What you need to know
- A few more games are leaving Xbox Game Pass "soon."
- Sky Force Reloaded for Xbox One is quite possibly the biggest.
- The game along with a few other smaller experiences will be removed in the coming weeks.
- You can get Xbox Game Pass Ultimate through the Microsoft Store.
Updated August 30, 2019: According to the Xbox Game Pass app, Onrush is also leaving the service soon. It's unclear when that may be, but expect it to be in the coming weeks.
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft's game subscription service along the lines of Netflix. For one monthly price, you gain access to over 200 titles. However, as with any such service, certain games leave from time to time. In a few days, a handful of games will no longer be available on the service. Luckily, there aren't any significant AAA experiences on the list. Given the fact that Devil May Cry 5, Stellaris, and more are now a part of Xbox Game Pass, it should more than enough to mitigate the departures.
According to the Xbox Game Pass app on iOS, Alien Hominid HD, BattleBlock Theater, Garou Mow, Hue, InnerSpace, A Kingdom of Keflings, Manual Samuel, Sky Force Reloaded, and A World of Keflings will be leaving the service "soon." Usually, games are removed at the end of the month, so expect a similar date this time around. However, keep in mind that they may be removed much sooner. Out of all of these, Sky Force Reloaded will be missed the most because it's a fantastic shoot 'em up along the lines of cult classic Tyrian.
Yesterday, Microsoft announced that other games like The Bard's Tale IV: Director's Cut and Blair Witch were coming to Xbox Game Pass in August. These are definitely heavy-hitters that should appease members.
Many of the titles that are leaving appear to be backward compatible games that are fun to play, but it's unclear how popular they are on Xbox Game Pass. If you like any of them, be sure to purchase them at a discounted price through your subscription. Xbox Game Pass on Xbox One costs $10 a month, but you can pay $15 a month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate which bundles Xbox Game Pass for Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Live Gold into one package. The savings are definitely worth it in my opinion.
Three-month subscription
Xbox Game Pass gives you access to over 200 games for one monthly fee. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also adds Xbox Live Gold to the package so you can play online with your friends.
Ditch the discs
Secure your Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, Microsoft's new and ambitious disc-less console. It's the cheapest Xbox One ever made, bundled with a trio of downloadable games.
Excellent and affordable Xbox accessories
Up your Xbox experience with one (or all) of these budget accessories, all of which are approved by the gamers of Windows Central.
PowerA Play & Charge Kit for Xbox One ($15 at Amazon)
This charging kit keeps your Xbox One wireless controllers juiced up, and it offers batteries for two controllers. At just $15, this is hands-down our favorite budget charging companion.
ElecGear 4 Port USB Xbox One S Hub ($19 at Amazon)
This brilliant little USB splitter hub attaches perfectly to the side of your Xbox One S console. It's ideal for use with chargers, controllers, headsets, and more.
Controller Gear stand ($13 at Amazon)
Proudly display your Xbox gamepads with this stylish and functional stand. The licensed design is minimalist and black, and it has a hidden storage compartment, making the price of $13 a real steal.
