Discord Nitro subscribers gain access to Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition and hardware discounts

Discord has officially launched a new Nitro Rewards initiative to mark the 10th anniversary of its premium subscription tier. As part of this strategic shift, the messaging platform is moving beyond internal utility to bundle third-party gaming services and hardware into its offering. Eligible Nitro subscribers in Australia and other specified regions now receive access to a "starter edition" of Xbox Game Pass.

This perk grants users access to a library of over 50 console and PC titles, including notable releases such as Fallout 4, Stardew Valley, and DayZ. The package also includes 10 hours of cloud gaming per month, allowing users to stream titles from their Xbox library to other devices without additional hardware requirements. While the library is substantial, it is described as being similar to the Essential tier of Game Pass, offering a limited selection compared to higher tiers which include unlimited cloud gaming.

The offer is designed for Nitro subscribers who do not currently hold an Xbox Game Pass subscription. However, the company has explicitly stated that existing Nitro Basic and Nitro Classic tier subscribers are ineligible for these rewards. The Nitro subscription price remains unchanged at $10 per month or $100 per year, with the company noting that the perks will be gradually rolled out to all eligible subscribers over the coming weeks.

In addition to the gaming benefits, the Nitro Rewards program includes significant discounts on select gaming peripherals. Subscribers will receive 30 per cent off Logitech G gear, 15 per cent off SteelSeries gear, and 20 per cent off KontrolFreek gear. These hardware offers are part of the initial launch phase, though the specific duration of the partnership with Xbox and the length of the hardware discounts are not explicitly defined beyond the current period.

The initiative also introduces changes to the Discord economy regarding avatar customisations. Starting later in May, Game Pass subscribers will begin receiving 250 Orbs monthly, in addition to extra rewards for completing Quests. While Discord plans to partner with more companies in the future, the specific future partners and the scope of their offers remain undefined at this stage.

Despite these new incentives, the platform is simultaneously preparing to roll out age-verification measures as it faces ongoing legal challenges. The specific duration of the Xbox partnership and the final scope of the game library are expected to evolve, with the list of available titles set to expand over time.