Get the latest on Xbox Game Pass price increases and new subscription tiers in Canada for 2026. Discover the cost of Game Pass Core, Standard, & Ultimate, and find out about major games like Call of Duty joining the service.
Xbox Game Pass Canada: 2026 Price and Tier Changes Guide
Xbox Game Pass Canada: 2026 Price and Tier Changes Guide
Xbox Game Pass Price Increases and New Subscription Tiers
The world of Xbox is constantly evolving, and 2026 has brought some of the most significant changes to the ecosystem yet. For Canadian gamers, the biggest xbox game pass news revolves around major updates to subscription prices and the introduction of new membership tiers. Microsoft has streamlined its offerings, aiming to provide more flexibility while adjusting for the growing value of its service. These changes affect everything from how you play online to which new games you get on day one.
The most notable shift has been the official retirement of the long-standing Xbox Live Gold brand. It has now been fully replaced by Xbox Game Pass Core, a foundational tier that still provides the essential online multiplayer access gamers expect, but now includes a curated library of over 25 high-quality console games. Furthermore, Microsoft has introduced a new “Standard” tier, designed to bridge the gap between Core and the all-inclusive Ultimate package, offering a different set of benefits for players. These updates are global, but they have specific price points and implications for the Canadian market. If you’re looking to share the fun with a friend, you can learn how to gift a Game Pass subscription and get them started.
How Much is Xbox Game Pass in Canada?
Understanding the new xbox game pass price structure is key for any Canadian subscriber. With the introduction of new tiers, you now have more options than ever. It’s important to compare the features to see which xbox subscription fits your gaming habits best. Here is a clear breakdown of the monthly costs in Canadian Dollars (CAD) as of early 2026.
- PC Game Pass: $12.99/month. This tier is exclusively for Windows PC gamers and provides access to a massive library of PC titles, including day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios and EA Play.
- Game Pass Core: $11.99/month. The new baseline for console players, this tier replaced Xbox Live Gold. It includes online multiplayer access and a rotating catalogue of around 25 acclaimed games like Forza Horizon 5 and Gears 5.
- Game Pass Standard: $14.99/month. This new console-only tier includes the full Game Pass console library of hundreds of games, but new first-party releases from Xbox Game Studios are added 6 months after their initial launch. Online multiplayer is included.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: $21.99/month. The all-in-one package. This includes the full PC and console game libraries, online multiplayer, day-one access to all Xbox Game Studios titles, an EA Play membership, and access to Xbox Cloud Gaming.
While monthly subscriptions are standard, you can often find deals on pre-paid codes for 3, 6, or even a xbox game pass ultimate canada 12 month subscription from retailers like Canada Computers or directly from the microsoft store canada. These can sometimes offer a better value than paying month-to-month. For a more detailed breakdown, check out our complete guide to Xbox Game Pass in Canada.
Summary
This guide breaks down all the essential Xbox Game Pass news for you in 2026. You’ll find details on the new subscription prices in Canada, the replacement of Xbox Live Gold with Game Pass Core, and the introduction of the “Standard” tier. We also cover massive upcoming games like Call of Duty and Forza Horizon 6, explain how the rotating library works, and look at rumours for the next Xbox console.
TLDR
- Xbox Live Gold is now Game Pass Core in Canada.
- Prices have changed, and a new console-only “Standard” tier has been added.
- New Call of Duty games now launch day-one on Game Pass Ultimate.
- Major first-party games are on the horizon, with rumours pointing to a new Xbox console around late 2026 or 2027.
- You can get a 20% discount on games leaving the service if you buy them before they’re gone.
📑 Table of Contents
Massive Games Coming to Game Pass
The value of Xbox Game Pass is defined by its library, and 2026 continues to deliver an incredible lineup of games coming to game pass. Following the blockbuster integrations of Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, the service is now the definitive place to play all microsoft games on day one. Subscribers can look forward to a diverse range of experiences, from sprawling RPGs to high-octane shooters and innovative indie titles.
🎮 Xbox Play Anywhere
Many of the new first-party titles support Xbox Play Anywhere. This means you can buy a digital copy once and play on both your Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. Your progress, achievements, and saves travel with you seamlessly between platforms.
☁️ Xbox Cloud Gaming
For Ultimate subscribers, Xbox Cloud Gaming is a game-changer. It allows you to stream hundreds of games from the xbox game pass games list directly to your phone, tablet, or lower-spec PC, letting you jump into titles like Starfield or the latest Halo instantly.
