Xbox Game Pass Ultimate vs PC Game Pass: Which Tier Should You Get?

Microsoft offers Game Pass in a few flavors, and the two that matter most for cloud players are Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Here's the difference and which one to buy.

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Quick answer

Get Game Pass Ultimate if you want cloud streaming on phones, tablets, and TVs. Get PC Game Pass if you only play on a Windows PC and want to save a few dollars.

What each tier includes

The deciding factor: cloud streaming

This is the whole decision. Ultimate includes Xbox Cloud Gaming, so you can stream 400+ games to your phone, tablet, or smart TV. PC Game Pass does not include cloud streaming — it's for installing and playing on a Windows PC.

If you want to play on the couch via a TV or on the go via a phone, Ultimate is the only choice.

The savvy combo

If you're a PC-first player who also wants high-performance cloud streaming, the best value play is PC Game Pass + GeForce Now. You get the Game Pass library to install locally, and GeForce Now to stream owned games at up to 4K 120fps — often cheaper and more capable than Ultimate's 1080p cloud streaming.

Bottom line

• Play on multiple devices, want it simple: Game Pass Ultimate.
• PC only, budget-conscious: PC Game Pass.
• PC player who wants the best streaming: PC Game Pass + GeForce Now.

Frequently asked questions

Does PC Game Pass include cloud gaming?

No. Cloud streaming is part of Game Pass Ultimate, not PC Game Pass.

Can I upgrade from PC Game Pass to Ultimate later?

Yes, you can change tiers. Pricing and any conversion of remaining time are set by Microsoft.

Is Ultimate worth the extra cost?

If you'll use cloud streaming or play on console as well as PC, yes. If you only play installed games on a PC, PC Game Pass is the better value.