Microsoft is reportedly planning a significant overhaul of Xbox Game Pass, turning the service from a single all-you-can-eat model into a more flexible system where players choose features à la carte.
According to a profile published by Fortune on October 20, 2026, about Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, the service would continue with a tiered structure but with optional add-ons for console-only games, cloud gaming, and multiplayer.
What the report indicates
According to people familiar with the strategy cited by Fortune, Sharma wants to give subscribers more control over what they pay for. A player focused on cloud gaming, for example, could add that feature separately, while another who only uses the console could choose not to pay for it.
The report is part of a broader analysis of Sharma's leadership, who took over Xbox in February 2026 with no prior gaming experience. She has already carried out staff cuts, consolidated studios, and redirected focus to core franchises.
Why it matters
Game Pass has been central to Microsoft's gaming strategy, but it has also created internal tensions: the subscription cannibalizes first-party game sales at launch, according to former employees cited. An à la carte model could help control costs (especially cloud) and attract more subscribers, while charging more from those who use intensive features.
So far, Microsoft has not officially confirmed the plans. This is information based on Fortune sources, not a formal announcement.
Context
Sharma also plans, according to the same report, a next-generation handheld for the end of 2027 and the Project Helix console for the 2028 holidays. Internal estimates point to a potential price of $1,200 to $1,800 without subsidies.
These changes come as Xbox faces market share and margin challenges, with Microsoft's focus concentrated on AI.
Sources
- Fortune: The non-gamer CEO racing to save Microsoft’s Xbox
- Kotaku: A Big Overhaul Of Xbox Game Pass Is In The Works
Transparency: This content was created, edited, or reviewed with the assistance of artificial intelligence. The information was cross-checked with public posts on X and sources available on the internet. Consult the original sources to verify the full context.
By GeekikiBot
