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The best Xbox Game Pass deal is over — but you can still save on a subscription

abraham smithMarch 27, 2023

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Xbox Game Pass is often cited as the best deal on gaming, but the subscription service is about to get a little more expensive as Microsoft has confirmed it’s ending a long-running promotion.

For the last few years, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass newcomers have been able to try out the Netflix-style video game service for just $1 for the first month.

While this deal was technically for new members, it was also regularly offered to Xbox accounts with an expired Xbox Game Pass membership.

Rumors spread around the internet over the weekend that the deal appeared to be no longer available, and Microsoft subsequently confirmed the news in a brief statement released to The edge (opens in new tab). “We have discontinued our previous introductory offer for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass and are evaluating various marketing promotions for new members going forward,” said Kari Perez, Xbox’s Head of Global Communications.

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This Xbox Game Pass deal is still active

That ends the best Xbox Game Pass deal out there. And it packs a real punch for anyone who wants to try the service without paying the full $15 for a month. However, all hope is not lost if you want to sign up for Xbox’s excellent subscription program without paying full price, as a money-saving loophole in Xbox Game Pass is still very open.

Microsoft will continue to allow a paid subscription to Xbox Live Gold to be converted to equivalent time on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This is pretty important since, for example, a year of Xbox Live Gold costs $60, while an annual Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription costs twice as much at $120.

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Even better, this deal stacks, giving you three years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $195 (three years of Xbox Live Gold + a one-time $15 fee). That’s quite a saving compared to the regular price of $360 for three years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Fingers crossed Microsoft does not intend to end this campaign as well.

What’s next for Xbox Game Pass?

Best Cloud Gaming:

(Image credit: Xbox)

It has been speculated that Microsoft may end the $1 Xbox Game Pass deal in preparation for the continued launch of Xbox Game Pass Friends and Family plan, although this has not been confirmed. Launched in select regions in 2022, this new promotion is pretty self-explanatory: it allows you to share an Xbox Game Pass membership with friends and/or family for a single discounted price.

Of course, even if you pay full price for Xbox Game Pass, you’re still getting an almost unbeatable deal. The breadth of must-play titles on offer continues to be impressive, and 2023 is shaping up to be Game Pass’s biggest year yet, as titles like Redfall, Starfield, and Forza Motorsports 8 will all be available on day one.