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Choose PC Game Pass if you play only on a Windows PC and want the PC catalog, day-one releases and EA Play at the lower listed US price. Choose Xbox Game Pass Ultimate if you also use an Xbox console or supported cloud device, need online console multiplayer, or will use its extra memberships and benefits. On the official US pages checked October 13, 2026, PC Game Pass is listed at $13.99 per month and Ultimate at $22.99—a $9 monthly difference before tax and any promotion.
The short answer: your platforms decide first
These subscriptions overlap on the features most PC players care about. Both provide access to day-one games, and both include EA Play. The dividing line is everything beyond Windows PC play: Ultimate adds console access, cloud gaming, online multiplayer on Xbox consoles, and more bundled perks.
Do not treat Ultimate as a universally better version of PC Game Pass. It is a broader plan for people who will use those additional platforms or benefits. If your gaming happens entirely on a Windows PC, the lower-priced PC plan normally delivers the relevant value.
- Pick PC Game Pass for Windows-only play, PC day-one titles, EA Play and in-game benefits.
- Pick Ultimate for PC plus Xbox console access, cloud gaming, console multiplayer or the additional memberships.
- Check the individual game before subscribing if one specific title is your reason for joining; catalogs change by platform and region.
PC Game Pass and Ultimate compared
The following figures are current US listings on Xbox pages accessed October 13, 2026. Prices, catalogs and features can change, and local checkout pages may show different amounts.
#1 Best Overall
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
| Decision point | PC Game Pass | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Listed US monthly price | $13.99 per month | $22.99 per month |
| Primary play focus | Windows PC catalog and PC play | PC, Xbox console and supported devices |
| Day-one games | Included, according to Xbox’s plan overview | Included, according to Xbox’s comparison and overview |
| EA Play | Included | Included |
| Cloud gaming | Not included | Included, subject to plan, device and region limits |
| Online Xbox console multiplayer | Not included as a PC-focused benefit; a console-inclusive tier is needed | Included |
| Other named benefits | In-game benefits | Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics, in-game benefits and rewards |
| Catalog figures shown by Xbox | 300+ PC games | 500+ games across console, PC and supported devices |
The catalog numbers are publisher claims, not a permanent guarantee. Xbox states that game titles, the number of games, features and availability vary over time, by region, plan and platform. A title available on console may not be available for PC, and a game offered for download may not be available to stream.
What PC Game Pass actually includes
Windows PC catalog and day-one releases
PC Game Pass is built around the Windows PC library. Xbox describes it as including day-one titles and more than 300 PC games. “Day one” means eligible releases are added to the service when they launch; it does not mean every game from every publisher arrives on the service, nor that every platform receives identical content. The catalog changes as games are added and removed.
EA Play
EA Play is included with PC Game Pass. That membership can provide access to eligible Electronic Arts games, trials or member benefits under EA’s own availability rules. The inclusion is a material part of the PC plan’s value if you regularly play EA titles; it is not exclusive to Ultimate.
In-game benefits
Xbox lists in-game benefits with PC Game Pass. These can be tied to particular games and can change, so treat them as bonuses rather than a reason to assume a fixed cash value every month.
What it does not include
PC Game Pass does not include Xbox cloud gaming. It also is not the plan to choose when you need online multiplayer on an Xbox console. You can still play multiplayer games on a Windows PC under the game’s own requirements, but the console multiplayer entitlement is an Ultimate feature in this comparison.
What Ultimate adds
One subscription across PC, console and supported devices
Ultimate combines the PC catalog with Xbox console access and play on supported devices. That makes it useful for households or individuals who switch between a gaming PC, an Xbox and another compatible screen. You still need the relevant hardware, a supported title and, for streaming, a supported region and connection.
Rank #2
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Cloud gaming
Cloud gaming is the clearest functional difference. Ultimate includes cloud play, while PC Game Pass does not. Streaming availability depends on the plan’s limits, supported devices and regions, and the games available to stream can differ from the downloadable catalog. Supported devices are sold separately; a subscription does not provide a phone, tablet, television, controller or internet service.
Before upgrading for streaming, verify three things on the current Xbox service page: that cloud gaming is available in your country, that your device is supported, and that the game you want appears in the streamable library. A title’s presence in the PC catalog alone is not proof that it can be streamed.
