What you need to know
- The Xbox All Access program is back.
- The service lets you pay a monthly fee for an Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and the option to upgrade to Project Scarlett.
- The relaunch now includes the UK and Australia, in addition to the U.S.
Microsoft relaunched its Xbox All Access program today, giving gamers a way to buy in to an Xbox One and some extras for a monthly fee. What's more, the service is expanding beyond its U.S. confines to the UK and Australia.
With Xbox All Access, you'll be able to get an Xbox One S, Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, or an Xbox One X directly from Microsoft for a monthly payment paid over two years. The service also gives you two years of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which bundles Microsoft's game subscription service with Xbox Live Gold.
In addition, Microsoft added the option for subscribers in the U.S. and UK to upgrade to its next console, Xbox Project Scarlett once it's available in the holiday 2020 period and they've made 18 payments (or 12 with Xbox One X). Subscribers in Australia will have to buy out their consoles to upgrade to Project Scarlett. The upgrade offer is available for anyone who buys Xbox All Access before December 31, 2019.
As for pricing, there's no upfront cost required and Microsoft says you can get started for as low as $19.99 or £17.99 per month. That starting price covers the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition console, and prices go up from there if you opt for a standard Xbox One S or Xbox One X, topping out at $31 per month. Overall, Microsoft says, you'll save $100 or £100 over buying the console and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate separately.
Players can get Xbox All Access online in the U.S. at Amazon, the UK at Smyths Toys, and Australia at Telstra. In-store options will be available in the UK at GAME and Smyths Toys, as well as Telstra in Australia.
Microsoft previously launched Xbox All Access as a program in the U.S. in 2018, but it was a limited promotion and wasn't available in other countries. The relaunch opens it up to many more potential gamers, which could be a boon for Microsoft as it seeks to bring more people into the Xbox ecosystem.
Xbox All Access is set to launch on October 29 in Australia, November 5 in the UK, and November 18 in the U.S. Note that you'll have to qualify for a credit account with Citizens Bank in the U.S., Klarna in the UK, and Telstra in Australia.
Xbox All Access gives you everything you need to get started with gaming for a monthly price, starting at $19.99 per month.
