The world of video game subscriptions is undergoing a true revolution. On the one hand, GAME has launched its first paid annual subscription for members, GAME Premium, and the big question is whether it's really worth paying that fee. On the other hand, Xbox Game Pass continues to expand its catalog with highly anticipated releases, and now also with a new tier called Game Pass Premium that seeks to differentiate itself from the other plans. With so many options on the table, it's not surprising to feel a little overwhelmed.
In this article, we'll compare both options and analyze what each offers, which type of player they're most appealing to, and whether they're truly worthwhile. We'll also discuss the arrival of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy to the Game Pass Ultimate catalog , a release that has generated a lot of buzz. Because, let's be honest, choosing where to spend your gaming money isn't always easy.
What is GAME Premium and what exactly does it include?
GAME Premium is the new annual paid subscription from the well-known retail chain. If you sign up before September 30th, the fee is €19 per year , and from October 1st, it increases to €24,99. You can pay with accumulated points, and it renews automatically each year at the then-current price, so the launch price isn't fixed indefinitely. This is an important detail to keep in mind.
Regarding the benefits of GAME Premium, the list is quite extensive and, frankly, can be very appealing to some gamers. Subscribers receive 12 points per euro instead of 6 , unlimited free online shipping with no minimum purchase (previously the minimum was €30), a 10% discount on pre-owned and GAME brand products, an additional 10% when selling used items, a 25% discount on Technical Service (labor only), priority access to private bookings, and an exclusive birthday gift.
Early access to pre-orders is perhaps the most uncertain aspect. At the moment, no specific products have been confirmed, and the company will provide updates as new releases are announced. It's unclear whether this will affect the majority of Nintendo product pre-orders, which are typically the hardest to obtain and where people pay to secure a unit. That remains an unknown.
Xbox Game Pass and the new Game Pass Premium
Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to make moves with its subscription service. Throughout September, Xbox Game Pass is receiving several major titles , including Speedrunners 2: King of Speed, Dice a Million, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, The Royal Writ, Virtua Fighter 5 REVO World Stage, and RuneScape: Dragonwilds. Most are available on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, but some, like Dice a Million, are debuting directly on Game Pass Premium, the new intermediate tier that has been gaining traction in recent months.
Game Pass Premium has become an attractive option for those who want more than the standard plan but aren't willing to pay the full price of Ultimate. However, it's important to carefully review what each tier includes, as not all games are available on every plan . For example, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, the highly anticipated third installment in the Asobo Studio saga, was available on launch day with Game Pass Ultimate, but not with Game Pass Premium or Game Pass Essential. Microsoft officially confirmed this a week before the game's release, which took place on August 27, 2026.
The game, which can be enjoyed on both Xbox Series X|S consoles and PC via PC Game Pass, raises a question that is also present on PlayStation. Currently, it's not included in any PS Plus subscription plan—not the Essential, Extra, or Premium tiers. Those who want to play it on Sony consoles will have no choice but to buy it separately, especially now that PlayStation Plus is increasing in price in Europe. Given the current state of the market, this comes as no surprise.
When is it worth paying for GAME Premium?
If you're someone who shops online frequently, things change considerably. Small orders like a single amiibo, a case, or a €20 game... with unlimited free shipping, you'll recoup the cost of the subscription in just three or four orders. Furthermore, with the recent increase in Nintendo Store shipping costs for those without a Switch Online subscription, GAME scores even more points in this regard. It's one of those cases where the subscription pays for itself.
However, if you're someone who only visits the store a couple of times a year, things aren't so clear-cut. The double points on annual spending of €150 or €200 don't cover the membership fee , and the 10% discount doesn't apply to new Nintendo releases, which are the best sellers. For this type of customer, perhaps the best option is to stick with the traditional GAME Membership, which costs a one-time €3 payment and doesn't require renewals or keeping track of payment dates, thus preventing a complete collapse in physical game sales at home.
And if you decide to give it a try, don't forget to note the automatic renewal date. The following year it will cost €24,99 unless you cancel beforehand. GAME does give 30 days' notice according to the membership agreement, but it's not a good idea to rely solely on email, as these things are incredibly easy to forget. It's best to set an alarm on your phone and forget about it.
In short, we have two very different offerings that share a common goal: to build player loyalty with benefits that go beyond simply making a purchase. GAME Premium is primarily aimed at those who already make frequent purchases in the chain's physical and online stores, while Game Pass Premium is part of a broader ecosystem where the subscription grants access to a vast catalog of games. Ultimately, it all depends on your consumption habits and what you value most as a gamer.
In any case, what's clear is that the subscription war hasn't even begun . With GAME making moves in the physical market and Xbox expanding its digital offerings, gamers have more and more options (and it's becoming increasingly difficult to choose). The best approach is to crunch the numbers, carefully consider your individual consumption, and decide accordingly.
