Microsoft makes Discord Nitro the cheapest way to get Xbox Game Pass

Discord Nitro is now the cheapest version of Xbox Game Pass, offering a "Starter Edition" that gives subscribers access to over 50 PC and console games.

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The integration, confirmed by both Microsoft and Discord, is rolling out to Nitro subscribers in waves and is available on the $9.99/month Nitro plan. This move adds a competitive edge to the $14.99 Game Pass Core and $19.99 Game Pass Ultimate tiers, which offer broader access and features like cloud streaming and multiplayer on consoles.

The Starter Edition, while more limited in scope, includes a curated selection of games and is directly integrated into Discord's "Now Playing" status system. Subscribers can launch Game Pass games directly from the platform, likely through the Xbox app, and take advantage of exclusive discounts on gaming peripherals from brands like Logitech G, SteelSeries, and KontrolFreak.

However, the Starter Edition lacks cloud streaming beyond 10 hours per month and excludes multiplayer on consoles, making it less appealing to hardcore gamers. The move aligns with Microsoft's broader strategy to expand Game Pass across new platforms and partnerships, while simultaneously consolidating the Xbox brand into a new identity. The partnership between Game Pass and Xbox strengthens Xbox as a PC brand, as Discord is the most commonly used communication app among gamers on the platform.

With the new integration rolling out now, Nitro subscribers can expect a smoother, more integrated gaming experience. The question remains whether this will be enough to shift the balance in the Game Pass market or if Microsoft will eventually expand the offering to other tiers and services.