Microsoft has launched Xbox All Access, a new monthly plan that includes an Xbox One console, Xbox Live Gold, and Xbox Game Pass.
The new initiative is effectively a 24-month, zero percent credit agreement that includes a choice of Xbox console, and access to Microsoft’s two game-related subscription services, for a fixed monthly fee.
Xbox Console
There are two tiers on offer. The first is priced at $21.99 per month, and includes an Xbox One S console, plus subscription to Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass. For $34.99 per month, subscribers can get the more powerful Xbox One X, along with Xbox Live Gold and Game Pass. At the end of the two-year contract, the hardware is yours to keep. Basically, it’s just like a phone plan.
Xbox subscription services
Xbox Live gives users access to Microsoft’s online multiplayer services, plus a selection of free games each month with Games with Gold.
Xbox Game Pass currently offers subscribers access to over 100 Xbox games, including all first-party Microsoft-published titles such as Sea of Thieves, the Forza series, and the shambling State of Decay 2. It was recently announced that Halo: The Master Chief Collection will shortly come to Game Pas, and will also receive a 4K Xbox One X upgrade.
Xbox All Access does offer a saving over the combined recommended retail prices of the hardware and services, but if you consider the continual offers, console bundles, and game discounts, the total price is likely to be very similar. Nevertheless, it’s a cost-effective way to get on board with a console generation that will probably last for another, hmm, two years.
In addition to shifting some Xbox One stock, we expect the new payment model is also acting as a toe in the water for Microsoft’s next console, codenamed Scarlet.
At the time of writing, Xbox All Access is only available in the U.S., and will only be offered for a limited time. You can find out more over at the official Microsoft store.