Microsoft has withdrawn 12-month Xbox Live memberships from sale in its Microsoft stores.
While codes are still available via third-party merchants somewhere else, the option to purchase the 12-month subscription plan– which used the best value to gamers– was digitally delisted without alert, prompting some to presume it was made in error..
Now, nevertheless, Microsoft has validated the removal of the year-long plans from sale was not unintentional, starting a flurry of speculation that the Xbox Live Gold service– which covers two generations of Xbox consoles– is either going to be significantly changed or eliminated completely with the arrival of next-gen..
While the business would not be made use of why the subscription had been withdrawn, a Microsoft representative told True Achievements: “At this time, Xbox has chosen to remove the 12 months Xbox Live Gold SKU from the Microsoft online Store. Clients can still sign up for a one month or three month Xbox Live Gold subscription online through the Microsoft Store.”.
Speculation is now rife that the membership service is being phased out as Xbox increases support of its Xbox Game Pass and xCloud streaming services, the latter of which will join the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription bundle in September at no extra expense to subscribers..
Microsoft is also no longer making the Xbox One X or the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition. In the lead-up to beginning its next generation with Xbox Series X, Microsoft confirmed that it will no longer manufacture 2 out of the 3 systems that comprise the current Xbox One household. The standard Xbox One S, which is identified from the All-Digital Edition by its inclusion of a Blu-ray drive and higher cost, is the just one remaining for the time being.
” As we ramp into the future with Xbox Series X, were taking the natural step of stopping production on Xbox One X and Xbox One S All-Digital Edition. Xbox One S will continue to be made and offered globally,” Microsoft said in a declaration at the time.
Take a look at our huge guide to upcoming Xbox Series X video games.
