Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma is set to introduce a significantly cheaper tier for Xbox Game Pass, aiming to attract new subscribers and broaden the service's appeal. This move follows Sharma's stated mission to refocus Xbox on its core hardware and gaming identity. The Information reports this is Sharma's first major initiative since taking the helm, signaling a strategic pivot towards accessibility. Microsoft's Xbox Mode rebranding and the confirmed PC-console hybrid console underscore a unified gaming strategy.

Previously, Microsoft increased Game Pass prices in October 2025, but a company executive confirmed the service remains profitable, suggesting the new tier could draw in price-sensitive gamers who might later upgrade to premium plans. Sharma's approach emphasizes flexibility and a return to Xbox's roots, potentially revitalizing the service's growth trajectory.