Microsoft officially embraces popular community "lifehack" to save big on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Eurogamer.net If you click on a link and make a purchase we may receive a small commission. Read our editorial policy. Microsoft officially embraces popular community "lifehack" to save big on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate All to do with converting existing subscriptions. News by Matt Wales Reporter Updated on 18 Jul 2019 66 comments A while back, Xbox fans discovered that it was possible, by making clever use of an official promotion, to significantly reduce the cost of Microsoft's new Xbox Game Pass Ultimate all-in-one subscription service. And now, rather than attempting to hobble the venture, Microsoft has embraced it, highlighting the steps required to make some juicy savings on its official blog. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate was announced ahead of this year's E3 and combines an Xbox Game Pass subscription with Xbox Live Gold - providing a cheaper option for those that had previously subscribed to both separately. And to get the ball rolling, Microsoft revealed that interested parties could get the first month of Ultimate for £1, rather than the usual £10.99. Here's where it gets interesting though; those already subscribed to either Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Live Gold can also choose to upgrade to Ultimate for £1. Alongside that first month, any remaining months of an existing Game Pass or Live subscription will automatically be upgraded to Ultimate, but, crucially, will remain at their current price until the subscription period has expired. And given that Xbox Game Pass currently costs £7.99 a month, while Live Gold costs £6.99, there're decent savings to be had. Once players had spotted the offer, they quickly realised that it was possible to make even greater savings by first extending their current Game Pass or Live Gold subscription, potentially right up to the current 36 month limit, and then switching to Ultimate for £1. That could theoretically make for a saving of (and apologies for any questionable maths here) around £250 through Microsoft, or more via discounted subscription offers from third-party retailers. Rather than attempting to limit potential savings, Microsoft has now officially embraced the process, going so far as to write a guide on its official Xbox blog. It does note, however, that this "lifehack", as it calls it, will only be available for a limited time, so those eager to take advantage of the offer might want to do so sooner rather than later. Become a Eurogamer subscriber and get your first month for £1 Get your first month for £1 (normally £3.99) when you buy a Standard Eurogamer subscription. Enjoy ad-free browsing, merch discounts, our monthly letter from the editor, and show your support with a supporter-exclusive comment flair! Support us View supporter archive More News Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Modder dives into Demon's Souls files following PS5 jailbreak, discovers fabled Ring of the Chieftain Who knows what's nexus? 4 Google announces cloud gaming Chromebooks less than a fortnight after Stadia shutdown GeForce Now preinstalled. 11 Latest Articles Digital Foundry Sennheiser's legendary HD 599 open-back headphones are just £70 at Amazon in the Prime Early Access Sale Comfortable with neutral sound and a wide sound stage. Preview Football Manager's new Console edition is the best you'll get without a PC Getting Touch-right. 1 Splatoon 3 Amiibos will be out next month Ink-coming! 3 Fans think Phil Spencer's shelf is teasing the Xbox Game Pass streaming box UPDATE: Xbox confirms old Keystone prototype. 61 Supporters Only Premium only Off Topic: Take a minute to appreciate Cookin' with Coolio's incredible scallops recipe. What a great book. Premium only Off Topic: Reading City of Glass in comic form "Where exactly am I going?" Premium only Off Topic: Il Buco is a transporting film about a really big hole Underlands. Off-Topic Netflix handled Sandman brilliantly It was Dreamy. 9 Buy things with globes on them And other lovely Eurogamer merch in our official store! Explore our store