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After the company's latest announcement of a major overhaul of its gaming subscription tiers, Xbox has clarified what the updates signify for gamers who currently hold an legacy Console subscription active. As stated by Xbox, anyone who presently holds a grandfathered Console subscription with recurring payments enabled will not be affected by the new pricing adjustments.

Recent Updates to Xbox Game Pass Tiers

Earlier this week, Xbox announced that its top-tier plan will be priced at $29.99 per month, a decision that sparked debate among subscribers. This change accompanies two renamed options—Essential and Premium—which modify the service's offerings and exclude day-one game releases. The move followed a prior change in last year, which phased out the Console plan in favor of Core and Standard levels. Back then, Xbox allowed current Console subscribers to keep their membership at the same price of $11 per month with all perks, including the ability to play games on launch day.

“Players who are currently enrolled in the Console plan and have recurring billing enabled can maintain their membership,” a representative explained. “If players turn off recurring payments, or their subscription lapses, they will have to choose between the Essential, Premium, Ultimate, or PC Game Pass plans when rejoining.”

Benefits and Costs Stay the Same

The perks and pricing of the Console plan will not be changing, according to Xbox: “New releases are accessible with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass plans, as well as for members who still have an current Console subscription. Gamers who are presently enrolled in the Console plan and have recurring billing enabled can keep their membership at $10.99/month.”

When asked, a company representative did not confirm for what duration grandfathered Console plans will remain active for existing members.

Steps to Verify If You Have a Legacy Subscription

• Go to the official Game Pass page and log in with your Microsoft account.
• Click your username in the top right corner of the screen once signed in.
• Choose “My Microsoft Account.”
• If you see “Console subscription” shown as an active subscription, you can still access day-one games for $10.99 monthly as long as recurring payments are enabled.

Be sure to check if you hold this golden ticket before ending your membership, as you won’t be able to rejoin the plan once you opt out.