Microsoft announces subscription service Xbox Game Pass

Feb. 28 (UPI) -- Microsoft has unveiled a new subscription service for their Xbox One console that gives users access to over 100 games for $9.99 a month.

Named Xbox Game Pass, the Netflix-like service offers both Xbox One and Xbox 360 titles that users will be able to download and play online or offline with new games being added every month as others are removed.

"One of the best things about Xbox Game Pass is that you can discover and download the full titles directly on your Xbox One. That means continuous, full-fidelity gameplay without having to worry about streaming, bandwidth or connectivity issues," Microsoft noted in a statement.

Participating publishers include 2K, 505 Games, Bandai Namco Entertainment, Capcom, Codemasters, Deep Silver, Focus Home Interactive, Sega, SNK Corporation, THQ Nordic GmbH and Warner Bros.

Games available through the service will include Halo 5: Guardians, Gears of War, Payday 2, NBA 2K16, Lego Batman, Mad Max and more.

"In addition, all Xbox One games in the catalog – and related add-ons – will be available to purchase at an exclusive discount for Xbox Game Pass members, so you can make the games you love part of your permanent library to play whenever you want," the company stated.

Microsoft said in a statement to IGN that once a user's subscription is expired or is canceled, "any game downloaded through Xbox Game Pass will no longer be available." However, they also noted that any progress and achievements made from playing a game will "remain attached to your account."

Xbox Game Pass is expected to launch in late Spring.