Xbox Game Pass is easily one of the best deals in gaming, providing a massive library of games to subscribers on consoles and PC, as well as mobile through cloud streaming. The library continues to grow, with new games being added every month. However, March's new offerings are notably slimmer than recent months -- something that seems to be a trend this month in gaming.
March's first wave of additions are particularly great for sports fans, with the most recent entries in some major franchises joining the service. Also notable are some of the games leaving this month. Here's what subscribers can expect.
Available now on Console through EA Play
The latest entry in the annual football video game series, Madden NFL 21, is now available on Game Pass for Ultimate subscribers through EA Play. Despite criticism of the series and its lack of significant changes between its yearly entries, the gameplay itself undeniably offers the dynamic football simulation experience fans expect. The game joining Game Pass Ultimate my be a good chance for those who skipped it when it released last summer to check it out.
Coming to Console and PC on March 4
Both Football Manager 2021 and its Xbox Edition are coming to Game Pass, with the latter being available on both Console and PC, while the former is exclusive to PC. A sports management sim for the game everyone but Americans call football, this is the first game in the franchise to come to Xbox consoles since 2007. It features 117 leagues from 52 countries, with 29 real-world leagues being fully licensed. Football Manager 2021 is more realistic and detailed than ever, allowing players to virtually live out their dreams of working with a team and guiding them to glory.
Coming to Console and Cloud on March 4
Another controversial sports simulation game released last year is coming to Game Pass. NBA 2K21 faced criticism for everything from its approach to next-gen upgrades to including unskippable ads and the usual frustrations regarding microtransactions. Still, the game offers an authentic and realistic depiction of the sport, immersing players in basketball games and culture, and allowing them to rise to the level of legendary ballers in MyCareer.
Coming to Console through EA Play in March
While no specific date has been provided yet, the flight simulator and space combat game Star Wars: Squadrons will join Game Pass at some point in March. Squadrons allows players to jump into the cockpit of starfighters either the Galactic Empire or the New Republic navy, using weaponry, shields and engines to emerge victorious in combat. Players can choose from four classes (Fighter, Interceptor, Bomber and Support) and enjoy the game's online modes or single player story.
Set after the destruction of Alderaan, Squadrons' campaign puts players in the shoes of pilots from both the the New Republic's Vanguard Squadron and the Galactic Empire's Titan Squadron. While the game's flight simulation elements give it a sharp learning curve, Squadrons is perfect for Star Wars fans who have always dreamed of flying a starfighter.
As with every month, there are games leaving Game Pass in March -- and there are some notable ones this month. By far the biggest title leaving is The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, which is currently available for console gamers. It, along with Alvastia Chronicles (Console and PC), Astrologaster (PC), Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night (Console and PC) and Kona (Console) will leave on March 15.
You still have some time to try these games out before they go, and you'll get a 20 percent membership discount (10 percent for EA digital purchases) if you decide to purchase them while they're still part of Game Pass.
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