Microsoft is reportedly considering a major shake-up of Xbox Game Pass that could bring two of its subscription tiers together.
According to Windows Central, the company is exploring the possibility of merging PC Game Pass with Xbox Game Pass Premium, a move that would change how much players pay and what they access.
The PC Game Pass currently offers day-one access to many major titles on Windows for a standalone monthly fee. Meanwhile, the Game Pass Premium gives access to a large library of games on console and PC without day-one releases. Bringing them together could create a single tier for players across platforms.
What Microsoft’s Game Pass changes could look like
The idea is still in the early stages, and Microsoft has not made any official announcements. According to The Verge, the proposed merger is part of broader plans for Xbox Game Pass after recent revisions in 2025.
One possibility is that PC Game Pass users could be shifted into the Premium tier, which might streamline the subscription offerings but could also mean giving up perks like certain day-one releases unless they step up to a higher tier.
PC Game Pass currently sits at a lower monthly price compared to Premium, giving access to several PC games and first-party titles at launch. If Microsoft merges the two subscriptions, those benefits could be folded into a new unified tier with a broader set of services.
Microsoft is also exploring free, ad-supported Xbox game streaming with playtime limits. There is also talk of Microsoft integrating more third-party services into Game Pass subscriptions, building on existing partnerships such as EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and Fortnite Crew already included in higher tiers.
One key question many gamers could have is whether this change would affect what they already pay or lose access to features they value most.
The report suggests that PC players could lose standalone access to day-one releases under the merged structure, pushing gamers toward the Ultimate tier if they want the most comprehensive coverage.
For now, these plans appear to be exploratory, and insiders do not expect major changes to hit in 2026. If Microsoft does move ahead, it could reshape how millions of players access games across devices.
