Microsoft may soon merge PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Premium

Microsoft is reportedly planning yet another restructuring of its Xbox Game Pass tiers, aiming to simplify a lineup that has become increasingly complex (and expensive) for the average gamer. According to recent reports, the company is exploring merging the PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Premium tiers.

The current Game Pass subscription landscape is a bit of a maze. Following the October 2025 overhaul, the Game Pass began to start at £6.99/$9.99 for the Essential tier. PC Game Pass saw a nearly 40% jump to £13.49/$16.49 per month, largely to justify the inclusion of day-one blockbusters like Call of Duty. Meanwhile, the Xbox Game Pass Premium tier (which replaced the old “Standard” plan) costs £10.99/$14.99 per month but lacks the day-one access that PC and Ultimate subscribers enjoy. At the top of the pyramid is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which now commands an eye-watering £22.99/$29.99 per month.

Based on Tom Warren's report for The Verge (via Windows Central), this may change again soon, as Microsoft is reportedly planning to merge the Premium and PC Game Passes. By merging the PC and Premium tiers, Microsoft could potentially offer a unified “mid-tier” that works across all devices. However, it remains to be seen if PC players will lose their day-one perks in the transition or if the price will see another “adjustment”.

To help soften the blow of the Ultimate price tag, Microsoft is reportedly doubling down on third-party integrations. As of late 2025, Ultimate already includes EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and a Fortnite Crew subscription. As 2026 progresses, sources suggest Microsoft is in talks to add even more services to ensure the monthly cost feels like a one-stop shop for digital entertainment. Whether this includes streaming services or further gaming perks from partners remains unknown.

This software shift appears to be laying the groundwork for the rumoured 2027 next-generation Xbox. Leaks regarding the new Xbox suggest Microsoft is abandoning the traditional console OS in favour of a Windows 11 hybrid environment. This would theoretically enable native support for the Steam and Epic Games Store, effectively turning the Xbox into a first-party gaming rig for the living room. If hardware and software merge into a single Windows-based ecosystem, a fragmented subscription service divided into “PC” and “Console” designations no longer makes sense.

KitGuru says: Are you subscribed to any Game Pass tier? Would you like to see a merge of Premium and PC tiers, assuming PC gamers would still have access to day-1 releases?

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