Dear Phones Canada readers,

Exciting news for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers! Starting in September, there will be an increase in the ‘Ultimate’ tier subscription, along with a new tier being introduced by Xbox. Let’s dive into the details:

– Microsoft has begun notifying subscribers of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate about the price increase, set to take effect on September 12th. The monthly cost will go up from $18.99 to $22.99 in Canada.
– Alongside the price adjustment, a new tier called Xbox Game Pass Standard will be introduced at $14.99 USD. While Canadian pricing is yet to be confirmed, this tier promises access to “hundreds of Game Pass titles.”
– However, reports suggest that Xbox Game Pass Standard may not include first-party day-one titles or cloud gaming access. Instead, it will focus on online multiplayer and a back catalog of games with first-party titles added at a later date.

More changes are on the horizon:
– Xbox Game Pass for Console (the standard tier for Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles) will no longer be available for new subscribers moving forward.
– Existing subscribers to this tier can continue their membership as long as automatic renewals are enabled.
– PC Game Pass will see a price increase from $11.99/month to $14.99/month.
– Additionally, the annual subscription for Xbox Game Pass Core is going up from $69.99 to $87.99.

The recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $69 billion has put pressure on increasing subscription prices, especially with big titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 joining Game Pass later this year. Exciting games like Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Age of Mythology Retold are also making their way to Xbox Game Pass.

Stay tuned for more updates on these changes and get ready for an enhanced gaming experience with Xbox!

Best regards,
Phones Canada Team