Last week, Microsoft made major adjustments to Xbox Game Pass: it not only expanded the coverage of the subscription service on Windows PCs and Xbox Cloud Gaming, but also renamed the subscription tiers and raised the prices of PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.Among them, the price increase of the latter caused great controversy, and users canceled their subscriptions so quickly that Microsoft's official website was once unable to carry it.

Now, facing strong opposition from the gaming community to this adjustment, Microsoft has decided to postpone the implementation of the $10 price increase for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in some countries.The company seems to be suspending price increases this time mainly for European countries; users in the United States and the United Kingdom will still have to pay the new higher prices.

The news comes from an email Microsoft sent to Game Pass subscribers overnight.The email notified those users in the "price increase deferral applicable areas" that they currently do not need to pay a higher price for the Ultimate Edition.

It is worth noting that this delay seems to be indefinite, but it should be emphasized that this policy only applies to users who "have subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate before the price increase and maintain their auto-renewing membership."If you cancel your subscription at any time, you will have to pay the new price if you want to resubscribe later.

Microsoft explained in the email: "Currently, these price increases will only affect new subscription purchases. As long as you are on the automatic renewal plan, they will not affect the subscription price in your current region. If you choose to cancel the current plan and then purchase again, you will be charged at the latest price."

Microsoft then promised that for users in regions where "the price increase has been postponed", the company will provide a notice 60 days before "the delay ends" or "other adjustments to the Xbox Game Pass price occur."This means that the current postponement period will last at least two months, and likely longer.

Microsoft pointed out: "If your existing account may change for any reason, we will notify you 60 days in advance, and you can choose to cancel or change your subscription plan at any time."

The delay does not appear to be due to Microsoft's response to sharp negative feedback, but is forced by regulations related to price increases for subscription services.

Regarding the reason for the delay, a statement provided to the media by Microsoft confirmed that the move was due to "local requirements in applicable regions."A Microsoft spokesperson said: "Based on local requirements, existing subscribers in some countries will still be renewed at the original price."

In other words, this is more like a decision forced by subscription service price adjustment regulations rather than a response to negative feedback - if it were really in response to the controversy, users in the United States and the United Kingdom should also be able to enjoy this delay.

This postponement is undoubtedly good news for the small number of users in areas where the price increase postponement is applicable.But on the other hand, for users who are not within the scope of application, this news is disappointing, and many people can't help but question: In addition to the requirements set by law, is Microsoft willing to reconsider the price increase decision in other ways?

Ultimately, we may see the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Edition maintain its new price—if it can continue to provide as rich and high-quality games as it did in 2025, users may reluctantly accept this price increase; or Microsoft may choose to give in and adjust the Ultimate Edition price back to a low level, but the scale of game content provided to users may be reduced accordingly.

No matter what the future direction is, if you can still buy the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Edition gift card at the "old price of $19.99 per month", it is recommended to get it as soon as possible and lock in the subscription period.