Xbox All Access Bundles Game Pass, Live Gold, and a Console For a Great Deal, But There's a Catch

Microsoft unveiled its Xbox All Access plan today. The previously rumored subscription plan lets buyers purchase an Xbox One console of their choice (either an X or S version) as well as a subscription to both Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass, all for a monthly fee. Of course, there are some caveats.

As previously reported, for a limited time, and only at participating Microsoft stores, buyers can purchase an Xbox One X or Xbox One S All Access plan. The plan includes a console and the two monthly services for either $34.99 a month for the One X, or $21.99 a month for the One S. The link to the All Access plan is live here.

The caveat is that the bundle is financed through the Dell Preferred Account which you will have to apply for at the Microsoft Store before walking out with your new Xbox One. When we spoke to a Microsoft customer service representative, they told us that only once you are approved for the Dell Preferred Account can you get the All Access bundle at no upfront cost.

Without Dell Preferred Account you won't be able to get the All Access bundle at $0 upfront, though you'll have the option to purchase everything included in the bundle at full price, including the subscriptions to Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass.

The Microsoft service rep told me that Dell Preferred Account charges no interest if I pay within the set 24-month limit, though that presumably changes if there is a late or missed payment.

That doesn't mean the All Access plan is a bad deal. As Venturebeat breaks down, if you qualify for the Dell Preferred Account the Xbox One S All Access bundle is almost the same as purchasing an Xbox One S system for $48 over the course of two years. That's if you factor in the cost of a monthly Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass membership ($20 total per month).

The Xbox One X All Access is similarly discounted over the next two years through All Access, though it is more expensive than the One S.

The only question is whether you want to lock yourself into a payment plan, which entails certain risks for missed payments. Other than that, though, a line of credit offers flexibility in how people can access high-end consoles which is a good opportunity to get new buyers into gaming who might otherwise not be able to afford a new console.

The Xbox One has started to become an attractive console since its launch in 2013. Xbox Game Pass and Xbox backwards compatibility are two killer features exclusive to the Xbox One consoles, and hardware sales for Xbox One continue to grow.