The right Xbox Game Pass plan depends on where you play, whether you want new Xbox-published games at launch, and how much you value cloud gaming and bundled extras. Xbox lists four options: Ultimate, Premium, Essential, and PC Game Pass. Their libraries and features differ, and Xbox says availability varies by region, plan, and platform.
Xbox Game Pass plans compared
Xbox’s plan pages list the following features and library counts. The counts are Xbox’s stated figures; the overview does not give them a publication year, and the catalog can change.
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| Plan | Listed library | Notable features | Release timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ultimate | 500+ games | Console, PC, and supported-device access; cloud gaming; in-game benefits; Fortnite Crew, EA Play, and Ubisoft+ Classics. Xbox describes unlimited cloud gaming, its best streaming quality (up to 1440p on supported titles and devices), shorter wait times, and streaming select games subscribers own. | Day-one releases |
| Premium | 200+ games | Console, PC, and supported-device access; cloud gaming; online console multiplayer; in-game benefits and rewards. Xbox describes unlimited cloud gaming with shorter wait times. | New Xbox-published games join the library within 12 months of launch, not on day one. |
| Essential | 50+ games | Online console multiplayer and in-game benefits. | Does not include new releases on day one. |
| PC Game Pass | 300+ games | PC library, day-one titles, in-game benefits, and EA Play. Xbox’s comparison says cloud gaming is not included. | Day-one titles |
Features and counts are based on Xbox’s plan comparison and overview and FAQ. Xbox cautions that games, features, and availability vary over time, by region, plan, and platform.
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Which plan fits your gaming habits?
Choose Essential for basic console access and multiplayer
Essential may fit if you play on an Xbox console, want a smaller included library, and need online console multiplayer for games that require it. It does not offer day-one new releases. A paid plan is not required solely to play free-to-play games online: Xbox says online multiplayer for those games is open to every Xbox player.
#1 Best Overall
![Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 1 Month Membership – Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, Cloud Gaming Devices [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51bMCG9v4vL._SL160_.jpg)
- GAME PASS ULTIMATE: Play new games on day one, and enjoy hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and cloud. Game Pass Ultimate also includes online console multiplayer, EA Play, and other great member benefits.
- SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: From fast-paced action and adventure to timeless classics, family-friendly games, innovative indie titles, brain-teasing puzzles, immersive roleplaying adventures, and intense shooters. Dive into a world where every gamer can find their next favorite game.
- NEW GAMES ON DAY ONE: Enjoy incredible new games on day one from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, Activision Blizzard, and more. Play The Outer Worlds 2, NINJA GAIDEN 4, and High on Life 2 as soon as they are released.
- ONLINE CONSOLE MULTIPLAYER: Tap into the heart of the Xbox community and join millions of players ready to play together. Online console multiplayer is included with Game Pass Ultimate.
- EA PLAY MEMBERSHIP INCLUDED: Jump into Battlefield, STAR WARS, and other great game franchises with EA Play. Included at no extra cost, members get access to a collection of EA’s best-loved games, in-game rewards, and trials of select new games.
Choose Premium if you want more games but can wait
Premium is aimed at players who want a broader listed library across console, PC, and supported devices, plus cloud gaming and online console multiplayer, but do not need Xbox-published games on launch day. Xbox says those releases arrive in the library within 12 months of launch.
Choose Ultimate for the broadest listed bundle and cloud play
Ultimate is the closest fit if you want launch-day releases, the largest listed library, cloud gaming, and the included services Fortnite Crew, EA Play, and Ubisoft+ Classics. Xbox describes its cloud gaming as unlimited and says it offers the best streaming quality—up to 1440p for supported titles and devices—and the shortest wait times.
Rank #2
- DISCOVER 50+ GAMES — Explore a curated library of more than 50 games playable across XBOX consoles, PC, and supported devices, with new favorites ready to discover.
- PLAY ACROSS YOUR FAVORITE DEVICES — Enjoy included games across supported XBOX consoles, PC, and other compatible devices for more ways to play wherever you are.
- PLAY TOGETHER ONLINE — Connect with friends and communities with online console multiplayer included with XBOX Game Pass Essential.
