Microsoft Announces Increase of Xbox Live Gold Prices (Update)

Game company Microsoft has announced that there will be an increase of prices for the Xbox Live Gold subscription service.

Fans of the Xbox consoles will have to pay a bit more when they want to get the exclusive subscription service. This will affect the one-, three-, and six-month options and it will be an increase of $1, $5, and $20 respectively.

Here are the changes:

  • 1-month Xbox Live Gold: $9.99 to $10.99
  • 3-month Xbox Live Gold: $24.99 to $29.99
  • 6-month Xbox Live Gold: $39.99 to $59.99

Also, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is $14.99 for one month and $44.99 for three months.

Subscribers who have an existing online 12-month or 6-month membership will not have a price change. For those who want to renew their membership, it will still renew at their current price. Microsoft is also offering a free upgrade for Gold membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for their remaining Gold time. If they have 11 months Gold, they will get 11 months Ultimate if they upgrade. The best part, no additional costs.

Source: Xbox Wire

Update: Microsoft changes its mind and WILL NOT INCREASE prices for Xbox Live Gold. Here’s their statement.

We messed up today and you were right to let us know. Connecting and playing with friends is a vital part of gaming and we failed to meet the expectations of players who count on it every day. As a result, we have decided not to change Xbox Live Gold pricing.

We’re turning this moment into an opportunity to bring Xbox Live more in line with how we see the player at the center of their experience. For free-to-play games, you will no longer need an Xbox Live Gold membership to play those games on Xbox. We are working hard to deliver this change as soon as possible in the coming months.

If you are an Xbox Live Gold member already, you stay at your current price for renewal. New and existing members can continue to enjoy Xbox Live Gold for the same prices they pay today. In the US, $9.99 for 1-month, $24.99 for 3-months, $39.99 for 6-months and $59.99 for retail 12-months.

Thank you.