Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers were treated to a surprise update that made The Sims and The Sims 2 available through the service. Microsoft typically lays out all the new upcoming Xbox Game Pass games so subscribers know exactly what to expect every month. These announcements come every two weeks or so, with Microsoft just recently detailing the new Game Pass games for the last days of January and the first days of February.
As confirmed by Microsoft, Game Pass subscribers will get to play The Talos Principle 2 on January 27, Drop Duchy on January 28, and MySims: Cozy Bundle and Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 on January 29. The full February 2026 lineup has yet to be revealed, but Microsoft's latest announcement highlighted Indika on February 2 and Final Fantasy 2 on February 3. Previous release date announcements have confirmed that Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can look forward to playing MENACE on February 5 and High on Life 2 on February 13 as well.
New Xbox Game Pass Update Adds 48 More Games to 'Stream Your Own Game' Library
A new Xbox Game Pass update for January 2026 has just added another 48 games to the platform's 'Stream Your Own Game' library.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Just Added The Sims 1 and 2
However, two games that were not included in Microsoft's announcement have now been added to the Ultimate and PC tiers of Xbox Game Pass. One of the perks of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is access to EA Play and every game that's added to EA's own subscription service. EA just recently added The Sims and The Sims 2 to EA Play, in effect making the games available to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers at no additional cost. Both games are available now and can be played in their entirety — all major expansion packs included.
The Sims and The Sims 2 are two of the best video games ever made, with both receiving widespread critical acclaim and enjoying significant commercial success. The original Sims and The Sims 2 were largely trapped on older PC hardware until January of last year, when EA re-released them through its launcher as well as Steam. The Sims 1 had some technical problems when it was first re-released, but those issues have largely been resolved and both games now work just fine. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers should have a largely painless experience checking out the classic games for themselves.
EA Play is One of the Best Parts of Game Pass Ultimate
It's unfortunate that Microsoft raised the price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $29.99 per month, but no one can deny that there isn't a ton of content to justify the increase. Microsoft has promised that there will be more day one games added to Game Pass Ultimate throughout 2026, plus the service also gives subscribers access to Fortnite Crew benefits, many Ubisoft titles, and, of course, everything available in the EA Play library.
EA Play is updated on a regular basis, with EA oftentimes adding some of its biggest new releases to the service a mere six months after they launch. EA Play also regularly offers substantial free trials for brand-new games, giving Game Pass Ultimate subscribers the chance to try before they buy. Anyone that plays any of the annual EA Sports games every year should definitely consider taking advantage of the service, especially if they don't feel the need to have the latest sports game immediately at launch.
There should be many more EA games added to Game Pass Ultimate in 2026, though it remains to be seen if they will be announced in advance or shadow dropped like what happened with The Sims and The Sims 2. Regardless, 2026 is looking absolutely stacked for Game Pass, and it will be exciting to see what all is added to the lineup this year.
- Released
- September 14, 2004
- ESRB
- E10+ For Everyone 10+ due to Crude Humor, Mild Violence, Suggestive Themes
- Developer(s)
- Maxis
- Publisher(s)
- Electronic Arts
- Engine
- 3D engine
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Life Simulation
