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After the company's latest announcement of an extensive overhaul of its gaming subscription tiers, Xbox has explained what these changes signify for gamers who currently hold an legacy Console subscription in effect. According to Xbox, anyone who currently holds a grandfathered Console subscription with automatic billing enabled will not be affected by the new pricing changes.

Recent Updates to Xbox Game Pass Subscription Plans

Earlier this week, Xbox revealed that its top-tier plan will be priced at $29.99 per month, a controversial move among subscribers. The update accompanies rebranded options—Premium and Essential—which modify the available features and exclude new titles at launch. The move followed a prior change in last year, which phased out the Console plan in favor of Core and Standard levels. At that time, Xbox allowed current members on the Console plan to retain their membership at the same monthly rate of $10.99 with full benefits, including access to games on launch day.

Subscribers who are presently subscribed to the Console plan and have automatic payment renewal activated can maintain their membership,” an Xbox spokesperson explained. “If users turn off automatic payment renewal, or their membership expires, they will have to select between the Essential, Premium, Ultimate, or PC Game Pass plans when resubscribing.”

Perks and Pricing Remain Unchanged

The perks and pricing of the Console plan will remain the same, as confirmed by Xbox: “Day one games are available with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions, as well as for subscribers who continue to hold an active Console subscription. Players who are presently enrolled in Xbox Game Pass for Console and have automatic payment renewal turned on can keep their membership at $10.99/month.”

When asked, a company representative declined to specify for what duration grandfathered Console plans will stay available for existing members.

Steps to Check If You Are On a Console Plan

• Visit the official Game Pass page and log in with your Microsoft account.
• Select your profile name in the upper-right section of the page once signed in.
• Choose “Account Settings.”
• If you see “Xbox Game Pass for Console” shown as an active subscription, you can still get day-one games for $11 a month as long as automatic billing are turned on.

Be sure to check if you hold this golden ticket before canceling your subscription, as it will be impossible to rejoin the plan once you cancel.