September is just around the corner, and Xbox has unveiled the first wave of games heading to Game Pass. While the initial lineup might seem a bit underwhelming for Ultimate subscribers, there are still some interesting additions and plenty of reasons to stay excited about what’s coming to the service. However, the departure of heavy hitters like Cyberpunk 2077 mid-month definitely stings.
September’s Game Pass Arrivals: A Mixed Bag
Speedrunners 2: King of Speed, a multiplayer 2D platforming racer and sequel to the well-regarded 2016 title, is the headlining exclusive for Game Pass Ultimate subscribers. This fast-paced game promises intense competition and plenty of replayability. However, its exclusivity to the Ultimate tier raises questions about the value proposition for those already paying for the premium service.
Beyond Speedrunners 2, other notable additions include Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage. While these titles are certainly welcome, their age might disappoint some players hoping for more recent releases. Xbox also highlights that TCG Card Shop Simulator, already on the service, is receiving its full 1.0 release on September 15th, and EA Sports NHL 27 will offer an early access trial starting September 4th. Finally, fans eager to dive into Aniimo, the new Pokémon-like RPG with some controversy surrounding its AI implementation, can look forward to a free reward pack to kick off their adventures.
Saying Goodbye: Games Leaving Game Pass in September
Unfortunately, September isn’t all sunshine and roses. Cyberpunk 2077, a game that has seen a massive resurgence in popularity thanks to recent updates and expansions, is leaving the service on September 15th. This is undoubtedly a major loss for Game Pass subscribers. Joining Cyberpunk 2077 on its departure are fan favorites like Dead Cells, Deep Rock Galactic Survivor, Frostpunk 2, Mullet Madjack, and Spiritfarer. While August was an exceptional month for the service, this exodus leaves a noticeable gap in the Game Pass library.
Despite the departures, there’s still plenty to look forward to on Game Pass. Hopefully, the second half of September will bring more exciting additions to make up for the losses. And with Gears of War: E-Day slated to arrive in October, it would be a shame if the next month felt like filler before that highly anticipated release.
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