Microsoft Launches New Xbox Game Pass Standard for Consoles

Microsoft has introduced the new Xbox Game Pass Standard for consoles, marking a notable shift in their subscription service offerings.

In July, the tech giant based in Redmond announced several changes to Game Pass. These changes included a price increase across multiple tiers of the service and a relaunch of the basic console version of the Game Pass. Notably, those with remaining months on their old subscription will still retain their original benefits until their current plan expires.

One of the most significant alterations with the new Game Pass Standard is the exclusion of day-one releases. This feature, which has been a hallmark of the service, will remain available only in the PC and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tiers. The absence of this perk has been applied retroactively, resulting in the removal of about 40 titles from the old console Game Pass, as per Xbox’s official website. Some major games, such as Starfield, Hellblade II, and Diablo 4, are no longer part of the Standard plan.

Microsoft has not provided a clear timeline for when these games will be available again in the Standard plan. The official statement vaguely suggests it could take “up to twelve months or more.” For example, Starfield, which launched on September 6, 2023, was available for just over a year before its removal from the Standard Game Pass.

Additionally, the new plan does not offer access to the EA Play catalogue, a feature that is still included in both the PC and Ultimate tiers of the service.

As of now, the new Xbox Game Pass Standard is priced at €12.99 per month in Spain, compared to €11.99 for the PC plan and €17.99 for the Ultimate version.

Here is the full list of games available in Xbox Game Pass Ultimate that are currently not included in Xbox Game Pass Standard:

• Age of Mythology: Retold Standard Edition
• Another Crab’s Treasure
• Botany Manor
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3
• Core Keeper
• Creatures of Ava
• Diablo 4
• Dungeons of Hinterberg
• Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes
• Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
• Flock
• Forza Motorsport Standard Edition
• Galacticare
• Go Mecha Ball
• Harold Halibut
• Hauntii
• Heavy Weapon
• Humanity
• Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
• Lightyear Frontier (Game Preview)
• Little Kitty, Big City
• Magical Delicacy
• MLB The Show 24
• Neon White
• Octopath Traveller 2
• Open Roads
• Payday 3
• PlateUp!
• Robin Hood – Sherwood Builders
• Rolling Hills: Make Sushi, Make Friends
• Sea of Solitude
• Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
• Slime Rancher 2
• SpiderHeck
• Star Trucker
• Starfield
• Still Wakes the Deep
• Tchia
• The Case of the Golden Idol
• The Rewinder
• Turnip Boy Robs a Bank
• Valorant
• You Suck at Parking – Complete Edition

This change represents a significant shift for gamers on the console plan, especially those who have enjoyed access to day-one releases and a wider range of games in the past. For those looking for the most comprehensive experience, upgrading to Game Pass Ultimate may be the best option.