Xbox Live is a service that has accompanied Xbox consoles from practically its inception. It is one of Microsoft‘s most successful products; Putting together the users of all platforms and of the different Xbox Live modalities, it is estimated that there are around 90 million users subscribed to this service. In this post you will learn everything you need to know about Xbox Live.
What is Xbox Live?
Xbox Live is the name of the online service associated with Microsoft’s Xbox consoles. The service was born with the original Xbox in November 2002 . There are currently three types of Xbox Live membership: Silver, Gold, and Game Pass Ultimate. Microsoft notified months ago that it is within its plans to rename Xbox Live to Xbox Network , although the original name is still being used.
Where is Xbox Live available?
Xbox Live has been present on all Xbox consoles . Currently, the oldest console where the service is still valid on Xbox 360 although with totally limited functions. The consoles that Xbox Live is currently running on are Xbox One S, Xbox One X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X.
Xbox Live memberships
Xbox Live Silver
Xbox Live Silver is the free version of Xbox Live . It includes features such as access to Microsoft Edge and Skype on your TV, as well as the ability to try demos of some games. You can also download free games and other add-ons from the Xbox Games Store, such as entertainment apps. You can also exchange text and voice messages with other Xbox Live users.
To access Xbox Live Silver you will need to use a Microsoft account . From there, you can create your profile and choose the Gamertag with which the rest of the players will see you.
Xbox Live Gold
Xbox Live Gold is the equivalent of PlayStation Plus, but on Microsoft’s console. It is a monthly subscription that users of an Xbox console can pay to get a series of benefits. This membership came into existence on Xbox 360 and has continued for generations to come, adding more content to the subscription.
The official Xbox Live Gold price of 6.99 euros per month or 19.99 euros every three months.
Multiplayer and online features
Xbox Live Gold was born as a subscription that allowed players to access the online multiplayer of their titles. This would later end up being copied by the rest of the video game companies.
In addition, Live Gold allows access to social networks such as Twitter or Facebook and also allows you to enjoy music and video on demand services from Microsoft.
Games With Gold
On the other hand, with the Gold subscription we can access a whole catalog of current video games and old consoles that we can download on our Xbox and play. If you stop paying the subscription, the game will be saved on your console along with the achievements. In this way, if at any time you buy the title, you can take it back without problems.
In addition to this, Microsoft is constantly increasing the number of Gold games to keep the subscription fresh and remain attractive to users. Sometimes it also allows its subscribers to play for a few days to try some new titles that are launched without having to pay.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Finally, there is the possibility of acquiring Game Pass Ultimate, which is the most complete service that Microsoft currently offers . This membership applies to Xbox console users only, and combines an Xbox Live Gold subscription with an Xbox Game Pass.
Currently, this service has a cost of 12.99 euros per month , although sometimes it can be found with certain discounts on certain dates. As if that were not enough, the pack also gives us the right to access EA Play at no additional cost, which means being able to access their titles for a limited time per month.
The pack includes the following:
- All the benefits included in the Xbox Gold membership.
- Access to Games with Gold titles.
- Access to the Game Pass catalog with more than 100 titles available.
- Ability to play Xbox Game Studios titles on launch day.
- Xbox Cloud Gaming : game in the cloud through a smartphone or tablet.
- Limited access to EA Play , with a 10% discount on purchases.
Where to buy Xbox Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate?
You can buy these services directly from the Microsoft Store on your Xbox . However, you can purchase both Xbox Gold and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate in physical establishments (Fnac, Mediamartkt, GAME, El Corte Inglés …), stores such as Amazon and also in key buying and selling websites.
You can purchase your Xbox Gold membership in periods of 1, 3, 6 and 12 months . In a physical store we will get the cheapest fee if we buy a one-year prepaid card, which will be around 59.99 euros. However, in other online stores you can get a redeemable code for practically half the money. Of course, if you find one of these stores and do not know it at all, we recommend that you look for opinions on the Internet before making the purchase.
Regarding Game Pass Ultimate , you can find it in periods of 7 and 14 days if you are only interested in trying the service. On the other hand, 1 and 3 month options are also available. If this is the first time you get Game Pass Ultimate, you can get your first month for just one euro. The next one will be automatically renewed for the standard fee of 12.99 euros .
Can I use Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on PC?
Yes, without any problem. You can use your Xbox account where your Game Pass Ultimate is linked on your Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC to download and install video games on your laptop or desktop computer. In this way, the all-in-one subscription will save you a lot of money, since you will save the 9.99 euros that an Xbox Game Pass subscription for PC would cost at the same time that you can enjoy the Xbox Live Gold options on your console.
