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Microsoft Cuts Xbox Game Pass to $22.99, Adds CoD

4/24/2026

48 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Microsoft Cuts Prices

Microsoft announced April 21, 2026 that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will drop to $22.99 from $29.99 and PC Game Pass to $13.99 from $16.49.
Xbox gaming chief Asha Sharma said the service was too expensive, cuts reflected player feedback, and Call of Duty games would appear on Game Pass later.
Analysts said the 23% cut and CoD removal were expected after the October 2025 hike failed to grow subscriptions.

Summary

Microsoft Launches Flexible

Microsoft plans a “pick your own” Game Pass that lets users choose bundles.
The option could let subscribers drop Cloud Gaming or Fortnite Crew to cut the monthly fee.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma teased a deeper Discord tie-in, noting Game Pass Ultimate already includes a month of Discord Nitro.
API traces reveal codenames “Duet” and “Triton,” hinting at modular tiers that may add World of Warcraft or Netflix, raising price.

Summary

Asha Sharma Revamps

Asha Sharma, the new Xbox chief, scrapped the “This is an Xbox” campaign within two months.
In a leaked memo, Sharma said Game Pass will become a more flexible system tested over time.
A report says she is weighing a first-party-only tier priced about $15 per month with day-one access.
Gamers warned that generative AI, which they claim “enshittified” Windows 11, could similarly affect the gaming experience amid ongoing sexism pressure.

Summary

Microsoft Bundles GamePass

Microsoft may bundle Game Pass Ultimate with a $50 Fire TV stick as an “Xbox Pass Edition”.
Game Pass Essential added two games on April 8.
Nine titles will leave the service on April 30, urging players to finish them.
Monthly fees are $10 (Essential), $14 (PC), $15 (Premium) and $23 (Ultimate), with Ultimate offering over 500 games, cloud play and multiplayer, leading some users to treat the service as a rental.

History

Historical Context

Microsoft launched Xbox Game Pass in 2021, rapidly gaining over 18 million users by 2022. This innovation followed the controversial 2013 Xbox One launch, which faced backlash over pricing and policies. In 2026, Xbox chief Asha Sharma announced a 23% price cut, reflecting a shift towards flexible gaming services and highlighting the industry's evolving consumer engagement strategies.

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Microsoft Cuts Prices

Microsoft announced April 21, 2026 that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate will drop to $22.99 from $29.99 and PC Game Pass to $13.99 from $16.49.
Xbox gaming chief Asha Sharma said the service was too expensive, cuts reflected player feedback, and Call of Duty games would appear on Game Pass later.
Analysts said the 23% cut and CoD removal were expected after the October 2025 hike failed to grow subscriptions.

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