Xbox’s Netflix-Like Subscription Service Launches June 1st

Xbox Game Pass, the Netflix-like subscription service that gives you access to over 100 games, launches on June 1st for Xbox One. Announced back in late February, Xbox Game Pass is a surprising move for Microsoft, but it also seems very welcome. Representing a big shift in how the console manufacturer offers its games, this could be a game changer for Xbox.

UPDATE: Xbox Live Gold members can sign up right now, and receive a free 14 day trial.

“But PS4 has a subscription service like this,” I hear you thinking. And yes, PlayStation Now is similar, allowing members to play a large selection of titles from throughout the PlayStation line. But Microsoft took it in a different direction, following the lead of EA Access, Games with Gold, and PS Plus Instant Game Collection.

The games that you play via Xbox Game Pass aren’t being streamed like PS Now. Instead they are downloaded and played locally as normal. You will have access to them as long as you retain an active subscription, much like the “free” games offered for Xbox Live Gold and PS Plus.

We still don’t have a full list of titles offered by the program, but it already includes some of Xbox’s top games. Halo 5: Guardians, Saint’s Row IV, Mad Max, NBA 2K16, Gears of War Ultimate Edition, and many more will be available on day one. (UPDATE: Game list is available right here)

Xbox Game Pass will cost $9.99 a month, so if you play a lot of games then it seems like a pretty solid deal. As long as you’re okay with not owning the games and being able to play them years from now.