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Is Game Pass Shared on Console? The Ultimate Guide

The short answer is yes, Game Pass can be shared on consoles, but with certain stipulations. Microsoft designed the system to allow families and close friends to enjoy the benefits of a single Game Pass Ultimate subscription. The crux of the matter lies in understanding the “Home Xbox” designation. Let’s dive into the details.

Understanding Xbox Game Pass Sharing

The key to sharing Game Pass lies in understanding the concept of the “Home Xbox.” Designating an Xbox console as your “Home Xbox” allows anyone who signs in to that console to access your Game Pass Ultimate subscription, including the games, benefits, and Xbox Live Gold (if it’s part of your Ultimate subscription).

Here’s how it works:

The Primary Account Holder: The person who owns the Game Pass Ultimate subscription is considered the primary account holder.
Home Xbox Designation: The primary account holder designates one Xbox console as their “Home Xbox.” This is done through the Xbox settings.
Sharing Benefits: Anyone who signs in to the “Home Xbox” with their own Xbox profile automatically gains access to the primary account holder’s Game Pass Ultimate benefits.
Simultaneous Play: The primary account holder can simultaneously play games on a different console, PC, or even through cloud gaming, while others are playing on the “Home Xbox.”

It’s important to note that this sharing primarily applies to consoles. While Game Pass Ultimate includes PC Game Pass, the sharing mechanism doesn’t extend to multiple PCs. Each PC user needs their own Game Pass subscription.

Setting Up Game Pass Sharing

Here’s a step-by-step guide on setting up Game Pass sharing:

Sign In: On the Xbox console you want to designate as your “Home Xbox,” sign in with the Xbox profile that owns the Game Pass Ultimate subscription.
Navigate to Settings: Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide. Go to “Settings” > “Personalization” > “My home Xbox.”
Make it Home: Select “Make this my home Xbox.” If the button says “Remove this as my home Xbox,” it means the console is already set as your home Xbox.
Confirm: A confirmation message will appear, indicating that the console is now your “Home Xbox.”

Once this is done, anyone who signs into that console with their own Xbox profile will automatically have access to your Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

Limitations and Considerations

While Game Pass sharing is a fantastic feature, there are a few limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

Home Xbox Switching: You can only switch your “Home Xbox” a limited number of times per year. This is to prevent abuse of the sharing system.
Digital Ownership: The sharing extends to digital games purchased through the Microsoft Store as well. Any games purchased by the primary account holder can be played by other profiles on the “Home Xbox.”
PC Game Pass: As mentioned earlier, the sharing mechanism doesn’t directly extend to PC Game Pass. Each PC user will generally need their own subscription for playing on PC.
Xbox 360 Games: Sharing also applies to backward-compatible Xbox 360 games purchased digitally.
Family Settings: You can use Microsoft’s family settings to manage content and spending for child accounts on the “Home Xbox.”

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, Game Pass sharing might not work as expected. Here are some common issues and troubleshooting steps:

Subscription Status: Ensure your Game Pass Ultimate subscription is active and in good standing. Check your Microsoft account for any billing issues.
Home Xbox Verification: Double-check that the correct console is designated as your “Home Xbox.”
Network Connectivity: Ensure all consoles are connected to the internet.
Account Sign-In: Verify that everyone is signed in with their own Xbox profile.
Console Restart: Try restarting the Xbox consoles. This can often resolve temporary glitches.
Xbox Service Status: Check the Xbox Live service status page for any outages or issues.

The Demise of Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family

It’s important to note that Microsoft previously experimented with a dedicated “Xbox Game Pass Friends & Family” plan, which allowed for sharing with up to five people. However, this plan was discontinued in August 2023. The “Home Xbox” method remains the primary way to share Game Pass Ultimate benefits on consoles.

Benefits of Game Pass Sharing

Game Pass sharing offers several significant benefits:

Cost Savings: Families or groups of friends can share the cost of a single Game Pass Ultimate subscription, making it more affordable.
Access to a Vast Library: Everyone on the “Home Xbox” gains access to hundreds of games in the Game Pass library.
Convenience: No need to purchase multiple copies of the same game.
Flexibility: The primary account holder can play on other devices while others enjoy the benefits on the “Home Xbox.”

