Xbox Online Cost: Xbox Game Pass Core & Ultimate Pricing (2024) After Live Gold Replacement

Xbox Live Gold has been replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core (Sept 2023). Pricing below reflects current Microsoft Store US rates (prices vary by region).

Xbox Game Pass Core (Replaces Live Gold)

• Required for online multiplayer on Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One (free-to-play games excluded).
• Includes ~25-game library (legacy Xbox titles).
• Monthly: $9.99/mo
• Quarterly: $24.99/3 mo ($8.33/mo)
• Annual: $59.99/yr ($5.00/mo)

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (Best Value)

• Includes Game Pass Core + Game Pass (console/PC/cloud) + EA Play + member discounts.
• Monthly: $16.99/mo
• Quarterly: $44.99/3 mo ($15.00/mo)
• Annual: $149.99/yr ($12.50/mo) — often discounted to $120–$130

Key Notes

• Free-to-Play Games: Fortnite, Apex, Warzone, Rocket League—no subscription needed.
• Xbox 360 Games: Still require Game Pass Core for online multiplayer (backward compatible titles).
• Trials: New accounts often get 14-day Core/Ultimate trial.
• Conversion: Existing Gold time converts to Core 1:1; Core→Ultimate converts at monetary value.
• Regional Pricing: Varies significantly (e.g., Turkey, Argentina, India much lower; EU/UK higher with VAT).

Recommendation

If you play >2–3 Game Pass games/year or want online multiplayer + library access, Game Pass Ultimate annual is the best value. For online-only, Core annual at $60/yr.