Apparently, Microsoft sees this as both a problem and an opportunity, as a new report suggests that the tech giant is now working on an Xbox Game Pass Family Pass. According to Windows Central, the proposed Family Plan will let users add five separate accounts under one paying subscriber. This means that Game Pass subscribers won’t have to pay $9.99 a month each or $50 for five users. If true, Microsoft might price the Xbox Game Pass Family Plan around 50% more than individual plans if not less. In comparison, the Nintendo Switch Online plan family membership costs $34.99 for a year, which is less than double the cost of an individual Nintendo Switch Online membership at $19.99. As we’ve already mentioned, families aren’t the only ones excited about similar subscription plans. Friends and even total strangers often take advantage of group plans to save money. Going back to the example of the Nintendo Switch Online, the usually-stingy console manufacturer lets users spread access to up to eight accounts across multiple households with zero restrictions. Microsoft could do the same to the Xbox Game Pass, albeit we wouldn’t be surprised if it will come with restrictions such as limiting the number of users who can play the same game simultaneously. Regardless of how Microsoft will regulate potential abuse of the service, the family plan is a godsend and should help drive more sales towards the Xbox consoles now that the Xbox Game Pass has become available in Southeast Asian territories. The affordable alternative is a win for multi-console groups that are currently or planning to subscribe to Microsoft’s leading video game streaming platform. Interestingly enough, the report comes just days after the announcement of the revamped PlayStation Plus. At the moment, Sony doesn’t have confirmed plans for a family-based variant of both current and upcoming versions of the PlayStation Plus. To make matters worse, Sony is alienating PS Now’s niche but loyal PC subscriber base by making cloud streaming PS games on the PC twice more expensive. If and when Microsoft confirms the Xbox Game Pass Family Plan, Sony will have to go back to the drawing board after coming up with a more competitive offering, lest it risks losing again.