The Future of Game Sharing

While the “Home Xbox” method is currently the primary way to share Game Pass Ultimate, Microsoft might explore other sharing options in the future. The gaming landscape is constantly evolving, and Microsoft is likely to adapt its subscription models to meet the changing needs of gamers. Exploring the educational aspects of gaming and related topics can be a useful tool in ensuring the future of gaming stays beneficial for all. You can find many useful resources and discussions on the Games Learning Society website.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can two people use the same Xbox Game Pass account on different consoles?

No, not directly. The primary account holder can use their Game Pass Ultimate subscription on any console they sign into, but only one console can be designated as the “Home Xbox” at a time for sharing purposes.

2. How many Xbox consoles can share Game Pass Ultimate?

The benefits of Game Pass Ultimate can effectively be shared with one “Home Xbox,” meaning anyone who signs into that console with their own profile can use the subscription.

3. Can I use my Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription on multiple Xbox consoles?

Yes, you can use the same subscription on multiple consoles, but only one can be designated as the “Home Xbox” for sharing. The primary account holder can sign into their account and play their games on any Xbox console.

4. Why is my Xbox Game Pass not sharing with my family?

Ensure the console your family members are using is designated as your “Home Xbox.” Also, verify that your Game Pass Ultimate subscription is active and there are no billing issues.

5. Can all family members use Game Pass on Xbox?

Yes, all family members who have their own Xbox profiles and sign into the “Home Xbox” can use the Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

6. How do I share Xbox Game Pass with another user on Xbox Console?

Designate the Xbox console as your “Home Xbox.” Any profile that logs in to your “Home Xbox” will be able to use your Xbox Live Gold subscription, games and downloadable content from the Microsoft Store, and downloaded games from a Game Pass subscription.

7. Why isn’t Game Pass sharing working?

This can be due to various reasons, including network issues, problems with your Xbox account, or issues with the Xbox Game Pass service itself. Make sure your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is active.

8. How do I enable family sharing on Xbox Game Pass?

Select ‘Personalization’ followed by ‘My home Xbox’. Choose the ‘Make this my home Xbox’ option.

9. How do I share game pass on two consoles?

Here’s how Xbox Game Pass subscribers can extend their Game Pass subscription benefits to friends and family. At home: Make your primary Xbox (if you have more than one) your home Xbox, which gives anyone who signs in to the console with their profile the ability to use your Game Pass subscription.

10. Can you share Game Pass Ultimate on the same console?

Yes, once you designate an Xbox console as your “Home Xbox,” any account that signs in to that console will have access to the Game Pass Ultimate subscription.

11. Can I use 3 Xboxes on one account?

While other devices allow you to sign in simultaneously, you can’t sign in to more than one Xbox 360 console at a time using the same account.

12. Why does my Xbox ask me if I own the game?

If you don’t have rights for playing it, you’ll need to get it at the Microsoft Store. This may mean that the game is no longer in the Game Pass catalog.

13. Can you play the same game when game sharing on Xbox?

If only one account has Xbox Game Pass, both consoles can still play the games on Xbox Game Pass. Both consoles will be able to play the same games simultaneously.

14. How do I share games between two Xbox accounts?

You must make your gameshare partner’s Xbox One your “home Xbox.” Go to Settings > Personalize > Make my home Xbox. Step 3: In that menu, register the system as your default device.

15. Is game sharing on Xbox safe?

It’s totally safe, as long as you only share your “Home Xbox” designation with trusted individuals. Avoid sharing your login information.

Conclusion

Game Pass sharing on Xbox consoles, through the “Home Xbox” feature, offers a convenient and cost-effective way for families and friends to enjoy the vast library of games available with Game Pass Ultimate. By understanding the mechanics and limitations of the sharing system, you can maximize its benefits and ensure a smooth gaming experience for everyone involved. For those who are interested in games and education, check out GamesLearningSociety.org.

Is Gamepass shared on console?