Meta Horizon+ Members Now Get Xbox Game Pass Through New Microsoft Partnership

Meta has become the latest company to join Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition program, bringing console gaming benefits to its Meta Horizon+ subscribers. The partnership makes Game Pass Starter Edition available as part of the VR platform’s premium subscription tier, marking a significant expansion of gaming perks for Meta’s virtual reality ecosystem.

What’s Included in the Partnership

Meta Horizon+ members will now receive Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition as part of their existing subscription. The Starter Edition provides access to a curated library of games, though it operates with some limitations compared to the full Game Pass Ultimate tier. According to Microsoft’s program structure, Starter Edition typically includes a rotating selection of titles from the broader Game Pass catalog, along with access to cloud gaming on supported devices.

This move positions Meta alongside other companies that have integrated Microsoft’s gaming subscription into their own offerings. The partnership represents Microsoft’s broader strategy to expand Game Pass reach beyond traditional Xbox and PC gaming audiences, tapping into the growing virtual reality market.

A person wearing a Meta Quest VR headset while holding an Xbox controller, standing in a dimly lit room with colorful LE — VR and console gaming converge through Meta's new partnership with Microsoft

How the Subscription Works

For existing Meta Horizon+ subscribers, the Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition benefit appears to be included automatically with their current subscription. Users who already pay for Meta Horizon+ should find the Game Pass access activated without needing to make additional purchases or navigate complex redemption processes.

Meta Horizon+ itself is a premium subscription service for Meta’s Quest VR headsets, offering benefits like access to a library of VR games, exclusive discounts, and early access to new titles. Adding Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition to this package creates a more compelling value proposition for users invested in Meta’s VR ecosystem.

The integration likely works through account linking between Meta and Microsoft accounts. Users will probably need to connect their existing Microsoft account to their Meta profile to activate and manage their Game Pass benefits. This type of account bridging has become standard practice for cross-platform subscription partnerships.

What This Means for VR Gamers

For Meta Horizon+ subscribers, this partnership adds tangible value to an already premium subscription. The inclusion of Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition means users get access to console-quality games without needing a separate Xbox console or additional subscription fees. This is particularly relevant for users who primarily game in virtual reality but also want access to traditional gaming experiences.

The move also signals Meta’s commitment to positioning its VR platform as a comprehensive gaming destination. By offering access to Microsoft’s extensive game library, Meta is addressing one of the common criticisms of VR gaming: the limited selection of titles compared to traditional gaming platforms.

The partnership bridges Meta's VR ecosystem with Microsoft's gaming platform

How to Get It

Current Meta Horizon+ subscribers should check their account settings to activate the Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition benefit. The exact activation process will likely involve signing into your Microsoft account through Meta’s settings menu or visiting a dedicated activation page linked from your Meta account dashboard.

New Meta Horizon+ subscribers will receive the Game Pass Starter Edition benefit as part of their initial subscription. The partnership appears to be immediately available, with no waiting period or phased rollout mentioned in initial reports.

Users who previously cancelled Meta Horizon+ and are considering resubscribing may find the added Game Pass benefit makes the subscription more attractive. The combined value of VR gaming perks plus console game library access could tip the scales for users on the fence about the subscription cost.

The Bigger Picture

This partnership reflects the ongoing convergence of gaming platforms and subscription services. Microsoft has been aggressively expanding Game Pass through various distribution channels, while Meta continues to invest heavily in its VR gaming ecosystem. The collaboration benefits both companies by expanding their respective user bases and providing more value to subscribers.

For consumers, the trend toward bundled subscription services continues to evolve. Rather than paying for multiple separate services, users are increasingly getting access to multiple platforms through single subscriptions. This partnership is one example of how companies are working to simplify the gaming subscription landscape while expanding access to content.

Source: Neowin

Over to you: Are you a Meta Horizon+ subscriber, and does the added Xbox Game Pass benefit make the subscription more worthwhile for you?