Microsoft is aiming to support a 24-month payment plan and subscription service for Xbox Series X. The plan is called All Access, which includes Xbox Gold, Game Pass, and a console. This is not the first time that Microsoft has offered the subscription, back when Xbox Series X was going by Project Scarlett, the All Access plan was available for the Xbox One consoles. The Xbox One X went for $31 a month, and the base model was going for $20 a month. Xbox One X subscribers for All Access had a limited time offer to get an automatic upgrade to Xbox Series X, but that window closed December 31st, 2019. After the console is paid for, subscribers could renew the subscription for $15 and get the benefits of Game Pass Ultimate.
Phil Spencer commented to IGN, saying that the subscription was a large push for Microsoft, as a factor that Xbox One sold less than the PlayStation 4 was because of the $100 higher price tag. The subscription and lower initial entry price are meant to help people who would normally be swayed from making such high priced purchases. Additionally, Phil claimed the subscription would be helpful for people who are struggling during the COVID-19 outbreak, although he acknowledged that the gaming industry is not affected by economic downturns as much as other industries, pointing out how the gaming industry did higher than normal during the 2008 recession.
“We would be remiss if we did not talk about the economic realities that could be here,” Spencer said to IGN. “Not to be all doom and gloom, but you saw the jobless claim numbers that came out. There is a lot of uncertainty. I think gaming is a luxury and we should all understand that.”
Phil did not give a solid price point, but he is confident that it will be set at a low price. As competitive pricing is critical for the Xbox Series X launch day plan. He said that consoles are often sold at a loss with games, accessories, and subscriptions make up the difference and make the long term profit. Microsoft is still planning on launching a lower-priced console which is still going by the name Lockhart. The Series X, part of Xbox Series X, is the name for the generation of consoles, not the individual unit. Phil reassured that Xbox Series X will be launching with Halo Infinite.