“At this time, these increases will only affect new purchases and will not affect your current subscription for the market in which you reside, as long as you are on an auto-recurring plan,” Microsoft explained in an email sent to some Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers overnight. “Should you choose to cancel your plan and repurchase, you will be charged at the new current rate.”

The Verge has verified that the email is genuine and from Microsoft.

This change in these countries is likely tied to local regulations concerning subscription price changes. It ensures that in Ireland, existing subscribers with auto-renew enabled will continue to pay the €17.99 monthly rate instead of the new €26.99 pricing. Microsoft mentions in its email that existing subscribers in these areas will be informed “at least 60 days in advance” of price changes, indicating the changes won’t take effect for at least two more months.

The pause in price hikes for select markets modifies what Microsoft announced last week. “This updated pricing will go into effect on October 1st for new subscribers, and then at the next billing cycle, likely to be November 4th, for current subscribers,” explained Dustin Blackwell, director of gaming and platform communications at Microsoft, during a briefing with The Verge last week.

The price hikes still seem to be in effect for existing subscribers in the UK and US, though. I’ve reached out to Microsoft for comments on these price increase changes, and we will update you accordingly.