Microsoft Delays Game Pass Ultimate Price Hike for Subscribers in Select Countries

Microsoft is holding back on raising the cost of its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription for users in Germany, India, Ireland, Poland, and South Korea. The company recently announced a 50% price hike on the Ultimate tier, making it $29.99 monthly instead of the original $19.99. However, subscribers in the above countries will continue to pay the original rate—for now.

Ireland, Germany, and India require companies to provide a more substantial notice period before raising consumers' subscription costs. Microsoft communicated the change directly to subscribers in these regions, saying the updated pricing is limited to new subscriptions. If an existing subscriber quits their auto-renewal and later resubscribes, they will have to pay the new, increased price.

The higher price kicked in on Oct. 1 for new subscribers in these regions and existing subscribers in other areas. Subscribers will see the increase on their next billing cycle.