It seems that Microsoft has not yet finished the process of restructuring Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. The Verge website believes that the company may merge the “PC Game Pass” subscription with the “Premium” category, which may deprive some players of the advantage of accessing day-one releases. The “Ultimate” category or other categories may see the addition of more games through third-party services.
Although the “PC Game Pass” subscription survived the recent restructuring of Microsoft’s famous subscription service, reports indicate that the company is considering absorbing this option into the “Premium” category. Other changes may include more third parties joining Game Pass.
Why might Microsoft develop the PC category?
Journalist Tom Warren points out that any major revisions are unlikely to happen in 2026. However, it may be inevitable that Windows gamers will have to accept a new name plan. Microsoft has moved to unify platforms, focusing less on “Series X|S” devices. Its prolific operating system is considered the future of its gaming efforts, with rumors of a PC/console hybrid coming by 2027. Thus, it doesn’t make sense to tie categories to specific hardware. However, desktop and mobile users may find themselves paying more to retain the same features.
The “Premium” category offers more than 200 games, but members must wait to access new releases from first-party (Microsoft Studios games). Despite experiencing a price increase in October 2025, PC Game Pass is still a reasonably affordable way to experience Xbox games on their first day of release. Most subscribers will likely not be happy to give up this feature.
“Day One” access may become exclusive to Ultimate
Of course, these players can opt for the more expensive “Xbox Game Pass Ultimate” tier. Although some features only apply to Series X|S devices, they also include cloud gaming. However, “Ultimate” currently costs $29.99 per month for members in the US, while the PC alternative is $16.49.
Some players may lose certain advantages, but Tom Warren expects Microsoft to add more value to the service. Some categories already include third-party subscriptions such as “EA Play” and “Ubisoft+ Classics.” Although The Verge was not specific, Netflix Games and Amazon Luna are potential new partnerships. Fortunately, the article does not reveal another increase in “Game Pass” prices. As part of a disappointing financial report, revenue from services fell slightly between October and December 2025. While Microsoft would like to offset declining hardware sales, another price increase could alienate more gamers.