Call of Duty Arrives on Game Pass
In what is arguably the biggest xbox game pass news call of duty has ever seen, the franchise is now officially part of the Game Pass family. Following the finalization of the Activision Blizzard acquisition, Microsoft has made good on its promise. This fall’s new *Call of Duty* title will launch directly into Game Pass on its release day, a historic moment for the service and the franchise.
Important Note: To play new *Call of Duty* titles on day one, you must be subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Subscribers of the Standard and Core tiers will not get access to new releases on launch day, though older titles from the franchise’s back catalogue are being added to the general library.
Rumours and Anticipation for Forza Horizon 6
The gaming community is buzzing with speculation about Forza Horizon 6. While developer Playground Games has been tight-lipped, recent posts on the Xbox Newswire blog and heated discussions across the Xbox Reddit community suggest an official reveal is imminent. The prevailing rumour is that the next festival will be set in Japan, a location fans have been demanding for years. Expectations are high for a massive leap in graphical fidelity and physics, leveraging the full power of the Xbox Series X. Fans are eager to know when is forza 6 coming out, with most signs pointing to a holiday 2026 release window.
A Look Ahead: Upcoming Games in 2026
Microsoft’s long-term roadmap for first-party exclusives is looking incredibly strong. Beyond the immediate future, several high-profile Xbox Series X games are confirmed to be deep in development and slated for a 2026 release or beyond. Gamers can anticipate the long-awaited reboot of Fable, the sci-fi sequel The Outer Worlds 2, and Hideo Kojima’s mysterious cloud-native project, OD. These titles represent a massive investment in new IP and beloved franchises, promising a steady stream of upcoming games 2026 will be remembered for.
Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass Soon
An important aspect of Game Pass is its rotating library. While first-party Microsoft titles are permanent additions, third-party games are licensed for a limited time. This means each month there are games leaving game pass. Microsoft provides a heads-up of at least two weeks, giving you plenty of time to finish up your playthrough or decide to purchase the game outright.
Notable titles scheduled to leave the platform this month include:
- Hades
- Cyberpunk 2077
- Resident Evil 2
- No Man’s Sky
💡 Tip: Don’t want to say goodbye? As an Xbox Game Pass subscriber, you get an exclusive 20% discount if you purchase any game from the catalogue before it leaves. This allows you to own it permanently and keep playing.
Xbox Console News: What to Expect Next
The conversation around xbox news isn’t just about software; hardware is also a hot topic in 2026. The Xbox Series X and Series S continue to be powerful and popular consoles, forming the core of the ecosystem. However, with the generation now several years old, whispers about what’s next are growing louder.
Industry insiders and analysts are pointing towards a potential next-generation console launch from Microsoft. While nothing is confirmed, the rumoured timeline for this “New Xbox” is late 2026 or early 2027. This move is anticipated to set a new benchmark for graphical power and processing speed, designed to deliver true next-gen experiences for the massive first-party games Microsoft has in its pipeline for xbox 2026 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the difference between PC Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
PC Game Pass grants access to a library of computer games for Windows users. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate includes PC Game Pass, console Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and EA Play in one bundled subscription.
Can I play Xbox Game Pass games on cloud gaming?
Yes, if you are subscribed to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, you can stream hundreds of console games to your PC, phone, or supported smart TVs via Cloud Gaming without needing to download them.
How can I redeem an Xbox code?
You can redeem an Xbox Game Pass or gift card code directly on your console through the Microsoft Store app, or by logging into your Microsoft account on a web browser at Xbox.com/redeem.
Do I still need Xbox Live Gold to play online?
Xbox Live Gold has been officially retired and rebranded as Xbox Game Pass Core. You need at least Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate to play multiplayer console games online.
Does Hogwarts Legacy have a New Game Plus mode?
Currently, Hogwarts Legacy does not feature an official New Game Plus (NG+) mode, though players can start a new character in a different Hogwarts house for a slightly varied early-game experience.
Is V Rising cross-platform on Xbox?
No, V Rising does not currently support cross-platform play between PC and PlayStation/Xbox consoles. Players are restricted to multiplayer within their own specific platform ecosystem.
Is The Forest cross-platform?
No, the survival game The Forest does not support cross-platform play between PC and PlayStation consoles.
How can I contact Xbox Customer Service in Canada?
Canadian users can reach Xbox support by visiting support.xbox.com. From there, you can request a callback, access live text chat, or search the Microsoft Learn and community forums for troubleshooting steps.
Written by
Conor Byrne
