Microsoft Game Pass vs Ultimate: Difference and Comparison

Whether you’re an experienced gamer or just getting started, the game editions will keep you entertained. However, the prospect of distinguishing them is a little daunting.

That is why we are here to simplify things for you by stating certain facts and characteristics and what distinguishes them. Learn the difference between Microsoft Game Pass and Ultimate in this article.

Key Takeaways

  1. Microsoft Game Pass offers access to a library of games on Xbox and PC, while Ultimate includes Game Pass, Xbox Live Gold, and EA Play.
  2. Xbox Live Gold is required for online multiplayer on Xbox consoles and comes with monthly free games, whereas Game Pass focuses on providing a large game library.
  3. Ultimate offers more value for gamers interested in online multiplayer and an extensive game library. At the same time, Game Pass is a more affordable option for those solely interested in the game selection.

Microsoft Game Pass vs Ultimate 

Microsoft Game Pass and Ultimate are subscription services for games. The Ultimate plan includes all the benefits of the Game Pass, plus additional features like Xbox Live Gold and access to games on both console and PC.

Microsoft Game Pass vs Ultimate

The Microsoft Game Pass can be used on a variety of platforms, including PCs and consoles. You can play over a hundred interesting and exciting games with a monthly subscription of this type. In addition, new games are added daily.

If you want to play with your friends online until the games are free, you must purchase the gold plan as part of your monthly subscription to Microsoft Game Pass.

On the other hand, Ultimate does not need to purchase a gold plan separately because it is included in the monthly subscription. Microsoft Game Pass, in comparison to Ultimate, has fewer features.

The ultimate gaming subscription works on both PCs and consoles. You also have access to cloud gaming support in addition to these. Similarly, your monthly subscription gives you access to over two hundred games.

Comparison Table

Parameters of comparison Microsoft Game PassUltimate 
Xbox Live GoldMissing Present 
Price Less expensive More expensive
Cloud gaming support Not present Present 
Devices it supports One (either console or PC)Both (console and PC)
Number of games More than 100More than 200

What is Microsoft Game Pass?

Microsoft Game Pass is a collection of games you can download from the site and play without needing an internet connection. With a monthly subscription, you’ll have access to over a hundred different games.

You do not own the games in the subscription, so you can remove or add them at any time.

Microsoft introduced this to the world in 2017, and the games were initially only available on consoles. It consists primarily of independent Microsoft-developed games as well as a few third-party titles.

It was in 2018 that Microsoft granted access to newly released first-party games. Every day, new games are added.

Subscribers get special discounts when purchasing games outright. A different game pass is available for PC.

As a result, the Microsoft Game Pass allows you to play on any of your devices, including consoles and PCs. Xbox Live Gold is one feature that the Microsoft Game Pass does not include.

This feature allows you to play games with your friends in real-time over the internet; however, you must purchase it separately. The way it works is that you will be presented with a variety of options, which you must download before playing.

You can only play them as much as you want after you’ve finished downloading them. However, they will notify you before removing any game, and you will no longer be able to play that game.

What is Ultimate?

Microsoft’s ultimate variation can be considered one of the best because it allows you to play unlimited games across all platforms, including consoles, PCs, and even Android devices.

Unlike the Microsoft Game Pass, Ultimate allows you to play on both a computer and a console. Microsoft’s first-studio games are also included, and that is on the first day of release.

With the premium subscription, you get access to all of these exclusive features. And Xbox Live gold is included in this. As a result, you’ll be able to enjoy playing live with your friends.

The cloud feature is an interesting feature that allows you to download games to your phones or tablets as well. Unlike the Microsoft Game Pass, Ultimate allows for multiplayer gaming. I

f you have a premium membership, you can access almost all third-party games on the same day they are released. You also have exclusive access to the EA play category. It has been there since the year 2020.

It works because four to five new games are added each month and the games that have been there for a while are removed.

You don’t have to worry if a game is removed because the data is saved in the cloud, and you can purchase the game if you want to play it again.

Main Differences Between Microsoft Game Pass and Ultimate

  1. Microsoft Game Pass does not include the Xbox Live Gold with its subscription, whereas Ultimate does so.
  2. While comparing the price, the Microsoft game pass is cheaper than Ultimate.
  3. Cloud gaming is not supported in Microsoft game pass, whereas it is supported in Ultimate.
  4. In Microsoft game pass, you can play over a hundred games, whereas the number of games increases in Ultimate, this is over two hundred games.
  5. The EA play catalogue is absent in the Microsoft game pass, whereas it is present in Ultimate.

Last Updated : 24 November, 2023

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7 thoughts on “Microsoft Game Pass vs Ultimate: Difference and Comparison”

  1. The detailed comparison and discussion on the differences are really helpful for someone like me who’s new to gaming subscriptions. It’s good to know what each option offers.

    Reply
  2. The Ultimate sounds like a comprehensive package for serious gamers. The ability to play games across various platforms and access a wide range of titles is certainly appealing.

    Reply
  3. The accessibility of the Microsoft Game Pass on multiple platforms and the liberty to download a large variety of games makes it a feasible option for gamers. It’s great to know all these details.

    Reply
  4. It’s interesting to see the different options laid out like this. The detailed comparison really helps in making an informed decision about which subscription to choose.

    Reply
  5. It seems like the Ultimate offers a lot more value compared to the standard Game Pass. The extra cost might be worth it for those who want a wider range of gaming options.

    Reply
    • I find the fact that Ultimate includes access to EA Play and Xbox Live Gold quite compelling. It’s definitely something to consider for those who take gaming seriously.

      Reply
  6. After reading this comparison, it’s clear that Ultimate is the better choice for anyone looking for a complete gaming experience. The additional features and gaming options make it worth the extra cost.

    Reply

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