- STREAM WITH XBOX CLOUD GAMING — Enjoy up to 5 hours of cloud playtime per month and stream supported games to compatible devices with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
- EARN REWARDS WHILE YOU PLAY — Earn Rewards points by playing games, completing eligible activities, and shopping in the Store with your XBOX Game Pass membership.
Choose PC Game Pass for a PC-focused subscription
PC Game Pass suits a player who primarily uses a Windows PC and wants day-one titles and EA Play. Xbox lists 300+ games for PC Game Pass, but its comparison says cloud gaming is not included. If you also play on console or want cloud play, compare the other plans’ platform coverage before subscribing.
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Cloud gaming is useful only when your device and region are supported. Xbox’s comparison describes unlimited cloud play for Ultimate and Premium, but the available plan information does not establish identical streaming limits for every plan. Cloud-playable games outside the Game Pass catalog may need to be purchased separately, and a supported device is required and sold separately. See Xbox’s regional comparison and cloud notices; availability can differ by location.
Rank #3
- GAME PASS ULTIMATE: Play new games on day one, and enjoy hundreds of high-quality games on console, PC, and cloud. Game Pass Ultimate also includes online console multiplayer, EA Play, and other great member benefits.
- SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE: From fast-paced action and adventure to timeless classics, family-friendly games, innovative indie titles, brain-teasing puzzles, immersive roleplaying adventures, and intense shooters. Dive into a world where every gamer can find their next favorite game.
- NEW GAMES ON DAY ONE: Enjoy incredible new games on day one from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda Softworks, Activision Blizzard, and more. Play The Outer Worlds 2, NINJA GAIDEN 4, and High on Life 2 as soon as they are released.
- ONLINE CONSOLE MULTIPLAYER: Tap into the heart of the Xbox community and join millions of players ready to play together. Online console multiplayer is included with Game Pass Ultimate.
- EA PLAY MEMBERSHIP INCLUDED: Jump into Battlefield, STAR WARS, and other great game franchises with EA Play. Included at no extra cost, members get access to a collection of EA’s best-loved games, in-game rewards, and trials of select new games.
Likewise, treat the listed library numbers as Xbox’s plan-page claims, not as a promise that a specific game will remain available. Check the live catalog in your region for the games you actually plan to play.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Compare the live price and renewal terms
Xbox’s pages consulted here do not establish a complete current US monthly price list for all four plans. Check the live offer for your region before choosing, and compare the renewal price and terms rather than relying only on an introductory offer. Xbox says subscriptions continue automatically unless cancelled and that prices may change under the applicable terms.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- DISCOVER 50+ GAMES — Explore a curated library of more than 50 games playable across XBOX consoles, PC, and supported devices, with new favorites ready to discover.
- PLAY ACROSS YOUR FAVORITE DEVICES — Enjoy included games across supported XBOX consoles, PC, and other compatible devices for more ways to play wherever you are.
- PLAY TOGETHER ONLINE — Connect with friends and communities with online console multiplayer included with XBOX Game Pass Essential.
- STREAM WITH XBOX CLOUD GAMING — Enjoy up to 5 hours of cloud playtime per month and stream supported games to compatible devices with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
- EARN REWARDS WHILE YOU PLAY — Earn Rewards points by playing games, completing eligible activities, and shopping in the Store with your XBOX Game Pass membership.
Rank #4
![$10 XBOX Gift Card [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41MEiiMQqmL._SL160_.jpg)
- THE PERFECT GAMING GIFT — Buy an XBOX Gift Card for yourself or a friend and let them choose the games, add‑ons, subscriptions, and accessories they want most.
- USE FOR GAMES & CONTENT — Redeem for thousands of digital XBOX games, from backward compatible classics to the latest new releases, plus DLC and in‑game currency.
- GAME PASS READY — Apply your balance toward XBOX Game Pass Ultimate to play new titles on day one* and access a library of hundreds of high‑quality console games.
- PRE‑ORDER & PRE‑INSTALL GAMES — Use your balance to pre‑order and pre‑download upcoming titles so you’re ready to play the moment they launch.
- NO FEES OR EXPIRATION — XBOX Gift Cards never expire and have no service fees, so your balance is ready whenever you are.
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