Microsoft has temporarily postponed the planned price increases for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for certain existing subscribers in specific countries. The company had previously announced a significant 50% rise in the cost of the service. Still, it has now been clarified that the higher prices will initially apply only to new subscribers in select markets.
According to Microsoft, customers in countries such as Austria, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Korea, Poland, and India will not experience changes to their current monthly rates if they are on an active, auto-renewing plan.
Microsoft confirms delay in select markets
The delay was first communicated through an email sent overnight to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers in affected regions. “At this time, these increases will only affect new purchases and will not affect your current subscription for the market in which you reside, as long as you are on an auto-recurring plan,” Microsoft stated in the email. “Should you choose to cancel your plan and repurchase, you will be charged at the new current rate.” The move is connected to consumer protection rules in certain markets that regulate how and when subscription price changes can take effect.
In Ireland, for example, subscribers with automatic renewal enabled will continue to pay €17.99 per month, rather than the new price of €26.99. Microsoft also mentioned that customers in these regions will receive at least 60 days’ notice before any adjustments take place. This suggests that the updated pricing will not be implemented for at least two more months.
Price hikes still planned for other regions
This development represents a partial shift from Microsoft’s initial announcement last week. “This updated pricing will go into effect on October 1st for new subscribers, and then at the next billing cycle, likely to be November 4th, for current subscribers,” said Dustin Blackwell, Microsoft’s director of gaming and platform communications, during a media briefing with The Verge.
Despite the hold in some markets, the price increases remain scheduled for existing subscribers in major regions, including the United Kingdom and the United States. In these areas, users can still expect to see the new pricing reflected in upcoming billing cycles.
Microsoft has not yet provided a clear timeline for when the delay in affected countries will end. However, by limiting the immediate impact of the price adjustments, the company is taking into account local regulations and consumer expectations.
Growing scrutiny over subscription pricing
The move comes at a time when subscription-based gaming services face growing scrutiny over price increases and value propositions. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft’s flagship gaming subscription, offers access to a wide range of titles across console, PC, and cloud platforms.
With the latest pricing changes, Microsoft joins other tech companies in adjusting subscription fees in response to market conditions, content expansion, and operational costs. Still, the staggered rollout and regional variations suggest the company is proceeding cautiously to balance regulatory compliance with profitability.
Microsoft has been contacted for further comment regarding the regional pricing changes and whether additional markets may receive similar treatment in the future.
