Subscription services have become mainstream not only in the world of music, books, and food, but also in the world of games.
The ability to play a wide variety of game titles as much as you want with a subscription is very appealing.
Microsoft's Xbox also offers a subscription service called "Xbox Game Pass", but Japan has been excluded from the service until now.
With the global spread of the new coronavirus, people are spending more and more time at home, and the Xbox Game Pass service has finally been announced for Japan!
The service will launch on April 14, 2020!
The service will launch on April 14, 2020!
Phil, who currently spends his time working and playing games at his home in Seattle, wanted to directly communicate with his Japanese fans, which led to the release of this video.
In the video, he announces the launch of Xbox Game Pass for Japan on April 14, 2020, which will be available for both PC and Xbox!
This will make your time at home even more enjoyable, as you will be able to play a variety of titles on Xbox and PC, from many big titles from Japan and other countries to titles that you may have missed a bit.
Some of the popular titles (including planned titles) that will be offered have been announced.
| Titles offered (including planned titles) by "Xbox Game Pass | |
| Popular Xbox titles | The "Halo" series, "Gears" series, "Minecraft" and "Ori" series are included. |
|---|---|
| Masterpiece titles from Japanese creators | - Xbox Game Pass for Console Devil May Cry 5 NieR: Automata BECOME AS GODS Edition Tekken 7 - Xbox Game Pass for Console + Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta) |
| Major overseas titles | - Xbox Game Pass for Console NBA 2K20 The Witcher 3 Dishonored 2 DOOM Shadow of War - Xbox Game Pass for Console + Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta) |
| Indie titles from around the world | - Xbox Game Pass for Console Untitled Goose Game ～Rocket League Rocket League - Xbox Game Pass for Console + Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta) |
| Nostalgic classic titles | - Xbox Game Pass for Console Banjo and Kazooie NINJA GAIDEN 2 Panzer Dragoon Orta - Xbox Game Pass for Console + Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta) |
Some titles can be played on Xbox, some on PC, and some on both, depending on the title, so you will need to check.
"NieR: Automata BECOME AS GODS Edition" has only recently become available in regions that already offer Xbox Game Pass, so if you haven't played it yet, this is a great option!
Monthly subscription fees
Xbox Game Pass is a subscription service, so of course there is a monthly fee.
The following three plans are available, with different prices and usage details, so be sure to check your environment before signing up.
| Offered Plans | Price (1 month/tax included) |
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (PC, Xbox plus Xbox Live Gold) | \1,100 JPY (*$10.1 USD) |
|---|---|
| Xbox Game Pass for Console (for Xbox) | \850 JPY (*$7.8 USD) |
| Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta) (for PC, Beta) | \425 JPY (*$3.9 USD) |
A one-month subscription to PlayStation Now costs \1,180 JPY (tax included)(*$10.8 USD), and Apple Arcade is \600 JPY per month (*$5.5 USD), so the price is not that expensive.
PlayStation Now offers a 3-month and 12-month subscription, and the longer the subscription period, the better the price.
New subscribers to "Xbox Game Pass for PC (Beta)" and "Xbox Game Pass Ultimate" will not only get the first month for \100 JPY (*$0.9 USD), but Xbox Game Pass members will also receive up to 20% discount on game purchases as well as discounts on already purchased titles. In addition, Xbox Game Pass members can receive up to a 20% discount on game purchases and up to a 10% discount when purchasing additional content for titles they have already purchased.
The Japanese version of the site will be available at a later date, so stay tuned!
For more information, please visit the Microsoft Japan News Center page!