Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass is gearing up for a major comeback after PlayStation Plus delivered one of its worst Essential line-ups in months, but may need to bring out the big guns to compete with upcoming releases. The Xbox Developer Direct showcase will return later this month, promising big things for the popular game subscription service. In response to PS Plus’ poor January Essential line-up, featuring a headlining title that has been plagued by issues, Xbox Game Pass needs to raise its game and offer some of its most anticipated titles.
Xbox Game Pass was once hailed as the “best deal in gaming” due to its affordable pricing and access to first-party releases on launch day. However, since PS Plus introduced its new three-tier system with PS Plus Extra offering a library of both first-party and third-party titles, Xbox Game Pass has faced significant competition.
The latest move by PS Plus came in January 2025, when the Essential tier announced a lineup that included the infamous failure Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. The headlining title on PS Plus’ Essential line-up has been met with disappointment from fans, who feel they’re not getting enough value for their $80 annual subscription.
However, PlayStation Plus’ Extra and Premium tiers have quickly turned things around, offering titles like God of War Ragnarok, Sayonara Wild Hearts, and Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. This resurgence has left Xbox Game Pass to retaliate and compete for subscribers’ attention.
The upcoming month promises to be exciting for gamers, with several highly anticipated releases set to hit Xbox Game Pass. Sniper Elite: Resistance, Eternal Strands, and Citizen Sleeper 2: Starward Vector are among the day-one titles that will be available on February 1st. However, with God of War Ragnarok already dominating PS Plus’ line-up, Xbox Game Pass may need to bring out some serious firepower to match.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is the highest tier of Microsoft’s game subscription service, offering over 100 game titles for a single purchase. This stands as one of the most compelling value propositions in the Xbox ecosystem, making it an attractive option for gamers looking for convenience and variety.
Source: https://gamerant.com/xbox-game-pass-playstation-plus-essential-god-of-war-ragnarok-day-one