The information came from several reliable sources at once.
According to two reliable sources at once, Microsoft is considering combining the Xbox Game Pass Premium console plan with the PC Game Pass subscription. This was reported by The Verge journalist Tom Warren, noting that the company's plans are still far from final approval, but this is the scenario currently being discussed within Microsoft. This information was later confirmed by Windows Central, citing its own sources.
If the merger does take place, the new plan will likely include key Game Pass features: cloud gaming, access to EA Play, and releases of Microsoft's own games on day one. These three elements are now considered the foundation of the Game Pass offering. At the same time, the cost of the subscription is expected to increase — according to preliminary estimates, the price may be about $17–18 per month (Premium currently costs $15 per month).
Against the background of such changes, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate may require additional value enhancement through new third-party services. This is the second part of the rumors mentioned by Tom Warren, but he does not name specific partners or services. Recall that as part of a major restructuring in October, Ubisoft+ Classics and Fortnite Crew were already added to Ultimate, so in the case of an upgrade, we should be talking about something new.
