Xbox Game Pass could be in for one of its biggest changes yet, with a new rumor claiming Microsoft may remove day-one game releases from the subscription service in 2027. The reported change could arrive between February and April 2027 as part of a broader restructuring of Game Pass tiers, pricing, cloud streaming, and online multiplayer.
The rumor, posted on ResetEra, claims Microsoft could introduce a $12.99-per-month ad-supported Game Pass tier alongside an ad-free option priced at $19.99 per month or $239.99 annually. The latter would reportedly cost $3 less than the current price, with the reduction linked to the removal of new games launching day one on the service.
Cloud streaming could also become a separate paid option. According to the rumor, Xbox may charge $5.99 per month for 25 hours of cloud streaming, while another $14.99 tier could offer access to the Game Pass library with online multiplayer. Online multiplayer could also become a standalone subscription for $10.99 per month.
The full rumor reads:
“One service with Ads, one without:
Ads tier will cost $12.99 a month.
GamePass without Ads will cost $19.99 per month or $239.99 annually.They are reducing price by $3 because there won’t be day 1 new games releasing on the service starting Feb – April
Cloud Streaming no longer part of GamePass subscription.
Cloud Streaming is an add-on bundle costs $5.99 for 25hrs.
Family plan is going to be an additional $5.99 / month
You can also select ONLY access to GamePass library with online MP for $14.99/moNew games no longer release day 1 on GamePass.
Complete change of tiers, Online MP will be its own subscription for $10.99 a month”
The source has warned users to treat the information cautiously. However, Xbox-focused leaker NateTheHate2 reportedly pointed out that the source has previously shared accurate information concerning Xbox Game Pass hardware leaks.
If Microsoft adopts this strategy, removing day-one releases would be a major change for Game Pass. Immediate access to first-party Xbox games has been one of the service’s biggest selling points, making the rumored shift particularly significant for subscribers.
The reported changes would also fit with Microsoft’s broader efforts to improve the economics of its gaming business. Xbox has been under pressure to increase profitability while its console business has faced declining revenue, alongside major layoffs across the division.
For now, Microsoft has not confirmed any of these Game Pass changes, so the reported 2027 plans should be treated as a rumor. If accurate, however, Xbox Game Pass could enter 2027 with a very different subscription model.
