Unlocked And Now Game Pass Prices Are Going Up Too – Unlocked 709
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Oct 2, 2025 Microsoft's price hike on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has gamers buzzing. The reveal of the Xbox ROG Ally X prices sparks comparisons to other handhelds like the Steam Deck. A staggering $55 billion acquisition of EA raises questions about its future direction and the impact of private equity. The team debates whether the increased Game Pass prices will tarnish Xbox's image. Plus, they explore potential AI influences on game quality and upcoming titles that everyone is excited about this month.
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ROG Ally X Price Reaction
- Michael recounts the announced ROG Ally X price: the top model costs $999.99 and base model $599.
- He doubts he'll buy one soon and expects the devices to be for premium hobbyists.
Calculate Cost-Per-Play Before Renewing
- Calculate your personal cost-per-play before keeping Ultimate year-round.
- If you play few day-one titles, consider Premium or Essential to save money.
Day-One Catalog Is The Profit Lever
- Game Pass's day-one catalog is the core lever Microsoft monetizes with Ultimate.
- Expect more marketing tie-ins positioning Ultimate as the cheaper way to access new first-party games.