PlayStation Plus is Sony’s monthly subscription service for online gaming, offering multiple levels of membership to meet your gaming needs.
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What is PS Plus?
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that provides gamers with access to online multiplayer play for both PS4 and PS5 titles. This service is an essential requirement for playing the vast majority of online games, with only some free-to-play titles exempt from this requirement.
The service was launched years ago, initially for PlayStation 3 users. It was also available for PS Vita players. However, as both consoles have been discontinued, PS Plus is no longer active on either.
Apart from online gameplay, PS Plus provides gamers with additional benefits. This includes cloud storage for saving games, discounts on select titles, early access trials to games, and several other perks.
The subscription service comes in three separate tiers – Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier includes increasingly impressive add-ons to enhance the gaming experience. If you’re interested in learning more about these tiers, you can find additional information below.
What is PS Plus Extra and Premium?
PS Plus is available in various regions, including Japan, many other Asian countries, the Americas, the UK, and Europe. Recently, the subscription service has been split into three tiers, namely PlayStation Plus Essential, PlayStation Plus Extra, and PlayStation Plus Premium.
PlayStation Plus Essential provides the same benefits as the previous standard PS Plus service. In contrast, Extra and Premium tiers offer additional features, including access to hundreds of free games, delivered either over the cloud (replacing PS Now) or through downloads.
The new tiers provide gamers with more options to customize their PS Plus subscription based on their preferences and needs. These tiers offer a wide selection of games that can be enjoyed without any additional purchase, making it a valuable addition for avid gamers.
Overall, the new PS Plus tiers aim to enhance the gaming experience by providing access to an extensive library of games that can be accessed with ease. With its availability in various regions worldwide, gamers can enjoy this service and its benefits regardless of their location.
Check out Sony’s launch video for Playstation Plus.
How much does PlayStation Plus cost?
The pricing for PlayStation Plus subscription starts at $9.99 per month. However, as you move up to higher tiers, the subscription cost increases as well, along with additional benefits. Below are the prices for the three different tiers:
- PlayStation Plus Essential: $9.99 per month
- PlayStation Plus Extra: $11.99 per month
- PlayStation Plus Premium: $19.99 per month
The higher tiers offer an extensive selection of games, access to exclusive features, and other benefits, making them a more attractive option for gamers who seek a more immersive gaming experience.
Ultimately, the choice of the PS Plus tier depends on the individual’s gaming needs and preferences. However, with a range of prices and features available, there is something to suit every gamer’s requirements.
Monthly membership costs $9.99 whereas a 3-month subscription costs $24.99. For those who want to commit to a longer-term subscription, a 12-month option is available at a cost of $59.99.
To sign up for PS Plus Essential, gamers can do so through their console or the PlayStation Store online. It is worth noting that physical vouchers for PS Plus subscriptions have been discontinued, and all subscriptions are now solely available digitally.
PS Plus Extra
PS Plus Extra is priced at $14.99 per month, $39.99 for a 3-month subscription, or $99.99 for an annual subscription. These pricing options provide flexibility for gamers who may want to commit to a long-term subscription or prefer a shorter-term commitment.
In addition to the benefits of the standard plan, PS Plus Extra provides access to a catalogue of up to 400 PS4 and Playstation Plus Collection PS5 games that can be enjoyed at no extra cost. This extensive library of games offers a broad range of genres and titles, making it an attractive option for gamers looking to expand their gaming collection.
PS Plus Extra is now available in multiple regions, as detailed above, and offers a comprehensive package of benefits for gamers.
PS Plus Premium
This is the highest tier of subscription available, offering an extensive range of benefits for gamers.
The pricing for PS Plus Premium is $17.99 per month, $49.99 for a 3-month subscription, or $119.99 for an annual subscription. These pricing options provide gamers with flexibility to choose a subscription that suits their budget and gaming habits.
This tier incorporates all the benefits of Essential and Extra, including access to up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games, as well as cloud storage for save games, discounts, and early trials of games. On top of that, PS Plus Premium adds up to 340 additional games from the back catalogue of PS3, PS2, PSP, and even original PlayStation games, often via cloud streaming. These classic titles offer gamers a unique opportunity to revisit old favorites or discover new titles they may have missed.
