IIRC Microsoft did something similar a while back for Xbox 360, now Microsoft is doing an "All Access Pass" monthly commitment for 2 years on the Xbox One S and X. This includes Xbox Live and Game Pass with no upfront costs.
Mobile-style plan offers subsidized system with Xbox Live/Games Pass agreement.
I've run the numbers and the S comes off better than the X (in fact the monthly cost is cheaper overall), but surprisingly there's little premium by opting for the monthly costs on the X.
Monthly All Access Purchases
Xbox One S: $22 (x 24 = $528)
Xbox One X: $35 (x 24 = $840)
Outright purchases
Xbox Live: $40 (x 2 = $80)
Game Pass: $9.99 (x 24 = $239.76)
Xbox One S: $229 Total: $538.76
Xbox Live: $40 (x 2 = $80)
Game Pass: $9.99 (x 24 = $239.76)
Xbox One X: $499 Total: $818.76
Differences
Xbox One S: $-10.76
Xbox One X: $21.24
Decided to trade in my new One S towards a One X. GameStop are running a promo so they’ll give me £20 more than I actually paid for the One S in the first place. I also have a few games laying around that I’ll trade in as well. Reckon the X will cost me around £100 after the trades so I’m only out £300 for the X.
Differences buying on monthly over outright
Xbox One S: -$50.76
Xbox One X: -$18.76
Edit - went the wrong way with the update - this actually makes the price buying the monthly cheaper on S and X than purchasing outright.
Microsoft recently claimed that those who sign up for Game Pass spend 20% more time playing games and played 40% more titles and that franchises included in Game Pass see an uplift in purchases, so maybe they're anticipating making up the shortfall there.
Decided to trade in my new One S towards a One X. GameStop are running a promo so they’ll give me £20 more than I actually paid for the One S in the first place. I also have a few games laying around that I’ll trade in as well. Reckon the X will cost me around £100 after the trades so I’m only out £300 for the X.
And here it is! Traded for a One S, a right Joy-Con and a few Switch games plus £50
Tempted to get a one X to use its 4k blu ray capabilities. Wtf the PS4 pro can't I don't know. Expensive if I don't use it to game as well though. Not especially after any one game tbh buy the back compatibility features might make it worthwhile. Maybe someone can tell me how well it'd handle these:
Ninja gaiden black
Crackdown
Morrowind
Full spectrum warrior
Red dead redemption
Bayonetta
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