Introduction:
As reported by The Verge, Microsoft is raising prices for both its Xbox Series X consoles and its online subscriptions, Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This price increase affects customers worldwide, except for certain countries. While the news may not be pleasant, there’s a silver lining for gamers looking to save big. In this article, we’ll explore the details of the price hike, discuss the reasons behind it, and unveil a money-saving hack that allows you to secure the best deal for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Understanding the Xbox Game Pass Price Increase:
Microsoft has announced that the Xbox Game Pass price increase will take effect from July 6. The standard Xbox Game Pass subscription will rise from $9.99 to $10.99 per month, while the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription will increase from $14.99 to $16.99 per month. However, current subscribers will be able to retain their current rates until August 13, with the exception of Germany, where the new rates will be implemented on September 13. Annual subscribers will only experience the price hike upon subscription renewal.
Why the Price Hike Was Expected:
The decision to increase Xbox Game Pass prices might not come as a surprise. Since its launch in 2017, the cost of Game Pass has remained unchanged, despite the general trend of price increases across subscription services. Platforms like Netflix and Sony’s PlayStation Plus have also witnessed similar price adjustments over the years. Microsoft’s move reflects the evolving nature of the gaming industry and the need for continued investment in delivering high-quality gaming experiences.
Unlocking Maximum Savings: The Ultimate Money-Saving Hack:
While an annual Game Pass subscription might seem like a good way to lock in the current rates, there’s a lesser-known hack that can help you save even more money with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This trick, used by savvy gamers for years, involves utilizing Xbox Live Gold subscriptions to your advantage. By following a simple process, you can score substantial savings on your Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Step 1: Start with Xbox Live Gold:
Instead of subscribing directly to Game Pass Ultimate, begin by purchasing an Xbox Live Gold membership. This service costs $59.99 per year, a considerable discount compared to the $179.88 price tag of Game Pass Ultimate. It’s crucial to note that this hack only works if you don’t have an active Game Pass subscription.
Step 2: Upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate:
After securing your Xbox Live Gold membership, you can upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate at a significantly reduced cost. Microsoft charges only $14.99 to upgrade from Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass Ultimate, providing you with access to all the perks of the ultimate subscription tier.
Step 3: Stack Your Subscriptions:
Here’s where the real savings come into play. You can stack up to three years of Xbox Live Gold subscriptions. By purchasing three years of Xbox Live Gold upfront, you pay $179.97. Then, when you upgrade to Game Pass Ultimate, you only need to pay the $14.99 fee. This means you can enjoy three years of Game Pass Ultimate for less than the cost of one year of Ultimate under the new pricing structure.
Redeem Your Stacked Xbox Live Gold Codes:
Finally, visit Microsoft’s upgrade page and redeem your stacked Xbox Live Gold codes. This allows you to enjoy the heavily discounted Game Pass Ultimate subscription for the duration of your stacked subscriptions.
Conclusion:
While price hikes are never exciting news, there’s a way to outsmart the Xbox Game Pass price increase and save big on your gaming subscription. By utilizing the Xbox Live Gold stacking hack, you can secure up to three years of Game Pass Ultimate at a fraction of the cost. Take advantage of this money-saving opportunity before the deadline, and enjoy a wealth of gaming experiences without breaking the bank. Stay ahead of the game with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate!