Xbox subscriptions, EA Play and more!

Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles are all connected by Microsoft’s Xbox Live Network, which is a superb platform that provides an abundance of services. Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Ultimate Pass, Game Pass Core (now Essential), EA Play - these Xbox subscriptions will undoubtedly boost your gaming experience to the maximum, from exclusive game deals to the ability to freely play online multiplayer with your friends! Every Xbox console gamer deserves nothing but the best that Xbox can offer, and Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, along with Xbox gift cards, are the direct road to enjoying the beneficial features of the platform.

What is Xbox Game Pass Essential (Previously Xbox Game Pass Core)?

Welcome to the world of Xbox Game Pass Essential, formerly known as Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass Core! This remarkable subscription service offers you the fantastic privilege of enjoying online multiplayer across all Xbox consoles, along with several other delightful perks. In essence, it retains all the great features of the beloved Xbox Live Gold and later Game Pass Core, and now occupies the esteemed position as the entry-level tier within the expansive Xbox Game Pass family.

Is Xbox Game Pass Essential Worth It?

The question should not even pop up, but if it does, we will guide you through the beneficial features provided by Xbox Game Pass Essential. Pick up an Xbox Game Pass Essential subscription, and you will enter a massive world of options and features that will enhance and embellish your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S experience:

Xbox Game Pass Essential Perks

Access to online multiplayer;
A rotating library of 50+ games available on console and PC;
Discounts and deals on the Xbox network and Xbox Store;
Unlimited cloud gaming for select titles;
Xbox Rewards points for playing and purchases.

The greatest feature Xbox Game Pass Essential provides is online multiplayer, which enables you to play in the company of fellow Xbox gamers worldwide! Unlike with Xbox Game Pass Core, you now get access to a rotating library of 50+ Xbox games across console and PC at no extra cost. More than this, the exclusive discounts help you save money in the long run, giving you access to deals on the Xbox Store. With these updates, Game Pass Essential is perfect for gamers looking for the most affordable Game Pass option while still enjoying multiplayer, discounts, and a solid game collection. So why not experience all this value with the cheap Xbox Game Pass Essential price?

What is Xbox Game Pass Premium?

Of course, the lowest Game Pass tier is far from the only Xbox Network membership you can buy. Xbox Game Pass Premium, and even Xbox Game Pass Ultimate are there to complete your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S experience with even more additional content. With the monthly and quite cheap Xbox Game Pass price, you get:

Xbox Game Pass Premium Perks

Cloud gaming for select titles (including some you already own);
In-game perks for titles like League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and Warzone;
Xbox Rewards points, with up to $50/year in value and 2× points on purchases;
5% back on Game Pass library add-ons and content.

What is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the top-tier subscription that combines everything Microsoft offers in one package. It includes access to over 400 games across console, PC, and cloud, 75+ day-one releases per year, plus extra perks like EA Play, Ubisoft+ Classics, and even Fortnite Crew membership. With enhanced cloud streaming up to 1440p, in-game rewards, and the most generous discounts and Xbox Rewards points, Ultimate delivers the complete Xbox experience in a single subscription.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Access to 400+ games across console, PC, and cloud;
Over 75 day-one releases every year;
EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics included;
Fortnite Crew membership (Battle Pass + 1,000 V-Bucks monthly);
Cloud gaming at up to 1440p with lower latency;
In-game perks for popular titles (League of Legends, Overwatch 2, Warzone, and more);
The best Xbox Rewards value – up to $100/year, 4× points on purchases, 10% back on add-ons, and discounts up to 20% on Game Pass games.

For gamers who want the largest catalog, premium perks, and early access to the newest titles, Ultimate truly lives up to its name.

What is EA Play?

Previously known as EA Access on Xbox, EA Play is a subscription service that brings together the very best of Electronic Arts’ games and exclusive member perks. It’s available on Xbox consoles and PC, and is also included with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at no additional cost. EA Play is the easiest way to dive into fan-favorite franchises like FIFA, Battlefield, The Sims, Mass Effect, and more without needing to buy each title individually.

Here’s what you get with EA Play:

Access to EA’s back catalogue of games — including dozens of blockbuster hits and beloved classics;
10-hour trials of new EA games, so you can try before you buy;
Early access to select upcoming titles, letting you play before official launch;
Exclusive member rewards, such as in-game challenges, cosmetics, and monthly bonuses;
10% off all EA digital purchases, including new releases, expansions, and in-game content.

Whether you’re into competitive shooters, sprawling RPGs, or sports titles, EA Play makes it easy to explore EA’s biggest franchises while saving money and getting insider perks along the way.

What is Ubisoft+ Classics?

Ubisoft+ Classics is a curated collection of games from Ubisoft’s catalog that’s bundled into certain subscription services — including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.

Instead of the full Ubisoft+ library (which is a separate, standalone subscription), the Classics version gives you access to a rotating lineup of Ubisoft’s most popular and fan-favorite titles. These typically include blockbuster franchises like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, Watch Dogs, The Division, and Rainbow Six, along with some well-reviewed smaller titles.

It’s designed as a bonus perk — you get a hand-picked set of Ubisoft games to play without paying extra, but not the complete Ubisoft+ catalog. If you want the entire Ubisoft+ experience (including day-one releases), you’d still need a full Ubisoft+ subscription.

How to redeem gift cards and codes on Xbox?

There are two ways to activate Xbox gift cards and Xbox subscriptions. All you have to do is purchase an Xbox Game Pass PC or console, EA Play, and then follow the instructions provided below. If you are using an Xbox One console, here’s how to activate your Xbox subscriptions:

When on the Home screen, go to the Store;
Find the Categories selection and choose Games;
Choose the Use a Code feature;
Sign in if prompted;
Your prepaid key will either come in the form of a QR code or the 25-character code;
In the case of a QR code, hold it to your Kinect sensor. In the case of the 25-character code, simply enter it by hand.

If you want to activate your Xbox Live card via Web Browser, follow these instructions:

Go to redeem.microsoft.com and select the Redeem code feature;
Click on the Sign In option;
Log into your Microsoft account;
Click on the Redeem option;
Enter the 25-character code and click Confirm;
Enjoy your purchase!

Once you successfully redeem the Xbox code, your subscription will be activated in just a few seconds, and you are free to indulge in the best Xbox Live Gold deal and other services to your heart’s content!