In what looks like a bid to reach new Game Pass subscribers, Microsoft is launching an Xbox Series S bundle at the end of October.
Only days after Sony unveiled its new slimmer model of the PlayStation 5, Microsoft has announced a new Xbox Series S bundle, just in time for the Christmas gift-buying season.
Dubbed the Xbox Series S – Starter Bundle, it launches on October 31 worldwide and includes the console, a wireless controller, and three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for £249.99.
As a reminder, the Xbox Series S on its own costs £249.99, having avoided the same price hike that affected the Xbox Series X.
Since the console always comes with a controller anyway, this new bundle essentially grants you three months of Game Pass Ultimate for free. Normally, that would set you back just under £39 (one month of Ultimate costs £12.99).
Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier available, as it covers console and PC, includes day one access to new games, and an EA Play membership.
Considering Microsoft desperately wants to bump up Game Pass numbers (Phil Spencer even says Microsoft will quit gaming if they don’t improve), this bundle looks like the company’s newest strategy.
After all, the bundle is marketed to new Xbox customers rather than existing ones and, ideally, they’ll enjoy Game Pass enough to be willing to pay for it after three free months.
Only Microsoft knows what the Game Pass subscriber count currently is, but it wants them to be at 110 million by 2030.
It’s said that subscriber numbers have stalled due to Microsoft struggling to attract new customers, but that isn’t a problem exclusive to them. Subscription services in general, such as PlayStation Plus and Netflix, are plateauing, which is probably what’s prompted these companies to start raising prices.
If you’re interested in pre-ordering the new Xbox bundle for yourself, you can do so via Microsoft’s website. It also gives you the option to add a second controller though you do need to pay extra for it.
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