Game Pass users call for a more flexible plan: “I don’t want to pay for things I don’t use

Game Pass divides the community: the Essential and Premium levels do not convince anyone.

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The reorganization of Xbox Game Pass continues to generate debate in the community. In forums and social media, more and more players are sharing their experiences after downgrading from Ultimate to Premium or Essential, and the conclusions don’t seem too favorable for the new plans. One of the most commented threads of the weekend poses a direct question: “What exactly do you play if you only have access to 50 or 200 games?”.

The user who started the discussion claims that they don’t understand the appeal of the lower levels, as the reduced catalog doesn’t justify the monthly cost, and in many cases, main titles or launch games are lost. Additionally, they criticize the lack of flexibility in the new plans and demand that Microsoft should allow users to choose which benefits to include, rather than imposing the complete Ultimate package.

Users demand more options in Xbox Game Pass levels

According to the collected comments, a large part of the community considers that Xbox Game Pass Essential and Premium offer too little for the price they have, especially when comparing their catalog to that of Ultimate. Players mention that they would prefer a more modular model, with options to add features like cloud gaming, Day One titles, or Fortnite rewards and EA Play only if they’re really interested.

• Many claim that they don’t need the classic games from Ubisoft+ or EA, and that what they’re looking for is a subscription focused solely on the Xbox and PC catalog. “I don’t want to pay for content I don’t use,” writes a user, while others ask for a more economical plan that maintains basic benefits without extras that raise the price.

The most repeated message is clear: “Ultimate or nothing” shouldn’t be the only alternative. Some players confess to having canceled their subscription altogether after the price increase on October 1st, while others maintain the service through previously accumulated promotions.

• More levels, more flexibility
  Xbox should offer more than three Game Pass plans, with intermediate options and adjusted prices. For example, console-only plans, PC-only plans, cloud-only plans, or combined plans at the player’s choice. More variety means more freedom and less feeling of “Ultimate or nothing”.

• Modular model by add-ons
  Allow adding or removing services like EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, or Cloud Gaming by paying only for what’s used. This way, the user designs their own subscription without paying for extras they’re not interested in.

• “Only Xbox” plan more fair
  A cheaper version focused solely on Xbox Game Studios’ own games and basic catalog titles, without rewards or benefits. Ideal for those who only play on console and don’t need advanced features.

• Cloud Gaming as an optional extra
  Cloud gaming should be able to be activated as an add-on in any level, not just in Ultimate. Many users use it occasionally and don’t want to assume the full cost for it.

• Rewards and benefits outside the base price
  Rewards points, digital currencies, or third-party benefits should be decoupled from the monthly cost of Game Pass, to avoid raising the general price with content that many players don’t value.

• Premium with real benefits
  The intermediate plan needs reasons to exist: a larger rotating catalog, early access, exclusive betas, or fixed discounts. Currently, it offers little value compared to Ultimate and should be strengthened.

• Bonuses for seniority or continuous use
  Xbox could reward loyalty with discounts, free months, or extra points for those who maintain their subscription active for a long time. A progressive rewards system that encourages staying, not canceling.

The controversy reflects the moment of uncertainty that the service is going through after its reorganization. Although Game Pass Ultimate remains the most complete plan, the new levels seem to have left aside the community in search of an intermediate option. For now, Microsoft has responded in a lukewarm manner, but the debate makes it clear that many players prefer fewer extras and more freedom to choose how and how much to pay.