When it comes to PC gaming, Steam has been the uncontested king for years. But there’s a new challenger in town: Xbox PC Game Pass. If you’re considering jumping ship or simply adding Game Pass to your arsenal, you’re in for an interesting ride. Let’s dive into whether making the switch is worth it.
Library Showdown: Quality or Quantity?
Steam boasts an overwhelming library of over 50,000 titles. It’s like a gaming buffet where you’ll find everything from indie darlings to AAA blockbusters. But here’s the catch: you pay per dish. Unless you’ve got a money tree, that can add up quickly.
On the other hand, Xbox PC Game Pass offers a curated library of over 400 games for a flat monthly fee. The best part? The selection includes fresh releases, like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle or Forza Motorsport, which often drop on day one. Think of it as an all-you-can-eat buffet for a fraction of the price. While the catalogue isn’t as extensive as Steam’s, Game Pass packs more hits than filler.
Price Check: Who’s Friendlier to Your Wallet?
Steam often draws users in with irresistible sales, slashing prices on even the most sought-after games. However, those savings can be sporadic, and you’re still paying individually for each game.
Meanwhile, Xbox PC Game Pass charges a consistent monthly fee. For around $9.99 per month (or slightly more for the Ultimate tier), you gain access to hundreds of games, EA Play titles, and exclusive perks. If you’re someone who enjoys exploring new titles without commitment, Game Pass is practically a cheat code for your budget.
Exclusives and Cheap First-Day Access
When it comes to exclusives, both platforms have their strengths. Steam’s catalogue is rich with day-one releases for big-name games and a steady stream of indie gems. It’s rare for Steam to miss out on a major launch.
Game Pass, on the other hand, excels in exclusivity, particularly with Xbox Game Studios titles like the Halo and Forza series, Starfield, and Microsoft Flight Simulator. While these games also launch on Steam on the same day, the difference lies in the price.
With Xbox PC Game Pass, you can play these blockbuster titles on day one without spending anything beyond your subscription fee. On Steam, however, you have to pay the full retail price. Game Pass flips the script, letting you explore premium games without an upfront commitment—ideal for gamers who love to try before they buy or simply want affordable gaming options.
The Verdict: Should You Switch?
Switching entirely to Xbox PC Game Pass depends on your priorities. If you value variety and frequent sales, Steam is hard to beat. However, if you’re a gamer who enjoys keeping things fresh, playing new titles at launch, and saving money in the process, Xbox PC Game Pass is an obvious choice.
Ultimately, why not have both? Steam can serve as your library for all-time favourites, while PC Game Pass becomes your playground for trying new games without commitment.
For those ready to make their next gaming move, digital marketplaces like Eneba offer great options. Whether you’re searching for Steam keys, Xbox PC Game Pass subscriptions, or other gaming essentials, Eneba provides unbeatable deals to fuel your passion. The best part? You’ll have extra cash left over for in-game skins.
