It’s already difficult enough to keep track of all the different subscription tiers for Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, but it looks like it’s about to get a bit more complicated. Neowin reports that Xbox Game Pass Essential, Premium, Ultimate, and PC Game Pass will soon be joined by a new subscription tier called Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition.
Microsoft appears to be launching the new tier in partnership with Discord. Asha Sharma, the new head of Xbox, wrote somewhat cryptically earlier this week in a social media post about the new collaboration, but made no mention of a new Xbox Game Pass subscription tier in that cryptic message.
However, the X account Discord Previews teased a leaked announcement in its own social media post. “Nitro now comes with Xbox Game Pass (Starter Edition)” is written on the promotional image, claiming to provide access to over 50 games like Stardew Valley and Fallout 4, and including 10 hours of cloud gaming each month.
Discord Nitro, which costs $9.99/month, would then cost the same as the lowest Xbox Game Pass Essential tier while offering the same library of 50+ games and all the benefits of Nitro. The main downside is only 10 hours of cloud gaming, whereas the Essential tier offers unlimited.
Microsoft hasn’t officially confirmed Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition yet and we don’t know when it’ll launch if it does.
