In a bittersweet turn of events for Xbox Game Pass enthusiasts, the beloved and critically acclaimed RPGs, Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden, are set to bid adieu to the gaming subscription service later today. Alongside them, two other titles, Garden Story and MotoGP 22, will also be departing from the platform. The departure of these four games comes on the heels of recent additions to Xbox Game Pass, including We Happy Few and the exclusive Super Mega Baseball 4 for Ultimate members.
The dynamic Xbox Game Pass catalogue is known for its regular changes, usually introducing new titles. However, game exits are typically reserved for the 15th and last day of the month. This time around, the revisions are slated for today, January 15, marking the end of the road for Garden Story, MotoGP 22, Persona 3 Portable, and Persona 4 Golden. The departure of these titles had been forewarned in mid-December. As a parting gift, MotoGP 22’s Windows Edition is currently being offered at an 85% discount on the Xbox Store, allowing fans to continue their virtual racing endeavours for a modest $7.49 post-exit.
Garden Story and MotoGP 22 had a noteworthy run as part of the Xbox Game Pass line up, having joined Microsoft’s gaming library in July 2022. In contrast, Persona 3 Portable and Persona 4 Golden had a slightly shorter stint, having been added to the service on January 19, 2023. This year-long availability aligns with the standard practice for Atlus RPGs, reminiscent of the duration Persona 5 Royal graced Xbox Game Pass before bidding its farewell in October.
For those who might be lamenting the departure of Persona 3 Portable, there’s a silver lining on the horizon. The anticipated release of Persona 3 Reload has been confirmed as a day-one Xbox Game Pass addition, slated for February 2. However, fans should note that the remake won’t feature the alternate female protagonist found in Persona 3 Portable.
Despite the sombre news of these departures, January 2024 has already proven to be a substantial month for Xbox Game Pass members. Microsoft has rolled out a slew of new titles in the past two weeks, with the promise of at least five more additions before the month’s end. Among the upcoming releases are popular titles like Resident Evil 2, Turnip Boy Robs a Bank, and Go Mecha Ball, offering a diverse gaming experience to subscribers.
As Xbox Game Pass continues to evolve, embracing a dynamic line up of games, members can anticipate both the joy of fresh arrivals and the sorrow of bidding farewell to cherished titles. The gaming landscape remains vibrant, ensuring that there’s always something exciting on the horizon for subscribers to look forward to.
