With the price of games on the rise, the question many gamers are asking themselves is: is it still worth subscribing to Game Pass in 2025? The promise of access to hundreds of titles for a fixed monthly fee continues to attract attention, but does the service really deliver what it promises? We tested the updated version of Xbox Game Pass And in this post, we'll tell you all about it: what's improved, what's changed, and whether it's worth putting this extra expense in your budget.

Spoiler: whether you're a casual or hardcore gamer, the answer may surprise you.

What is Game Pass in 2025?

For those who don't know it yet Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft's subscription service that gives you access to a rotating library of games. It comes in different plans:

  • Game Pass Console - Xbox only
  • Game Pass PC - computer games available
  • Game Pass Ultimate - includes both, plus Xbox Cloud Gaming and Xbox Live Gold

In 2025, the service was consolidated as the world's largest subscription games catalog, beating competitors such as PlayStation Plus and Nvidia GeForce Now.

The big advantage? You can play new and classic titles without buying them individuallyby paying a monthly subscription starting at R$29.99.

What has changed on Game Pass in 2025?

A lot has improved. The service is more robust, faster and more diverse. See what stands out this year:

  • Launches on Day One: games like Starfield 2, Forza Horizon X, Fable Reborn e Hellblade II arrived on the same day as the official launch.
  • Better integration with the cloudYou can play directly from your browser or cell phone, without installing anything.
  • Lighter and more organized interfaceIt's now easier to find games by genre, language, rating and campaign time.
  • More games in Portuguesedubbing and subtitles in PT-BR have increased significantly, including in independent titles.
  • Catalog of classic retro gamesXbox 360 titles and even titles from other generations (via optimized emulation).

In addition, Xbox Game Pass now has partnerships with smaller studios that offer exclusive experiences and authored games that are not available on other platforms.

We tested it for 30 days: what we think

We signed the plan Game Pass Ultimatewhich offers access to the entire catalog for console, PC and cloud. For 30 days, we played on three devices: Xbox Series S, a mid-range gaming notebook and mobile (via xCloud). The highlights were:

  • Stable performance even when streaming: games like Hi-Fi Rush e Sea of Thieves ran well, without crashing, with a 200MB connection.
  • Fast download and uncomplicated installationintuitive interface with automatic updating.
  • Variety of genresFrom RPGs to simulators, from action to puzzles, there was a game for every taste.
  • Games for all ages: ideal for those who have children and are also looking for family content.

We played more than 20 titles without having to buy any separate games. And that in itself, already saving hundreds of dollars.

Is it worth it financially?

Let's do the math.

An AAA game in 2025 costs on average R$349,00 at launch. If you play 2 of these a year, you've already spent almost R$700. With Game Pass Ultimate at R$49.99/month, that's R$599 per year - and you have access to more than 500 gamesincluding these two that you would buy.

For those who play often, the economy is clear.

For those who play occasionally, the simplest plan of R$29.99 is still worthwhile, especially if you like to explore different styles and discover new games without spending on each one.

What about Game Pass for mobile? Does it work?

Yes! With Xbox Cloud Gaming (included in the Ultimate plan), you can play directly from your cell phone or tablet - no console or powerful PC required.

  • All you need is good internet (above 15MB stable)
  • Use Bluetooth control or touch the screen
  • Access via browser or Xbox Game Pass app

We tested it on an intermediate cell phone and played it Minecraft Dungeons e Forza Horizon 5 with amazing performance. Ideal for those who are away from the console or want to play on the move, on a break from work or on a trip.

And the cons? It's not all flowers...

Despite all the positive points, Game Pass has some limitations:

  • Rotating catalog: some games go out of print, which can be a hindrance to those in the middle of a campaign.
  • Not every Xbox game is on Game Pass: major third-party releases (from other companies) are still slow to arrive.
  • Need constant internet for synchronizationEven offline games may require a connection.
  • Disk spaceOn PC or console, games still need to be downloaded (on average 50 to 150GB per title).

None of this compromises the experience, but they are points you should consider before signing up.

Alternatives to Game Pass in 2025

Today, Game Pass's main competitor is PlayStation Plus Extra and Deluxe, which also offers subscription games, but with a focus on the Sony ecosystem.

Other options:

  • GeForce NOW - ideal for those who want to play via the cloud with the Steam library
  • Amazon Luna - soon to be available in Brazil
  • Apple Arcade - focused on mobile and casual games

Nevertheless, none of them offer the combination of value for money, varied catalog and multiplatform access that Game Pass delivers.

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May 9th, 2025