Microsoft Mulls Merging Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass Plans

Microsoft is reportedly considering further simplifying its Game Pass lineup by merging the Premium tier with PC Game Pass. The move would tighten the current lineup after a year of price increases and plan changes across the service.

In October, Microsoft replaced Game Pass Core and Standard with Essential and Premium plans and raised the price of Game Pass Ultimate. The company added PC support to all Game Pass tiers and raised the price of the dedicated PC Game Pass tier, which continues to offer day one releases.

Citing a The Verge report, via VGC, Microsoft is exploring merging Game Pass Premium with PC Game Pass as part of plans for Xbox in 2026.

The report notes the consolidation would likely streamline the lineup as the next Xbox is expected to function largely as a PC running Windows. In that scenario, PC Game Pass could be folded under the Premium tier, potentially undercutting the higher priced Ultimate tier.

Current plans explained

Right now the Game Pass lineup includes four main options with distinct pricing and access levels. The following details are drawn from the current structure and the note below.

• Game Pass Essential — Rs. 499 a month; library of over 50 games; plays on PC, Xbox consoles, Windows handhelds, and other supported devices; cloud streaming included.
• Game Pass Premium — Rs. 699 a month; library of over 200 games; access to select new games within one year of launch; cloud streaming.
• PC Game Pass — Rs. 939 a month; hundreds of PC games; day one releases; titles bundled with EA Play.
• Game Pass Ultimate — Rs. 1,389 a month; library of over 500 games; day one access; cloud support; Ubisoft+ Classics, EA Play, and Fortnite Crew included.

The Verge report notes that Microsoft does not expect major changes to Game Pass in 2026. As an example of the company's future strategy, bundling external offerings into Game Pass has begun with more capabilities for players, including such things as Ubisoft+ Classics and EA Play.

Other examples from this report highlight that major redesigns have occurred across the last several months as a result of the addition of new pricing levels and enhancements to various subscription levels (such as introduction of new tiers) and improvements (e.g., introducing cloud-based gaming capabilities). PC Game Pass, priced Rs. 939 a month, offers access to hundreds of PC games and new games on day one. It also includes titles bundled with EA Play.

The highest tier, Game Pass Ultimate, comes with a library of over 500 games, day-one access, Cloud support, Ubisoft+ Classics, EA Play, and Fortnite Crew. The plan is priced at Rs. 1,389 a month.