PS Plus Premium also offers time-limited trials, enabling gamers to try out new titles before committing to purchasing them. This feature provides gamers with the opportunity to experience new games and broaden their gaming horizons.
PS Plus Deluxe
For markets where cloud gaming is not available, PS Plus Deluxe provides a cost-effective option for gamers seeking additional benefits beyond the standard and Extra tiers.
The pricing and availability of PS Plus Deluxe vary by region, so gamers are encouraged to check their regional PlayStation Store for more information. While it is generally cheaper than PS Plus Premium, the specific pricing may vary based on region and other factors.
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What does a Play Station Plus membership include?
PS Plus membership comes with a wide range of benefits that can enhance your gaming experience. Below, we will go over some of the key benefits that come with a PS Plus membership:
- Online multiplayer: One of the primary benefits of PS Plus is the ability to play online multiplayer games with other players around the world. This allows gamers to connect and compete with others in a variety of games.
- Free monthly games: PS Plus members receive free games each month that they can download and play at no additional cost. These games are often some of the best and most popular titles in the PlayStation library.
- Cloud storage: PS Plus members also have access to cloud storage, which allows them to save their game progress and data to the cloud. This ensures that your game progress is always safe and can be accessed from any PS4 or PS5 console.
- Exclusive discounts: PS Plus members get access to exclusive discounts on games, DLC, and other content in the PlayStation Store. These discounts can save you money on some of the most popular titles in the PlayStation library.
- Early access to demos and betas: PS Plus members often get early access to game demos and betas, allowing them to try out new games before they are released to the public.
Overall, PS Plus membership provides gamers with a wide range of benefits that can enhance their gaming experience and provide additional value. Whether you are interested in playing online multiplayer games, accessing free monthly games, or saving your game progress to the cloud, PS Plus has something to offer.
PlayStation Plus Collection For PS5
Exclusive to the PlayStation 5, the PS Plus Collection is a selection of 19 PS4 games available for download and play through backward compatibility. Some games, such as Days Gone, have been enhanced with features like 60fps and native 4K resolution. However, it’s important to note that Sony will be removing this benefit from May 9, 2023. Any titles redeemed before that date will still be accessible at no additional cost, but unredeemed titles will no longer be available afterward. Nonetheless, as long as you maintain an active PS Plus membership, any redeemed titles will remain accessible for you to download and play at your leisure.
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PlayStation Plus Collection game list
Here are the games currently available in the PlayStation Plus Collection:
- Batman: Arkham Knight
- Battlefield 1
- Bloodborne
- Call of Duty: Black Ops III – Zombies Chronicles Edition
- Crash Banidcoot N. Sane Trilogy
- Days Gone
- Detroit: Become Human
- Fallout 4
- Final Fantasy XV Royal Edition
- God of War
- Infamous Second Son
- Monster Hunter World
- Mortal Kombat X
- Ratchet & Clank
- Resident Evil 7: Biohazard
- The Last Guardian
- The Last of Us Remastered
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Until Dawn
A comprehensive, up to date, list of all the games available for members is found on Playstation Plus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q. Can I cancel my Playstation Plus subscription?
A. Yes, you can cancel your Playstation Plus subscription at any time. If you cancel your subscription, you will still have access to the service until the end of your current billing period.
Q. What happens to my free games if I cancel my Playstation Plus subscription?
A. If you cancel your Playstation Plus subscription, you will lose access to any free games you have downloaded. You can regain access to these games by re-subscribing to Playstation Plus.
Q. Do I need Playstation Plus to play online?
A. Yes, you need a paid membership or a trial to access online gaming.
Conclusion
PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that offers a range of benefits to PlayStation console users. These benefits include online multiplayer gaming, free games, discounts, automatic game updates, and cloud storage. The service is available for both PS4 and PS5 users and offers a seamless experience across both platforms. With its range of benefits and affordable pricing, PlayStation Plus is a must-have for any serious PlayStation gamer.