Online multiplayer on Xbox consoles
Ultimate includes online console multiplayer. This matters when you use an Xbox to play multiplayer games over the internet. It has no practical value for someone who never plays on a console, which is why a PC-only customer should not pay for Ultimate solely because it is the larger bundle.
Additional memberships and rewards
Xbox lists Fortnite Crew and Ubisoft+ Classics with Ultimate, in addition to EA Play, in-game benefits and rewards. Value these only if you would otherwise use the included memberships. A benefit you never claim does not offset the monthly difference.
Price: is Ultimate’s extra $9 worth it?
Using the cited US listings, the arithmetic is straightforward: $22.99 for Ultimate minus $13.99 for PC Game Pass equals $9 per month, or $108 over twelve months if both prices remained unchanged and you paid every month. The $108 figure is a calculation, not a separately published Xbox statistic.
| Cost question | How to interpret it |
|---|---|
| Listed PC Game Pass price | $13.99 per month on the US listing accessed October 13, 2026 |
| Listed Ultimate price | $22.99 per month on the US listing accessed October 13, 2026 |
| Difference | $9 per month at those listed prices |
| Annualized difference | $108 for twelve months, assuming prices and continuous billing do not change |
| What can change your bill | Country, taxes, promotions, renewal pricing and Microsoft’s future price changes |
Promotional offers may convert to the then-current regular price. Subscriptions continue automatically until canceled, and applicable taxes can alter the amount charged. Read the renewal date and recurring amount on the checkout screen, then confirm them under your Microsoft account’s subscription settings.
Rank #3
- MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience the modernized design of the XBOX Wireless Controller with sculpted surfaces and updated geometry that enhances comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- PRECISION PERFORMANCE — Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grips on triggers, bumpers, and back case for improved accuracy and handling.
- SHARE BUTTON: Seamlessly capture and share content such as screenshots, recordings, and more with the new Share button.
- VERSATILE CONNECTIVITY — Connect via USB-C for plug-and-play on console and PC, or quickly pair and switch between supported devices with XBOX Wireless and Bluetooth support.
- BUILT-IN AUDIO SUPPORT — Plug in compatible headsets using the 3.5mm audio jack for direct voice chat and immersive in-game sound.
Which plan fits common player profiles?
Windows-only player
Choose PC Game Pass when your only gaming machine is a Windows PC and you want the PC catalog, day-one access and EA Play. Ultimate adds no useful platform in this scenario unless you later decide to stream or play on an Xbox.
PC player who owns an Xbox
Choose Ultimate if you expect to move between PC and console. One subscription covers both ecosystems and includes console online multiplayer. If the Xbox is used only occasionally and you already have another way to cover console multiplayer, calculate whether the broader bundle will actually replace a cost you would otherwise pay.
Laptop or tablet player who wants to stream
Start with Ultimate, then verify device and regional support. PC Game Pass cannot provide cloud gaming, so it cannot satisfy a cloud-first requirement by itself.
Competitive console multiplayer player
Ultimate is the relevant choice in this two-plan comparison because online Xbox console multiplayer is included there. PC Game Pass is not a substitute for that console entitlement.
EA-focused player
Both plans include EA Play. If you play on PC only, PC Game Pass is generally the lower-cost way to obtain that membership alongside the PC catalog. Choose Ultimate only when its console, cloud or other benefits matter too.
Player interested in Fortnite Crew or Ubisoft+ Classics
Those named extras are listed with Ultimate. Compare their standalone value to the $9 monthly difference, but remember that membership terms and included content can change.
Rank #4
- BREAKER SERIES — Hold nothing back. Ice Breaker keeps it forever fresh with a mix of iced and frosted blues. Part of the collective debut of the Breaker special edition series.
- BOLD STYLE, BUILT TO PERFORM — Define your swagger with a wild, head-turning design. Stay elegantly on target with textured triggers built for every moment.
- RUBBERIZED GRIPS — Hold on to the action with rubberized grips on the back cases, designed for comfort and control during long gaming sessions.
- UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of battery life so you can keep playing without stopping to recharge.
- PLAY ACROSS EVERY SCREEN — Quickly pair with, play on, and switch between devices including console and PC. Stream games across mobile, gaming handhelds, Smart TVs, and supported VR headsets with XBOX Cloud Gaming.
Family with mixed devices
Ultimate’s cross-platform scope can simplify access when one person uses a PC and another uses an Xbox or supported streaming device. Check the service’s current account and sharing rules before assuming that one subscription provides separate entitlements for every household member.
