Microsoft’s Xbox gaming platform has become one of the most popular gaming platforms on the market, with millions of gamers around the world using it to play their favorite games. There are two popular subscription services offered by Microsoft for Xbox users: Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold. While these two subscriptions may seem similar on the surface, there are significant differences between them. In this article, we will explore what makes Xbox Game Pass different from Xbox Live Gold.
Xbox Game Pass vs Xbox Live
| Feature | Xbox Game Pass | Xbox Live |
| Overview | A subscription service offering access to a library of games for a monthly fee, available in multiple tiers (Core, Standard, PC, Ultimate). | The online network service for Xbox, enabling multiplayer gaming, with Xbox Live Gold (now Game Pass Core) as its primary subscription for online play. |
| Primary Function | Provides access to a catalog of games (100+ for most tiers) for download or cloud streaming, depending on the tier. | Facilitates online multiplayer gaming, voice chat, and community features across Xbox consoles. |
| Game Access | Offers a rotating library of games, including first-party titles, indie games, and third-party titles. Higher tiers (Ultimate, PC) include day-one releases and EA Play. | No significant game library access, except for Game Pass Core, which includes a curated catalog of 25+ games. |
| Online Multiplayer | Included in Game Pass Core and Ultimate tiers for console multiplayer. Not included in Standard or PC Game Pass alone. | Core offering of Xbox Live Gold/Game Pass Core, required for most online multiplayer games (except free-to-play titles like Fortnite). |
| Pricing | Varies by tier: Core ($9.99/month), Standard ($14.99/month), PC ($11.99/month), Ultimate ($19.99/month). | Game Pass Core (formerly Xbox Live Gold) costs $9.99/month or $59.99/year. |
| Additional Benefits | Includes EA Play, cloud gaming, and PC/console cross-play with Ultimate. Discounts on games and add-ons for all tiers. | Offers member discounts and deals. Previously included Games with Gold (discontinued in 2023). |
| Platforms | Console, PC, and cloud (Ultimate tier). Standard is console-only, PC Game Pass is PC-only. | Primarily console-focused (Xbox Series X |
| Best For | Gamers wanting access to a large game library, new releases, or cross-platform play. | Gamers focused on online multiplayer without needing a large game library. |
Xbox Live Gold vs Game Pass
Gaming Variety vs. Multiplayer Experience: Xbox Game Pass is best for gamers who want access to a wide variety of games to choose from. With over 100 titles available, gamers can play new games and old favorites alike. On the other hand, Xbox Live Gold is best for gamers who want to play multiplayer games with friends or strangers online. The service provides access to dedicated servers, which offer improved matchmaking and gameplay performance, and a range of exclusive features that enhance the multiplayer experience.
Cost: Xbox Game Pass is generally cheaper than Xbox Live Gold, with a standard subscription costing $9.99 per month and the Ultimate subscription (which includes Xbox Live Gold) $14.99 per month in price. Costs for Xbox Live Gold are $9.99 per month or $59.99 annually.
Access to New Games: Xbox Game Pass is the better option for gamers who want to play new games as soon as they’re released. Microsoft has been expanding the Game Pass service to include new first-party titles from day one, meaning that gamers can play the latest titles without having to buy them separately. Xbox Live Gold, on the other hand, does not provide access to new games as part of the subscription.
Long-Term Value: Xbox Game Pass is the better option for gamers who want long-term value. With a rotating selection of games, gamers can always find new titles to play without having to purchase them separately. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass is expanding to include more games from major publishers, meaning that the selection will only continue to grow. Xbox Live Gold, on the other hand, is better for short-term value, with monthly free games and exclusive discounts on titles in the Xbox Store.
In summary, both Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold have their strengths and weaknesses. Xbox Game Pass is the better option for gamers who want access to a wide variety of games and long-term value, while Xbox Live Gold is better for gamers who want a premium multiplayer experience and short-term value. Ultimately, the choice between the two subscriptions comes down to personal preference and gaming habits.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Game Pass Core | Game Pass Standard | PC Game Pass | Game Pass Ultimate |
| Online Multiplayer | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Game Library | 36+ games | 100+ games | 100+ games | 100+ games |
| Day-One Releases | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| EA Play | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Xbox Cloud Gaming | No | No | No | Yes |
| Cross-Platform Access | Console only | Console only | PC only | Console, PC, Cloud |
| Exclusive Discounts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price (Monthly) | $9.99 | $14.99 | $11.99 | $19.99 |
Pricing and Value Analysis
Xbox Game Pass Core ($9.99/month or $59.99/year)
Game Pass Core is the most budget-friendly option, ideal for gamers focused on online multiplayer. At $9.99/month or $60/year, it matches the price of the former Xbox Live Gold, offering the same core benefit—online play—while adding a small game library. The annual plan saves approximately $60 compared to monthly billing over a year, making it a cost-effective choice for long-term subscribers. However, the limited game library and lack of day-one releases make it less appealing for gamers seeking variety or new titles.
