Xbox Game Pass has seen incredible growth since first launching in 2017, garnering over 25 million subscribers. This popular cloud gaming service lets you access hundreds of titles for one monthly fee.
Now, Microsoft is aiming to expand Game Pass‘ reach even further with a new Xbox Game Pass Family Plan option specifically tailored for families and friend groups.
But what exactly does this offer include feature and pricing-wise? As an industry analyst, let me comprehensively walk you through all the Xbox Game Pass Family Plan details to assess if it‘s worth it for your family.
Understanding Xbox Game Pass Growth and Success
First, let‘s quickly recap why Xbox Game Pass has become such a smash hit in the gaming industry:
- Large on-demand game library – Access over 100 premium console and PC game titles like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5
- Cloud gaming capabilities – Play Game Pass titles over the internet on phones, tablets and browsers
- Affordable pricing – $14.99 monthly cost significantly less than buying games individually
Game Pass has racked up subscribers thanks to its flexibility, extensive catalog and reasonable pricing. And excitingly, Microsoft is looking to enlarge its member base even more.
Enter the Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family plan…
Xbox Game Pass Family Plan Overview
This new offering aims to provide all the same popular Game Pass Ultimate benefits but tailored for groups and families up to 5 members.
Essentially, it allows sharing access to the full Game Pass game catalog and Xbox Live Gold online multiplayer for one low monthly family price.
Next, let‘s analyze the complete Xbox Game Pass Family Plan details:
Availability
The Family Plan first launched in limited preview form mid-2022 in Colombia and Ireland. After positive reception, in February 2023 Microsoft announced its official rollout to 6 additional countries:
- Chile
- Hungary
- Israel
- New Zealand
- South Africa
- Sweden
That means the plan is now available in 8 total countries.
There is no firm timeline yet for other market expansions but Microsoft confirms it will launch more widely in the future.
One key availability caveat – all Family Plan members must reside in the same country as the account owner. We‘ll have to wait and see if Microsoft adjusts this limitation down the line.
Pricing Breakdown
Now, let‘s analyze the money-saving potential. Current Xbox Game Pass Family Plan pricing is set at:
- €21.99 Euros monthly
- ~$24.99 USD expected monthly (unconfirmed)
Comparing to normal Game Pass Ultimate individual pricing:
| Subscription | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Game Pass Ultimate (individual) | $14.99 USD / €12.99 Euros |
| Game Pass Family Plan | Expected $24.99 USD / €21.99 Euros |
If we assume $24.99 USD pricing, that means for a family of 5 the total cost breakdown looks like:
| Plan | Total Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 5 Individual Subscriptions | $74.95 USD |
| 1 Family Plan (5 members) | $24.99 USD |
That‘s nearly $50 USD in savings per month for a family of 5! Even if Microsoft increases pricing slightly in the future, the Family Plan will still represent big value.
Included Features
Xbox Game Pass Family Plan members gain access to these same key features:
- All Game Pass Ultimate games (over 100 titles)
- Xbox Series X|S game downloads
- Xbox Cloud Gaming on mobile/tablets
- Xbox Live Gold benefits (online multiplayer, free monthly games)
- Exclusive member discounts and offers
- Up to 5 players on shared plan
- Simultaneous multiplayer gaming
It essentially provides 5 players complete individual access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate but at a nearly 50% discounted family rate.
Converting Existing Plans
If you already subscribe to Game Pass but want to switch to the Family Plan as the account owner, Microsoft allows converting your existing prepaid time based on the following table:
| Current Subscription | Conversion Rate |
|---|---|
| 30 days Game Pass Ultimate | 18 days Family Plan |
| 30 days Console Game Pass | 12 days Family Plan |
| 30 days PC Game Pass | 12 days Family Plan |
| 30 days Xbox Live Gold | 12 days Family Plan |
| 30 days EA Play | 6 days Family Plan |
So while extra subscription time gets reduced, you still retain remaining value. This makes switching existing individual plans over to the Family option relatively painless.
Is the Xbox Game Pass Family Plan Worth It?
Analyzing all the numbers and features, the Xbox Game Pass Family Plan undoubtedly brings exceptional value:
Huge Potential Cost Savings
Especially for larger families, the savings are very substantial. Upwards of $360+ USD per year compared to individual plans! Splitting access 5 ways amplifies Game Pass‘ affordability.
Massive Game Catalog Access
You still get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate‘s full library spanning new releases like Starfield to classics like Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Tons of variety for all gaming tastes.
Flexible Cloud & Console Gaming
All family members can play together simultaneously on Xbox consoles, cloud gaming on mobile devices, and Windows PCs. Lots of flexibility.
Seamless Account Conversion
Switching from existing Xbox subscriptions is simple for account owners thanks to reasonable prepaid time conversion rates to the Family Plan.
The Verdict? A Must-Buy for Families
Given the immense entertainment value Xbox Game Pass already provides access to over 100 games for just $15 monthly, adding 5 players into the mix for just $10 more makes Game Pass Family an incredible value.
Factor in that you don‘t need to own an Xbox console anymore thanks to cloud gaming access, and this gives families tremendous flexibility in accessing Xbox Game Pass‘ catalog.
While wider international availability is still on the horizon, if you already reside in one of the 8 supported launch countries, the Xbox Game Pass Family Plan is a no-brainer purchase for family gaming.
