Welcome to the Xbox $360 era — a time when Microsoft’s once-beloved Game Pass is facing serious backlash. What was once hailed as “the best deal in gaming” is now looking like a costly subscription. With new price hikes, fans are wondering if Xbox is shifting from player-friendly innovation to profit-driven extraction.

Game Pass Was Once “The Best Deal In Gaming”

Back in 2018, Microsoft changed the industry by offering day-one Game Pass releases for all its first-party titles. It was a gamer’s dream: unlimited access to blockbuster games at an affordable monthly fee.

That reputation fueled Xbox’s momentum for years. Memes and praise spread across gaming communities, cementing Game Pass as an essential part of modern Xbox culture.

The $360 Price Tag Shocks Fans

Fast forward to 2025, and things look very different. The top tier of Xbox Game Pass now costs $29.99 per month — adding up to $360 per year. That’s more than the $299 launch price of the Xbox Series S console itself.

To make matters worse, Microsoft didn’t offer any annual discount, meaning loyal players are stuck with the steep monthly cost. For many, it feels like the fun subscription turned into a financial burden.

Why The Sudden Shift To The Xbox $360 Era?

Microsoft hasn’t said much, but analysts point to its massive Activision Blizzard acquisition as a driving factor. Acquiring one of the biggest publishers in gaming doesn’t come cheap — and those costs may be trickling down to fans.

The company is also juggling multiple product launches, including its rumored $1,000 Xbox Ally X handheld, leaving many to question whether Xbox’s priorities are shifting away from affordability.

Fans Feel Burned By The Price Hikes

The 50% increase blindsided many. Social media is filled with frustration, with some longtime subscribers calling the move a betrayal of trust. Even GameStop has mocked Xbox, while community jokes suggest “even Santa won’t pay these prices.”

What stings most is the lack of alternatives. Lower-tier plans exist, but they don’t include the crown jewel of Game Pass: day-one game releases. Without that, the service feels hollow.

From Attraction To Extraction

For years, Microsoft’s strategy was simple: attract as many players as possible with unbeatable value. Now, critics argue the company has flipped the switch into “extract mode,” squeezing more revenue from its loyal base.

This shift risks undoing the goodwill Xbox built during the past decade. With rival platforms offering competitive deals, many predict cancellations will surge in the coming months.

This was supposed to be a blockbuster year for Xbox. Big releases, Game Pass expansion, and global hype put the platform in a strong position. But the Xbox $360 era is casting a shadow over that momentum.

If the backlash continues, Microsoft may be forced to rethink its approach — or risk losing the very community that made Game Pass a success.