Heads up, Xbox fans. Microsoft has officially rolled out a game pass ultimate new price, and it’s a noticeable drop. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate now costs $22.99 per month, down from $29.99, while PC Game Pass has been reduced from $16.49 to $13.99.
On the surface, it’s a solid win for subscribers looking to save money. But there’s a trade-off, especially if you’re waiting for the next Call of Duty release.
Game Pass Ultimate New Price Announced Alongside PC Game Pass Cut
The updated pricing marks a clear shift in Microsoft’s subscription strategy. By lowering the monthly cost, the company is aiming to retain users and make Game Pass more appealing again after earlier price hikes. For many players, this makes the service feel like a stronger value, especially for those who rely on it as their main gaming library.
New Call of Duty Games Won’t Arrive Day One on Game Pass
However, future Call of Duty titles will no longer launch day one on Game Pass. Instead, Microsoft plans to bring new entries to the service roughly a year after their official release. That means if you want to play the latest Call of Duty at launch, you’ll need to purchase it separately or wait until it arrives on Game Pass later.
This move is part of a broader strategy led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. The company is responding to concerns about rising subscription costs while also balancing profitability. Launching major titles like Call of Duty directly on a subscription service can impact full-price sales, so delaying their arrival helps Microsoft maintain stronger revenue from initial releases while still offering long-term value to subscribers.
Game Pass Ultimate has become too expensive for too many players. Starting today, we’re dropping the price from $29.99 to $22.99/month.
Future Call of Duty titles will no longer join Game Pass Ultimate on day one. They will join this tier the following holiday after launch (about…
— Asha (@asha_shar) April 21, 2026There is some good news. All existing Call of Duty titles already available on Game Pass will remain in the library, so current players won’t lose access to older entries.
The change also ties into Microsoft’s bigger plans. The company is reportedly preparing for Project Helix, a next-generation console that blends Xbox and PC gaming. Adjusting the pricing and content strategy now helps build a more sustainable subscription model ahead of that launch.
In short, the game pass ultimate new price makes the service more affordable again. But if you’re someone who wants instant access to new Call of Duty releases, you’ll have to either wait or pay upfront. It’s a trade-off Microsoft is betting will keep more players on board.
