 every month. Own nothing. GameStop: Buy once. Own forever. Math isn’t that hard.”

While many players still value the service, the backlash is real — and GameStop was quick to join the conversation.

✅ Final Thoughts

Microsoft’s Game Pass price hike marks a turning point for Xbox fans. While the perks are expanding, the costs are climbing fast — making deals like GameStop’s feel more important than ever. If you’re looking to lock in months of Game Pass at the old rates, now might be the time to grab those codes before they’re gone.