Xbox Game Pass: what it is and how it works | Tips and Tricks

You recently bought an Xbox, Microsoft’s video game console, and were intrigued by the service Xbox Game Pass, but you don’t know what it is or how it works. This is why you have seen fit to search Google for more information about it, so as to better understand what it is.

Did we guess? Then you will be pleased to know that in this article we will try to answer all your questions. First we will clarify what it is, then we will explain how Xbox Game Pass works, so that you have a clear idea about Microsoft’s product. Finally, we will offer the pricing overview of each subscription plan.

Everything is clear? Click and go to the topic that interests you most via the menu below, or continue reading the article starting from the first chapter.

What is Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service from Microsoft which allows you to access a catalog of over 100 games for consoles, PCs and even mobile devices (iOS, Android) via the cloud.

Subscribers can download and start available titles whenever they want or play them in streaming on your smartphone or computer, without making any download. Xbox Game Pass is in fact considered “the Netflix of video games”.

However, as the Xbox team adds new games, Microsoft can remove others from the catalog, a bit like it happens on Netflix. Anyone who wants can in any case buy the video game that is no longer available, enjoying a discount of up to 20%.

Exist three different types of subscription: Ultimate, PC, Console. Ultimate is the most complete (and affordable) plan, PC is the plan designed for those who play with the computer, Console instead is the ideal solution for users who like to spend hours and hours in front of the console.

To know the prices and the differences between each plan, please go directly to the last chapter of the guide (click here). If, on the other hand, you want to get an even clearer idea about the service offered by Microsoft, continue reading the guide.

Read also: Differences between Xbox Series S and X

How Xbox Game Pass works

Now that you know what it is, it’s time to know how the Game Pass works. Since there are so many things to say, we decided to divide this chapter into several sub-sections, so as to make it easier to read.

Where can I find the updated list of available games?

The full list of games is available to the “Xbox Game Pass Game Catalog” section of the official xbox.com website. To view all the titles in the catalog for console and PC go to this address.

The game list is divided into two areas: console games, PC games.

Note: At the time of writing, there are 428 titles available for consoles and 381 titles for computers with Windows 10 on board.

Is EA Play included in the subscription?

EA Play, Electronic Arts’ subscription service that gives access to EA’s best titles, is available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass for PC subscriptions. It is not included in the console plan.

Are online multiplayer games available?

Yup. The Ultimate plan includes the service Xbox Live Gold, which allows users to play online multiplayer with paid titles.

Note: the titles for PC and Free To Play instead include the multiplayer functionality without necessarily having to subscribe to the separate Xbox Live Gold subscription; this applies to games like Genshin Impact, FortNite, Valorant, and the other Free To Play games.

Are the games in the catalog the same or do they change according to the plan subscribed?

The games in the catalog differ based on the plan you subscribe to. This means that with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate you have one catalog available, with the PC plan another, and with the Console plan yet another.

How many devices can I use Xbox Game Pass on?

Everywhere. Xbox Game Pass you can use it on infinite Xbox consoles and infinite devices with Windows 10 or Windows 11 on board. That’s why the subscription is associated with your Xbox account and not to a device, be it a console or a computer.

Important: The Ultimate plan also gives access to the feature Xbox Cloud Gaming, which allows you to play games via the cloud without having to download them. Cloud Gaming is currently still in beta and is available on Android smartphones, iPhones, iPads, PCs and Macs.

If I change my mind, can I cancel my subscription whenever I want?

Yup. You can cancel your Xbox Game Pass subscription whenever you want, at no cost. To do this, log into your Xbox account, then in the “Xbox Game Pass” section, choose “Payment and billing” and click on “Cancel”. The subscription will automatically terminate on the expiration date visible through your personal Xbox profile.

How do you subscribe?

Signing up for one of the Xbox Game Pass plans is very simple. You can subscribe via the official xbox.com site or the Microsoft Store directly from Xbox.

If you intend to subscribe on the site, go to this page and click on the “Subscribe now” button at the top right. On the new screen, choose the plan you like best, then click “Subscribe to 1 euro” (promo valid for the first month for Ultimate and PC plans). Then register a new Xbox account if you don’t have one yet and complete the payment using one of the accepted methods (including PayPal).

How do I download a game?

Xbox Game Pass subscribers can download a game included in the catalog download Xbox and Microsoft Store. If you use the console go to the “Game Pass” section to access the games catalog, then press the “A” button of the pad on the title box and the “Install” button.

Through the Microsoft Store, on the other hand, simply select the game you want to play and click on the “Install” or “Request” button or install the Xbox app on Windows which offers an interface very similar to that of Xbox, with the complete catalog of available games .

Recommended reading: Xbox All Access, Console and Game Pass Ultimate in one subscription

How do I stream via the cloud?

Streaming via cloud (ex. XCloud) allows you to play without installing the title but using the computational power of Microsoft’s infrastructure via the internet. A good internet connection and the use of a browser are sufficient. Cloud gaming with Xbox Game Pass is possible via computer (with Windows or Mac) and with iOS / Android smartphones. Soon it will be available directly on Microsoft consoles (Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S) and perhaps also for Smart TVs through a special app.

As explained below, the “ultimate” version subscription allows you to take advantage of the cloud gaming functionality. If you are a subscriber, to access the service, simply open the dedicated page: xbox.com/play and enter with your credentials.

The interesting thing is also the possibility of having the automatic save loaded on the cloud and continue a game from any device in our possession.

How much does Xbox Game Pass cost

Xbox Game Pass has three subscription plans: Ultimate, PC, Console. The Ultimate plan costs 12.99 euros per month, the PC and Console plans 9.99 euros per month. In addition, Microsoft allows you to try the Ultimate and PC plans for the first month at the symbolic price of 1 euro. Very often, the offer allows you to try the Game Pass for € 1 for 3 months.

Here’s what each subscription plan includes:

Game Pass Ultimate

• catalog of over 100 titles and the ability to play on consoles, PCs and mobile devices
• Xbox Game Studios titles available from launch day
• discounts and exclusive offers
• ability to play from the cloud
• free rewards
• Xbox Live Gold
• EA Play

Game Pass PC

• catalog of over 100 titles to be played on PC
• Xbox Game Studios titles available from launch day
• discounts and exclusive offers
• EA Play (titoli per PC)

Game Pass Console

• catalog of over 100 titles to be played on consoles
• Xbox Game Studios titles available from launch day
• discounts and exclusive offers

Conclusions

Our guide on how Xbox Game Pass works ends here. We hope to have answered your questions comprehensively. It seems obvious that Microsoft is pushing hard on Game Pass services which offer first-party titles and games of a certain caliber “free” to all subscribers, who can play almost anywhere, regardless of the platform they own.

The competition (Sony with Playstation) offers a similar service (PS Now) that is not remotely comparable to the quality and quantity available on Game Pass. It will be interesting to see how things evolve and if these forms of subscription become the standard for the future of the gaming industry.

If you have other questions, feel free to leave a comment on our social networks and interact with us!

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