Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plususers will face another price adjustment, this time to“maximize profitability.”
Possible Price Hikes Ahead
To begin with, a new line of code was recently spotted on the xCloud website by user RedPhx, containing a notification labeled“SubscriptionPriceIncrease.”
Translated literally, that means “Increase in Subscription Price”—which leaves little to the imagination. As Insider Gaming reports, “this essentially means Xbox may be preparing for another price hike in the future.”
Microsoft’s game service last increased prices in July 2024, by 25%. With games themselves also becoming more expensive, it would’ve been unusual for the subscription to remain untouched.
Despite Xbox Game Pass offering regular deals, it’s understandable that the company would raise its subscription price due to new releases and day-one AAA game launches.
Sony May Also Be Preparing Adjustments to PS Plus
But beware—because on the other side of the industry, similar discussions may also be underway. Sony has stated it will continue to monitor and adjust PlayStation Plus pricing based on trends and the perceived value from players.
In its fiscal presentation, which also touched on Switch 2, hardware, and local gaming, Hideaki Nishino, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, gave some insight into pricing changes.
Although this still means 62% remain on the Essential plan, PlayStation clearly sees consumers increasingly opting for higher-tier subscriptions based on the “value” they provide.
Sony’s Plan: Adjust Prices to “Maximize Profitability”
Nishino explained that PlayStation Plus pricing will be updated to “maximize profitability” as more features and value are added to the service.
“PlayStation is highly valued by our players and continues to drive engagement,” he said.
Nishino also pointed out that this shift is happening despite a recent price hike—including a 33% increase in annual plans two years ago and subsequent raises since then.
Are Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus Getting a Price Hike?
“These price increases were partly a result of us adding value for players—through the quality and variety of content we continue to provide, and our investment in service-improving features like player personalization and enhanced content discovery,” said Nishino.
Xbox Game Pass Adds 9 New Games in the First Wave of June
Xbox Game Pass adds 9 new titles in June, including Baldur’s Gate, The Alters, and Crash 4.
We don’t yet know when future subscription price changes might be announced.
Although Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus pricing could increase again, both companies are currently avoiding making any official statements on the matter.
