Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the total package for gamers—learn more and sign up for just $1

— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through the links below may earn us and our publishing partners a commission.

When it comes to gaming, Xbox has been a top contender for over 20 years. From its groundbreaking work with online multiplayer to acclaimed titles like Halo and Psychonauts, Microsoft's green machine has been behind some of the biggest movements in the world of video games. Their latest innovation is Xbox Game Pass, which brings the budget-friendly model of a streaming service to the gaming world. If you want to play top-rated titles anytime you want with just the push of a button, you can do that (and more) with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. 

Here's the deal: Subscribe to our Perks and Rec newsletter for daily savings on all the things you want and need.

Meant as the expanded version of the streaming service, Game Pass Ultimate gives you access to hundreds of quality video games you can play on multiple platforms anytime you have a strong internet connection. Typically running you $14.99 a month, newcomers can join today and pay just $1 for the first month. Whether you own a coveted Xbox Series X or not, Game Pass Ultimate lets you play exciting shooters, racers, platformers and more on your PC and smartphone.

►Apple AirPods Pro:Get the buds for the best price we've seen this year at Verizon

►Spring break is coming:Get ready by shopping the 10 best swimsuit sales today

►Tory Burch:Save up to 78% on Cloud Miller sandals, purses and more at this exclusive sale

Too good to be true? Certainly not, and we've got all the info you need on how to upgrade your play.

How much is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

Microsoft's top-tier gaming streamer is $14.99 a month, but new subscribers can get the first month of access for just $1. Not only is this cheaper than the standard Ultimate fee, but also a discount from the Game Pass console and PC fee of $9.99 a month. While both of those tiers limit your game access to an Xbox console or a PC respectively, Ultimate lets you access the Game Pass's library of titles on both devices through cloud gaming.

What is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

Xbox Game Pass is essentially Netflix but for games, with subscribers able to play hundreds of titles online and then download them if they want to keep them on their devices for less lagging. These titles range from current releases compatible with the Xbox Series X and Series S all the way back to classic hits released during the original Xbox's lifespan in the early 2000s. With an Ultimate subscription, you can play those titles on consoles, PCs and smartphones through cloud gaming. While cloud gaming gets you access to a variety of titles without dealing with long download times that clog up your device's storage, how well those titles run depends on the strength of your internet connection or smartphone data plan. 

Subscribers also get free in-game content and partner offers for the titles they choose to download. They also get two bonus subscriptions with Ultimate: Xbox Live Gold ($9.99 separately), which lets you play online with friends and unlocks access to additional deals on popular titles, and EA Play which grants you access to even more games from Electronic Arts to play for free. Whether you're a frequent streamer competing online with friends on Fortnite or just want to try something new without having to scour your local game store, Game Pass Ultimate is the premiere VIP access to every kind of content you love to press buttons to. 

What games are on Xbox Game Pass?

The harder question to answer is, "What isn't on Xbox Game Pass?" If you want the hot new title on the tip of everyone's tongue, there's the slick rhythm action of Bethesda's Hi-Fi RUSH with its vibrant art style and a rocking soundtrack. Fans of co-op gameplay can experience The Game Awards' 2021 Game of the Year, It Takes Two, or get an amazing throwback experience with the recently remastered GoldenEye 007. Sports fans can face off in a variety of titles, including Madden NFL 23, Dirt 5, Skate 3 and more. For those longtime Xbox gamers who first joined when they heard about some shooting Spartan, there's Halo: The Master Chief Collection which contains six of the most famous entries in the Halo franchise, including the first four main games and its two beloved spinoffs, Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach.

►Related: The best Xbox games of 2023

Is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate worth it?

Absolutely! As a recently-converted Xbox gamer, I was blown away by the user-friendly layout of Game Pass and how functional the games available were. Given how new games are a hefty investment nowadays and there's nothing like replaying our favorite childhood titles, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gets you immediate access to the latest and classic games without forking over $60 or more every time. You can even keep your favorite picks and get rid of the ones you fall out with without the fear of wasting money. Check out Game Pass for yourself to find out what gets you hooked to your controller.

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.