Is Game Pass Ultimate worth it without Xbox?

For PC gamers without an Xbox, the value of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate boils down to one game-changing feature – cloud gaming. The ability to stream hundreds of Xbox console titles to your PC unlocks a vast new library that makes Game Pass Ultimate tempting even without an Xbox. But how practical is cloud gaming, and are the other parts of an Ultimate subscription worth it for PC-only users? Let‘s weigh the pros, cons and overall value proposition.

Cloud gaming opens up the full Xbox catalog

Cloud gaming utilizes Microsoft‘s advanced Azure cloud infrastructure to stream Xbox games directly to devices over the internet. This means PC gamers can access and play games from the Xbox console catalog without an Xbox.

Over 250 popular titles like Sea of Thieves, Gears 5, Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 are now playable on a Windows PC by streaming from the cloud. Even upcoming major exclusives like Starfield will be accessible to PC gamers this way.

Microsoft‘s cloud streaming technology works impressively well. I‘ve found game performance and responsiveness surprisingly good even over WiFi. Games run at up to 1080p resolution and 60fps, so long as you have a sufficient internet connection of 10Mbps or more.

Streaming works not just on Windows PCs but also on phones, tablets, Macs, and inside most modern web browsers. This makes Xbox games playable on virtually any device. That portability and flexibility provides great value alone for PC gamers.

Of course, there are some limitations to weigh:

• Not every Xbox game is available for cloud streaming. The catalog is growing over time, but currently its around half the total Xbox Game Pass library. Popular titles are usually supported.

• Gameplay experience is dependent on internet quality. For best results, a wired ethernet connection is recommended if playing on PC.

• Stream quality and latency can never perfectly match a local console. Factors like distance to Microsoft‘s Azure data centers impact streaming performance.

But cloud gaming technology continues to mature rapidly. And access to hundreds of additional Xbox titles on my PC makes signing up for Game Pass Ultimate tempting even without owning an Xbox console.

EA Play grants access to leading titles

Also adding value is the EA Play membership bundled with Game Pass Ultimate. This adds around 80+ games from top publisher Electronic Arts to the subscription.

Major franchises like The Sims, Battlefield, Need for Speed, Mass Effect, Star Wars: Squadrons, FIFA, Madden NFL and more are included from EA‘s catalog.

These games can be downloaded directly on your PC or also played via the cloud on various devices. Having access to best-selling titles like FIFA 22, Mass Effect Legendary Edition and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order for one low monthly price is quite appealing.

Here‘s a sample of notable EA titles accessible with an active Game Pass Ultimate subscription:

| Popular EA Titles Available with EA Play |
|-|-|
| Battlefield 1 and Battlefield V |
| Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order |
| Star Wars: Squadrons |
| FIFA 22 |
| Madden NFL 22 |
| Need for Speed Heat |
| Titanfall 2 |
| The Sims 4 |
| Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville |
| Mass Effect Legendary Edition |

Having EA Play bundled with Game Pass Ultimate essentially combines two of the best gaming subscriptions into one package.

Significant cost savings compared to individual subscriptions

The combination of Xbox Game Pass for PC, console game streaming, and EA Play access in one subscription means major potential savings compared to signing up for each individually.

Here‘s a cost comparison of separate subscriptions vs. Game Pass Ultimate:

As you can see, signing up for each gaming service separately would cost almost $25 a month compared to just $14.99 with Game Pass Ultimate. That‘s $10 in savings per month, or $120 per year.

The more services you wish to use, the more worthwhile Game Pass Ultimate becomes from a cost perspective. Even without an Xbox console, access to Game Pass for PC and EA Play for just $14.99 per month is excellent value.

Microsoft also regularly offers Ultimate subscription deals like:

• $1 first month for new members
• Bundled console offers including 1 year of Ultimate with purchase
• Limited-time discounts like 50% off your first 3 months

These deals only improve the value equation further. With the right offers, you could prepay for Ultimate at up to 30% off the regular monthly price.

Drawbacks to consider

While cloud gaming and EA Play access add major value, some parts of Game Pass Ultimate are less beneficial without an Xbox:

• Xbox Live Gold provides no direct value, as its main benefits are online console multiplayer and monthly free games.

• Console exclusives remain locked. Major exclusives still require an Xbox console purchase e.g. Forza Horizon 5, Halo Infinite (non-cloud version).

• PC downloads require significant storage space. Downloaded games can take up large amounts of SSD space. Factor in needing to re-download games.

• Most PC games can‘t be played indefinitely offline. To keep licenses active, you need to reconnect online periodically.

So while Ultimate clearly provides excellent bang for the buck, be sure to weigh the limitations based on your specific gaming needs.

Does Game Pass Ultimate make sense for PC-only users?

Game Pass Ultimate can absolutely be worth it even if you game exclusively on PC. The makes-or-breaks factor is the value you place on cloud gaming access for expanding your gaming catalog.

If your priority is playing Xbox exclusives or getting maximum game variety on PC, cloud gaming alone may justify the $14.99 monthly fee. Combine that with EA Play‘s library, and the cost savings become significant compared to buying even a few titles individually.

Of course, those who play online multiplayer games with Xbox friends will find the highest value. But I believe Game Pass Ultimate offers enough even for solo PC players to merit consideration.

In closing, I recommend Xbox gamers who have yet to try cloud gaming give Game Pass Ultimate a shot for a month. The streaming technology has progressed to the point that lag and visual artifacts are minimal.

Unlocking hundreds of console games to play directly on your PC is game-changing. Doing so for the same price as buying a single new release makes Game Pass Ultimate remarkably compelling.