Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is only $1 right now (yes, you read that right!)

By Ed Oswald Updated April 25, 2023

While we’ve shared some super deals on Xbox Live subscriptions over the past several weeks, they’ve all been for the standard version of the service. But Microsoft’s early Memorial Day sale on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the cheapest yet: just $1 for your first month of service.

For serious Xbox console gamers, Game Pass Ultimate is a no-brainer. While Xbox Live Gold unlocks a lot of necessary features, if you’re a hardcore Xbox gamer, Ultimate just makes a lot of sense to subscribe to.

What is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate? Think of it as an upgrade to the standard Xbox Live Gold membership. Your Gold membership gives you access to multiplayer 0nline gaming, as well as free downloadable games (about 2-4 per month) and discounts on game purchases — up to 75% off in the Xbox Store.

Upgrading to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gets you all the benefits of Xbox Live Gold plus some additional benefits. The biggest is access to a sizable downloadable game library — well over 100 in total — which you can play as much as you want with no restrictions. Microsoft also adds games to Ultimate much more frequently and in larger numbers than Gold, and we’d argue better quality games as well.

Another nice feature is the ability to play Xbox console exclusives the day they release. For example, Microsoft released full versions of Gears 5, Forza Horizon 4, State of Decay 2 to Ultimate subscribers — eliminating the need to stand outside your local game shop at midnight.

The discounts are also better: you’ll get 20% off games in the Game Pass library, plus exclusive perks, including in-game add-ons, consumables, and partner offers. After your first month at $1, the service is $15 per month afterward, which is still a great deal for all the benefits you get.

Either way, you’re going to want to hurry with this one. We fully expect this deal to only be available for a limited time, and it will likely be gone after Memorial Day. There are also a lot of other great Memorial Day sales out there, and we’re digging up more every minute — so keep checking back with us for more great deals.

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For fifteen years, Ed has written about the latest and greatest in gadgets and technology trends. At Digital Trends, he's…

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If you’re into gaming, you are surely aware of the benefits of subscription services such as Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Game Pass Unlimited. Game Passes allow you to play over 100 games as part of the monthly subscription and offer some discounts for free games and downloadable content. The only thing better than hundreds of games to choose from each month are deals on the Game Passes that allow you to do so. We’ve found Xbox Game Pass deals and Xbox Game Pass Unlimited deals so you can reap the rewards of subscription gaming without putting a strain on your bank account.
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Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service for use with Xbox One and Windows 10 that gives you complete access to over 100 games. As long as your subscription is current and the game is available in the Game Pass library, you can download any game to your console and play it in full. One of the best parts about the Game Pass is that you are actually downloading the game to your console, so you don’t have to worry about streaming, bandwidth, or connectivity issues. Also, there is no limit to the number of games you can download other than the amount of storage available on your console. If a game you are currently playing is removed from the catalog or if your subscription expires, access to the game is suspended until you either purchase the game or renew your subscription. The good news is, your in-game progress is saved so you can pick right back up where you left off.

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The Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop on a white background.

One of the best gaming laptop deals, and one of the best all-around laptop deals, has popped up at Best Buy today, as the retailer has discounted the popular Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop from $780 to $680, a savings of $100. This makes a great gift for the gamer in your family. It's currently in stock and will deliver in time for the holidays with free shipping, and it also includes a free 1-month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription. Gaming deals and gaming PC deals like this don't come around often, so grab an Acer Nitro 5 for only $680 while you can.

The Acer Nitro 5 is the perfect gaming laptop for anyone building their first gaming setup, and for anyone looking to expand or upgrade their current setup. We have declared it the best budget laptop for Fortnite, but affordability isn't its only attraction. The Acer Nitro 5 is pushed by an 11th-generation Intel processor and a GeForce GTX graphics card, which combine with Acer's Coolboost technology and a 144Hz refresh rate display to keep heat efficiency optimized, and to keep game playback from stuttering, lagging, or breaking apart -- even in the most intense and fast-paced gaming situations.

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Best Prime Day video game deals still available