By Adam Corsetti
Publication Date: 2026-02-28 18:54:00
According to the analyst, “The problem with Game Pass was it was all or nothing.” Recommending an “a la carte” alternative, he argues that it doesn’t entice buyers who purchase games separately. The Xbox Game Pass price increase to $30 for the highest tier made the option even less attractive. Some gamers spend only $140 a year on a few titles, rather than the $360 it now costs.
An ultra-premium Game Pass gateway?
The Magnus hybrid PC/console could support Steam, but Microsoft needs subscribers to embrace the system. Without exclusive games, Pachter doubts that these users will make the transition. As a result, he proclaims, “I think the console is dead. I think they’ve already blown it with the console by embracing Game Pass.”
It may be unlikely that Microsoft will halt development of the machine at this stage. In early February, AMD CEO Lisa Su hinted that it was on track for a 2027 release date. After assuming her new role, Asha Sharma also promised that…
