What are Xbox Game Pass Core and Game Pass Ultimate
Microsoft offers several Game Pass subscription tiers. In 2026 the two main options are:
- Game Pass Core — the successor to Xbox Live Gold, the baseline tier for console players.
- Game Pass Ultimate — the top tier that combines every benefit across the Xbox ecosystem.
Let's break down exactly what you get with each.
What's included in Game Pass Core
- Online multiplayer on Xbox consoles — the equivalent of the old Xbox Live Gold.
- A catalogue of around 25 curated games — available as long as the subscription is active.
- Member discounts of up to 20% in the Microsoft Store.
Core is the bare minimum: online play plus a small library for players who don't want to pay for features they won't use.
What's included in Game Pass Ultimate
- Everything in Core, including online multiplayer.
- Full Game Pass library: 300+ games on Xbox and PC — including new Microsoft/Activision/Bethesda titles on day one.
- PC Game Pass — access to the full library on Windows 10/11.
- Cloud Gaming (xCloud) — stream games to a phone, tablet, or browser.
- EA Play — an additional subscription covering EA's catalogue: Battlefield, FIFA/FC, Need for Speed, and more.
- Member discounts of up to 20% in the Microsoft Store.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Core | Ultimate |
|---|---|---|
| Online multiplayer (Xbox) | Yes | Yes |
| Game library | ~25 games | 300+ games |
| Day-one Xbox first-party releases | No | Yes |
| PC Game Pass | No | Yes |
| Cloud Gaming (xCloud) | No | Yes |
| EA Play | No | Yes |
| Approximate price (TRY region) | ~€1–2 / month | ~€3–5 / month |
Which tier is right for you
Choose Core if:
- You play exclusively on console and mainly care about online multiplayer.
- You already own a large personal game library and don't need a rotating catalogue.
- You want the lowest possible cost for online play.
Choose Ultimate if:
- You want to play on both console and PC.
- You care about playing new Microsoft/Bethesda/Activision games on release day.
- You want Cloud Gaming on your phone or tablet.
- EA Play is appealing — bought separately it costs about the same as the difference between tiers.
In practice, when buying through a favorable region like Turkey, the price gap between Core and Ultimate is small. Most active gamers, once they compare the features, end up going for Ultimate.
Frequently asked questions
Can I upgrade from Core to Ultimate without losing my remaining time? Yes. Microsoft converts your remaining Core time into Ultimate time at a proportional rate. You won't lose a single day.
Do all Xbox games come to Game Pass Ultimate? Not all of them, but a significant portion do. All Microsoft first-party titles (Halo, Forza, Starfield, etc.) arrive in Ultimate on launch day. Third-party titles join under separate licensing agreements.
Does Cloud Gaming work in all countries? Microsoft has officially restricted Cloud Gaming in certain regions. However, switching your account region to Turkey or another supported country may unlock the feature. Check current availability before purchasing.
Find Game Pass Core and Ultimate keys at the best prices on Marix — region clearly labeled, code delivered instantly.