Microsoft plans to "expand" Xbox Game Pass, and merge PC Game Pass with another tier — more third-party service bundles may be on the way, too

Following Microsoft's major overhaul to Xbox Game Pass last year that saw sizable price increases, multiplatform access for every tier other than PC Game Pass, and the addition of Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew benefits, the firm is planning to further revamp its buffet-style gaming subscription service.

The news comes from Tom Warren of The Verge, and the latest edition of his weekly Microsoft column Notepad in particular. He reports that in addition to potentially testing free Xbox Cloud Gaming soon for a possible launch later in 2026, Microsoft is also looking to "expand" Xbox Game Pass, and "is in the early stages of exploring ways" to do so.

Specifically, Warren says that the firm might be planning to merge the PC Game Pass tier with another, such as Xbox Game Pass Premium; Windows Central can corroborate this with our own sources. He also notes that Microsoft is looking to bundle more third-party services with Game Pass memberships.

"While the free Xbox Cloud Gaming won’t be a new Game Pass tier, sources tell me Microsoft is in the early stages of exploring ways to expand its Game Pass subscription lineup," Warren reports. "I understand that Microsoft is looking at ways to bundle third-party services with Game Pass subscriptions and potentially even merge Xbox Game Pass Premium and PC Game Pass together."

It's worth noting that PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate already give its subscribers access to EA Play and a suite of Ubisoft+ titles, along with special benefits in Riot Games titles, Overwatch, and others. After 2025's October overhaul, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate specifically includes Fortnite Crew as well, Epic's $11.99 Fortnite membership that gives monthly V-Bucks, Battle Passes, and cosmetics.

Bundling further third-party services with Game Pass will undoubtedly make Microsoft's subscription model more attractive to potential customers. As for what will be offered where, it's impossible to say right now, though I wouldn't be surprised to see more benefits added to Ultimate after its price hike to $29.99/month has been scathingly criticized by users.

That would also make sense as a change made in tandem with the merging of PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Premium, as that would bring Game Pass' premium offerings — guaranteed access to first-party Xbox games at launch and its widest library of available titles — to a larger group of users. Without some added benefits to sweeten the deal, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate would be even harder to justify subscribing to if that happened.

As for when further changes to Game Pass are coming, it's unclear right now, with Warren noting that he "wouldn’t expect to see any major changes to Game Pass this year." Therefore, you shouldn't expect to see the service get revamped in 2026; 2027, though, may bring another new era for Microsoft's popular subscription service.

How would you feel about PC Game Pass being merged with Xbox Game Pass Premium in another revamp for Game Pass? What third-party services would you like to see bundled with Game Pass subscriptions? Do you currently use Game Pass yourself, or is it not a good fit for your gaming habits? Hit me with all your thoughts in the comments.

Follow Windows Central on Google News to keep our latest news, insights, and features at the top of your feeds!