Microsoft increases Xbox Live Gold prices for new members

The company justified the increase by noting that the price of gold “hasn’t changed in years” in many places, and in some cases hasn’t changed for more than a decade – the Xbox 360 was still in store at the time. In theory, Microsoft simply recognizes that the costs have changed. PlayStation Plus still has a $ 60 option, although Sony doesn’t offer its Now game streaming.

It’s not too hard to see Microsoft’s most ambitious plans, however. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is a relatively easy upsell. You’ll pay more at $ 15 per month, but you’ll get all of Gold’s features along with access to a growing library of cloud titles and games. The tech giant not only receives more money each month, but is more likely to keep members who might otherwise let their Gold membership expire.