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Day-one does not mean permanent ownership
Game Pass provides subscription access, not a perpetual license. A day-one game can later leave the catalog, and continued play normally requires an active subscription or a separate purchase. Save files and achievements are handled by the relevant game and account systems, but access to the game itself follows its catalog status.
Platform and region differences
Xbox’s availability notice explicitly covers region, plan and platform. Do not infer that the 300+ PC-game figure applies to every country, or that the 500+ Ultimate figure is a single identical list on PC, console and cloud. Search the catalog while signed into the account and region you will use.
Download versus stream
Installing a PC game and streaming a game from the cloud are different use cases. A download requires compatible Windows hardware and storage; streaming requires supported cloud access, a suitable connection and a supported device. Ultimate’s cloud entitlement does not remove those technical requirements.
How to choose in five steps
- List every device you will use. Write down Windows PC, Xbox console and any phone, tablet, browser or television device intended for cloud play.
- Mark your non-negotiable feature. If it is cloud gaming or Xbox console multiplayer, PC Game Pass is ruled out. If it is PC day-one games and EA Play, both plans remain eligible.
- Check the actual games. Confirm that your target titles are in the current catalog for your platform and region. Do not rely on a trailer, an old list or the total game count.
- Price only the benefits you will use. Compare the $9 US monthly difference with the value of console access, cloud play, multiplayer, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics and other benefits you would otherwise obtain.
- Review checkout terms. Confirm local currency, taxes, introductory pricing, renewal amount and the next billing date before completing the subscription.
Setup notes for PC and cloud players
PC Game Pass setup
- Sign in to the Microsoft account that will own the subscription.
- Purchase or redeem PC Game Pass through the current Xbox or Microsoft subscription checkout for your country.
- Install the Xbox app for Windows if prompted, then sign in with the same account.
- Search for a game, check its PC availability and install it to a compatible drive.
- For EA Play titles, follow the EA account-linking or launcher instructions shown during installation.
Ultimate cloud setup
- Confirm that Xbox cloud gaming is offered in your region and that your device appears on the supported-device list.
- Sign in to the supported Xbox cloud service with the Ultimate account.
- Check that the game is marked as available for cloud play, not merely present in the broader catalog.
- Use a compatible controller when the game requires one. A controller is optional for the subscription and is not supplied with it.
- If playback is unstable, test the same title on a supported network and device before concluding that the subscription is at fault.
Common mistakes and fixes
“I bought PC Game Pass, so cloud gaming should work.”
It will not: Xbox lists cloud gaming as unavailable on PC Game Pass. Upgrade to a plan that includes cloud play and verify regional and device support.
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It does not. Catalogs, features and availability vary by platform, region and time. Check the individual game listing.
Best Value
- Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
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- 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
- GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.
“The advertised price is what my card will always be charged.”
Promotions can end, taxes apply where required and recurring prices can change. Check the renewal terms in checkout and in Microsoft account subscription settings.
“The larger catalog number proves better value.”
Total counts are snapshots and include multiple platforms. A smaller PC catalog can be more valuable to a PC-only player than a larger cross-platform count containing games they cannot or will not play.
“Console multiplayer is included because I have PC Game Pass.”
PC Game Pass is the PC-oriented plan. Choose a console-inclusive tier, such as Ultimate in this comparison, when online Xbox multiplayer is required.
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Subscription catalogs rotate. If a departing game is important, watch its removal notice and decide whether to buy it or finish it before access ends.
Billing, cancellation and regional checks
Both subscriptions are recurring services. Unless canceled, they renew automatically at the applicable regular price. The amount shown can include tax and can differ from the US figures because of currency, country-specific pricing and local promotions.
- Use the checkout page for the definitive local price and renewal date.
- Open Microsoft account subscription settings to review the recurring charge and cancellation controls.
- Do not assume a promotional introductory price will continue after the first billing period.
- Recheck cloud availability before traveling or changing the account’s region.
- Review the current catalog immediately before subscribing for one particular game.
Final decision rule
For a Windows-PC-only player, PC Game Pass is the sensible default: it includes day-one PC games, EA Play and in-game benefits for the lower listed US monthly price. Upgrade to Ultimate when you will use at least one of its decisive additions—Xbox console access, cloud gaming, online console multiplayer, Fortnite Crew, Ubisoft+ Classics or the broader cross-device bundle. The right subscription is the one that covers your actual devices and games, not the one with the longest feature list.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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