Microsoft Kills $1 Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Offer
The $1 PC Game Pass trial won't be offered anymore either.
www.pcmag.comHere’s the latest I can share about Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and 12-month options.
- Core update: Microsoft expanded and refreshed Game Pass pricing and tiers in 2025, with Ultimate seeing notable changes including a higher monthly price and new features on cloud streaming and rewards in some regions. These changes affect how a 12-month commitment would be priced and renewed, since monthly pricing feeds into any annualized equivalent.[4][5]
- 12-month purchase options: Historically, official outlets have sold 12-month Game Pass Ultimate codes or bundled promotions through retailers, but these depend on regional availability and current promotions. In 2024–2025, some stores offered long-term prepaid codes or discounted bundles, but availability varies by country and time, and many promos shift with pricing updates.[2][3]
- Current status in major markets (France/UK/US examples):
- Official product pages emphasize the core benefits (hundreds of games, on console/PC/cloud, online multiplayer, rewards) but do not always advertise a fixed “12-month” prepaid option on the main storefront; instead, they show monthly pricing and renewal terms, with promo codes or bundles sometimes appearing at retailers or during special promotions.[6][9][10]
- Price hikes in 2025 significantly affected Ultimate, moving monthly costs higher in many regions, which in turn impacts annualized cost if you’re considering a 12-month prepaid approach (you’d typically multiply the monthly rate by 12, adjusted for any regional discounts or prepaid promotions).[5][6]
- How to lock in a price or find 12-month options now:
- Check regional retailer promotions for prepaid codes (often found in the US/Europe stores or authorized retailers) and look for “12-month” or “annual” bundles; these vary by country and may include additional perks or trial extensions.[3][2]
- If you’re considering long-term value, compare the total cost of a prepaid 12-month code versus paying monthly, factoring in any price increases announced by Microsoft for Ultimate in your region.[5]
Illustrative example
- If Ultimate is priced at roughly $29.99 per month after the 2025 pricing update, a straight 12-month prepaid would cost about $359.88 before any regional discounts or promotions, but actual available prepaid offers can reduce that through retailer promos or bundled benefits.[4][5]
Would you like me to check current, region-specific availability for a 12-month Game Pass Ultimate prepaid in Los Angeles or nearby retailers, or compare exact 12-month costs with the latest regional pricing you’re seeing? I can tailor the search to your locale and show live promo options. This would require up-to-date retailer links and prices.[6][5]