Xbox Game Pass Standard ($14.99/month)
Priced at $14.99/month, Game Pass Standard offers a middle ground for console gamers. It includes a larger game library than Core and online multiplayer, but the absence of day-one releases is a significant drawback for those eager to play new Xbox Game Studios titles on launch. This tier is best for players who enjoy exploring a diverse catalog and don’t mind waiting for major releases.
PC Game Pass ($11.99/month)
At $11.99/month, PC Game Pass is a compelling option for PC gamers, offering a robust library, day-one releases, and EA Play at a lower price than Standard or Ultimate. Since PC multiplayer is typically free, it doesn’t include console multiplayer, which keeps costs down. This tier is ideal for PC-exclusive gamers who want access to new games without console-related features.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate ($19.99/month)
Game Pass Ultimate is the most expensive at $19.99/month, but it provides the most value for gamers who use multiple platforms. The inclusion of cloud gaming, EA Play, day-one releases, and cross-platform access makes it a premium choice. The price has increased over time (from $15 in 2019 to $20 in 2024), which may deter budget-conscious gamers, but the breadth of features justifies the cost for those who maximize its offerings.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Annual Subscriptions: Opt for annual plans for Core ($59.99/year) to save compared to monthly billing.
- Conversion Deals: Purchase Game Pass Core codes (up to 36 months) and convert to Game Pass Ultimate at a 2:1 ratio for significant savings. For example, 12 months of Core ($60) converts to 6 months of Ultimate, effectively costing $10/month instead of $19.99.
- Promotional Offers: Look for deals on retailers like CDKeys, Amazon, or Costco, which often sell subscription codes at a discount.
- Microsoft Rewards: Use Microsoft Rewards points to redeem subscriptions, potentially reducing costs.
Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass: Which Should I Purchase?
Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass largely depends on what you’re looking for in a gaming subscription service.
Xbox Live Gold is primarily a service that gives you access to online multiplayer gaming on Xbox consoles. It also includes some additional benefits such as free monthly games and discounts on select titles in the Xbox Store. If you’re someone who enjoys playing online multiplayer games with friends, then Xbox Live Gold could be a good choice for you.
On the other hand, Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service that gives you access to a wide range of games for a monthly fee. These include both new and older titles, and you can play them as much as you like for as long as you’re subscribed. Xbox Game Pass also includes access to Xbox Game Studios titles on the day they are released, so if you’re interested in playing new games as soon as they come out, this could be a good choice for you.
If you’re unsure which one to get, you can also consider getting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes both Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass. This way, you can get the benefits of both services for a single monthly fee.
Can you Still Convert Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass Ultimate
It is possible to upgrade Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft is conducting a promotion that allows you to transfer your unused Xbox Live Gold subscription term to Game Pass at no additional cost because the company is so interested in gaining new users.
As a result, you will receive four months for your Game Pass Ultimate subscription after adding the extra one month from the trial if your profile only shows three months of Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass (or a combination of the two) as a subscription. When you prepaid for 36 months, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is also accessible for the whole three years.
Convert Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass
As an avid Xbox gamer, you may be wondering whether to get Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The good news is that you don’t have to choose between the two, as you can convert your Xbox Live Gold subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for a discounted rate.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers a wide variety of benefits, including access to hundreds of games on Xbox consoles and PC, Xbox Live Gold, and EA Play. With Xbox Live Gold, you can play online multiplayer games on Xbox consoles and receive free monthly games and discounts on select titles in the Xbox Store. By converting your Xbox Live Gold subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you’ll get all of these benefits for a single monthly fee.
Choosing between Xbox Game Pass Core, Standard, PC Game Pass, and Ultimate depends on your gaming habits, platforms, and budget. Game Pass Core is the go-to for budget-conscious gamers focused on online multiplayer, while Standard offers a broader library for console players. PC Game Pass is ideal for PC gamers seeking day-one releases, and Game Pass Ultimate is the ultimate choice for those who want it all – cross-platform play, cloud gaming, and exclusive perks. By understanding the features, pricing, and target audiences, you can select the subscription that maximizes your gaming experience.
FAQs
Do You Need Both Game Pass Core and Game Pass Ultimate?
No, Game Pass Ultimate includes all Game Pass Core benefits, such as online multiplayer and discounts, making a separate Core subscription unnecessary.
Can You Play Offline?
Most Game Pass games can be played offline, but multiplayer titles require an internet connection and an active Core or Ultimate subscription. Check the Microsoft Store for specific game requirements.
What Happens When Your Subscription Ends?
Games accessed through Game Pass are no longer playable after the subscription ends, though purchased games remain accessible. Xbox 360 titles claimed via Games with Gold are retained, but Xbox One games require an active Core or Ultimate subscription.
Is Cloud Gaming Worth It?
Cloud gaming, exclusive to Game Pass Ultimate, is valuable for players with compatible devices and a strong internet connection. It’s ideal for gaming on the go but may not suit those with unreliable internet.