How To Set Up Your New Xbox Series X|S and Save Money With Microsoft Xbox Game Pass

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Gaming can be expensive. Luckily, Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft’s monthly subscription service, can help you save some cash. It gives you instant access to hundreds of great games, with new ones each month.

Whether you’re interested in relaxing simulation titles or fast-paced shooters, there are plenty of games to love on Xbox Game Pass. It comes in three sizes to fit your budget and platform of choice, too. You can opt for Game Pass for PC, Game Pass for Xbox, or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Try Xbox Game Pass

Here’s why we feel anyone interested in joining (and saving some money) should consider an Xbox Game Pass membership. Just get a new console over the holidays? You’ll definitely want to read this.

xbox game pass
xbox game pass

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is Perfect For New and Returning Players

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is popular among longtime players, but it’s an even better fit for newbies. The most obvious reason for this is its massive library. Gone are the days of walking into a GameStop and trying to find a game that looks appealing. Instead, just plop down on your couch, load up your Xbox Series S smartphone or PC, and browse through the Netflix-like catalog of games.

Once you’ve found a title that catches your eye, download it and play. There’s no need to pay extra for each game. Things are even easier if you’re playing on your smartphone.Game Pass Ultimate will stream the game to your device instead of forcing you to download a massive file.

If the game ends up being a bit out of your wheelhouse, you can just delete the game, head back to Xbox Game Pass and find another one. Never has there been such an affordable way to try hundreds of games from the comfort of your home, making Xbox Game Pass Ultimate a perfect fit for anyone new to the hobby.

There’s also no doubt Microsoft is all-in with Game Pass, as the service recently added 20 high-profile games from Bethesda – including Skyrim and Fallout 4 – and Outriders from Square Enix will be available on Game Pass on launch day. Rest assured, if you sign up for Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft won’t leave you out in the cold.

Still not convinced about the value you’re getting here? Here are a few games in its catalog that might help change your mind:

  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection

  • Rainbow Six Siege

  • The Outer Worlds

  • Gears 5

  • The Elder Scrolls Online

  • Black Desert

  • Madden 21

  • FIFA 21

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xbox game pass
xbox game pass

How to Get the Best Price on Game Pass Ultimate

Xbox Game Pass is an excellent deal on its own. But there’s an even cheaper way to take advantage of the service. In short, any prepaid Xbox Live Gold membership can be converted to Game Pass Ultimate for $1. That lets you take advantage of low prices to build up several months of the service.

There are a lot of great ways to manipulate this promotion. Our detailed guide will walk you through the process if you’d like more info.

We highly recommend using the above method to sign up for Game Pass Ultimate. But you can also find some good discounts at the following retailers. Prices are always fluctuating, but there are usually deals to lean on.

GameStop

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 months)Regular Price: $29.99

Amazon

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (12 months)Regular Price: $179.99

Microsoft

Sign up through Microsoft and your first month will only cost $1.00.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (1 month) – Regular Price: $14.99

Target

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (3 months) – Regular Price: $44.99

xbox games
Credit: Xbox

Which Game Pass Tier is the Best Value?

Of the three, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is far and away the best deal. Here’s everything included with the service:

  • Access to over 100 games across both PC and Xbox consoles

  • Ability to stream games to supported Android smartphones

  • New games added monthly, including Xbox Game Studio titles the same day as release

  • Membership discounts and deals on various games and DLC

  • Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer and free monthly games

  • EA Play for access to a growing library of titles from EA, including Madden 21 and FIFA 21

At just $14.99/month, you’d be hard-pressed to find a service that offers similar value.

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Our editors strive to ensure that the information in this article is accurate as of the date published, but please keep in mind that offers can change. We encourage you to verify all terms and conditions of any product before you apply.