Key Metrics
4.38
Heat Index-
Impact LevelLow
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Scope LevelGlobal
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Last Update2025-08-01
Key Impacts
Positive Impacts (3)
Negative Impacts (3)
Event Overview
Microsoft and Sony are preparing to increase subscription prices for Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. Microsoft's Xbox Cloud Gaming service revealed a code hinting at a price hike for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, currently $19.99/month. Sony confirmed plans to adjust PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra tier prices, noting 38% of subscribers now choose these tiers. Both companies cite inflation and market conditions, with Sony already implementing two price increases this generation.
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Microsoft and Sony Signal Potential Price Increases for Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus
Recent developments suggest that Microsoft and Sony are preparing to raise the prices of their respective gaming subscription services, Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. For Xbox Game Pass, a new code string labeled "SubscriptionPriceIncrease" was discovered in the Xbox Cloud Gaming service, hinting at an imminent price hike. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate currently costs $19.99 per month, providing access to hundreds of games across Xbox consoles, PC, and cloud streaming. Microsoft has already increased prices for Xbox consoles and games, citing factors like inflation and market conditions. The new notification type suggests a price adjustment is likely, though no official announcement has been made yet.
Meanwhile, Sony has confirmed its intention to continue adjusting PlayStation Plus pricing, particularly for the Premium and Extra tiers. During a recent investor presentation, Sony Interactive Entertainment CEO Hideaki Nishino revealed that 38% of PlayStation Plus subscribers now opt for these higher tiers, up from 17% and 13% in FY22. Sony has already implemented two price increases in this console generation, with the latest in April 2025 affecting major regions outside the U.S. Nishino emphasized the service's value and the company's strategy to maximize profitability through dynamic pricing adjustments.
Fans of both services have expressed frustration, with PlayStation Plus subscribers criticizing the lack of first-party offerings and slow updates to the Classics catalog. Despite this, Sony remains confident in its pricing strategy, citing growing subscriber engagement. The gaming industry's shift toward subscription models continues to evolve, with both Microsoft and Sony leveraging their services to drive revenue, even as players face higher costs.