The Xbox Series X and Series S are undeniably among the most unusual home consoles ever released. The catch isn’t about owning physical games but rather about subscribing to Microsoft’s Game Pass service, which becomes the centerpiece of the gaming experience.
Xbox Game Pass: The Ultimate Game Library
Xbox Game Pass offers an all-you-can-play buffet with access to a vast library, ranging from the latest first-party releases to classic titles from the original Xbox era. It’s also the gateway to online play and cloud gaming, making it a complete package for modern gamers.
However, Microsoft’s shift from Xbox Live Gold to Game Pass Core has added complexity to the service’s tiers. Game Pass Core, at $9.99/month, replaces Xbox Live Gold and provides access to online multiplayer, along with a modest selection of rotating games. While the catalog is fine for casual players, it’s quite limited if you’re hoping for the latest hits.
For those who want more variety, the Standard tier, priced at $14.99/month, offers hundreds of games and new additions every month. It’s here that Game Pass truly shines, making it an industry-leading deal for players seeking a constantly evolving game library.
The True Value: Game Pass Ultimate
To unlock the full potential of Game Pass, you’ll want to go for the Ultimate tier at $19.99/month. This grants access to new releases on day one (think titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle or DOOM: The Dark Ages) and supports cloud gaming for most titles, so you can play from virtually any device.
Ultimate also includes Game Pass for PC, giving you access to games not available on Xbox, as well as cross-platform progression. Though the annual cost of $240 might seem steep, it’s an excellent deal if you plan on purchasing at least four games a year without worrying about ownership.
The Trade-off: Subscription vs. Ownership
The major catch with Game Pass is the rotating game catalog. Titles come and go, and while Microsoft gives you a heads-up a month in advance, it’s frustrating when a game you’re deep into leaves. Microsoft tries to ease this by offering discounts on games that are about to leave the service, allowing you to purchase and continue playing them even after your subscription lapses.
However, there’s a hidden cost to consider. While you won’t be paying for individual games all the time, you might find yourself buying titles outside Game Pass—especially if you’re eyeing new releases that third-party publishers don’t make available on the service.
Storage Woes and Solutions
As you dive into Game Pass, you’ll quickly realize the importance of storage. Games, particularly current-gen ones, are enormous—often exceeding 100GB. The Xbox Series X|S consoles come with relatively limited internal storage, and while Microsoft offers proprietary Seagate or Western Digital storage expansion cards, they are expensive. A 512GB expansion card will set you back around $89.99, and a 2TB card could cost as much as $279.99.
Alternatively, you can use a USB 3.1 SSD for older titles, but current-gen games won’t run from it. Still, it’s a cheaper option if you want to keep your newer games in the internal storage.
Controllers and Accessories
No console experience is complete without controllers. If you’re planning on multiplayer gaming, you’ll need to pick up an additional controller. Microsoft’s $50 Xbox Core controller offers great value and comes in various colors, though the cost of extra controllers can add up.
For power, Xbox controllers use AA batteries. If you prefer a rechargeable option, Microsoft sells a Play and Charge kit, but you’ll also find third-party options for USB-C rechargeable packs or even rechargeable AA batteries. While the latter is less seamless than dedicated rechargeable packs, it’s versatile and works across other devices too.
Unlike previous Xbox bundles, the Series X|S doesn’t come with a headset. So, you’ll need to invest in one if you plan on chatting online. Budget headsets are available, but wireless and high-quality options can get pricey. You might want to look for a guide to find one that suits your needs and budget.
The Universal Remote: A Quality of Life Upgrade
Though not essential, a universal TV remote can be a nice addition, especially for media apps. While there are Xbox-specific remotes available, a basic universal remote can be a cost-effective solution and may already be included with your TV.

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