What is a game pass? Is it the best choice for you?

Remember when you had to buy a physical copy of a game just to play it? And let’s be honest, how many times have you bought a game, only to realize it wasn’t your cup of tea? It’s a frustrating experience, right? Well, thankfully, things have changed.

With the above issue in mind and the rise of subscription-based models in other sectors, the gaming industry took note and adapted. It wasn’t long before subscription-based gaming surfaced – the famous game pass.

This article will explain what is a game pass, how it works, some of the different tiers you can find, its numerous benefits, and also the potential drawbacks you should know.

What is a game pass?

So, what exactly is a game pass? Well, think of it like a Netflix, Spotify, or Amazon Prime, but for video games. You know how those services give you access to a vast library of movies, music, or products for a recurring monthly fee (or a discounted annual fee)? A game pass is something similar but with games!

Instead of purchasing individual titles, you subscribe to a service and gain access to a library of games you can download and play as long as your subscription is active. It’s as simple as that.

The most popular game pass services (yes, there’s more than one) are available on many platforms, including Xbox consoles, PC, and even through the cloud, which means you can play them on your phone!

Each one works more or less the same: they basically grant you access to a selection of titles for a monthly fee. And, much like those other services, the library isn’t permanent. Titles get added to the catalog and others will leave. This “rotation,” as it is called, means that games you enjoy now might disappear from the service in a few months, and new ones will come to replace them.

It can be a bit of a double-edged sword; on one hand, it can be frustrating to see a favorite game go, but on the other, it’s an excellent way to discover new experiences, especially if you’re always looking for something different to play. Later in the article, we’ll go deeper on the main pros and cons of a game pass!

Different tiers of a game pass and their benefits

Game pass services come in various tiers, each offering different benefits at different price points. Let’s look at the most popular ones:

Xbox Game Pass

The Xbox Game Pass is probably the most popular service of its kind and comes in several flavors:

• Game Pass Core: at $10 a month, this is the cheapest option and gives you access to 40+ titles, including great games like Doom: Eternal and Halo 5, plus online multiplayer. It is a good start, but it doesn’t include many games, new titles are rarely added, and you won’t get access to day-one releases. Plus, it doesn’t include EA Play either;
• PC Game Pass: for only $12 a month, this is a great deal for PC gamers. You get over 400 titles, with new games added each month and some day-one releases as well. You also get access to EA Play, which means you get to play EA games like the Madden series. Do note that you’ll need a PC for this, of course;
• Game Pass Standard: this option comes at $15 a month and is aimed at console gamers. It grants access to a huge library of 300+ games, featuring blockbuster hits like Mafia: The Definitive Edition. You also get online multiplayer access for Game Pass titles as well as non-Game Pass games. What you won’t get, though, is day-one releases;
• Game Pass Ultimate: at $20 a month, this is the premium subscription that gives you the best bang for your buck. You can play over 500 titles (including those from EA Play and day-one releases). You also get to enjoy Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta on your compatible devices, which may allow you to play demanding AAA games right on your phone – a pretty cool feature.

PlayStation Plus

Sony’s PlayStation Plus also has multiple tiers, each with its own set of perks:

• PS Plus Essential: this is the base tier, giving you access to monthly games, online multiplayer access, exclusive discounts, cloud storage, and Share Play, allowing your friends to play with you even if they don’t own the game. However, both players have to be PS Plus subscribers;
• PS Plus Extra: includes all the perks of Essential, plus a big game catalog and access to Ubisoft+ Classic. With this tier, you can enjoy Ubisoft franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s titles, as well as many sports-based games, like Trackmania and Legendary Fishing;
• PS Plus Premium: this is the top-tier plan. It includes everything from Essential and Extra, plus game trials, PS5 Cloud streaming, a catalog with ported games from previous PlayStation consoles, and access to Sony Pictures Core, where you can stream over 100 movies on demand;

Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo’s subscription service is a bit simpler, but it is still very useful: it allows you to play online across thousands of supported titles (like Splatoon 3 and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe). You also get access to a growing library of classic Nintendo games from the NES, SNES, and Game Boy eras directly on your Switch. Furthermore, you get extra benefits like vouchers, trials, and exclusive merchandise.

What are the pros and cons of subscribing to a game pass?

Like any subscription service, game passes come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Let’s start with the good stuff.

One of the biggest benefits is the cost savings. Instead of buying games individually, you get access to a vast library for a comparatively small monthly fee. This is especially great if you like playing different games, allowing you to experience both indie and AAA titles. This is also great if you’re looking to discover new games you might not normally play.

The sheer variety of available titles is a very attractive point, as is the fact you can often get day-one releases of some big-name games, making you one of the first players to enjoy the latest games.

However, it’s not all roses. One potential drawback is the dependence on the subscription. That means you only have access to the games as long as you are subscribed – if you cancel, you lose access to everything, including games you may have spent hours playing.

Then, in some models, there’s the rotation of games. Titles come and go, so a game you love might be taken off the service at any time. Also, while the game library is enormous, not all games are available. Finally, having so many choices can sometimes lead to what’s known as “analysis paralysis,” where you spend more time browsing for a game than actually playing one.

What is a game pass? Conclusion

The game pass model isn’t perfect, but it certainly has its benefits and caters to millions of gamers worldwide. It provides an accessible way to enjoy variety in gaming without the high cost of buying each one individually. Whether you’re a casual player or a dedicated enthusiast, there’s probably a tier that suits you. It’s a really interesting approach to how we consume games these days.

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