PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now have become one, giving players three flexible options of subscription.
Sony Interactive Entertainment is changing its current subscription plans by giving you PlayStation Plus benefits to go along with its first console game streaming service, PlayStation Now. SIE will be offering three different tiers of subscriptions but throwing in some much-needed content into the mix. PS Plus has been around since 2010, a service that gives subscribers a monthly refreshed library of games.
The first tier is now called PlayStation Plus Essential, which is essentially the same thing as what current PlayStation Plus members are currently on right now. This subscription includes two monthly downloadable games, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for saved games, and even online multiplayer access. Local pricing and game titles will vary by market and tier, and may also change over time. Here are the prices as such:
- United States
- $9.99 monthly / $24.99 quarterly / $59.99 yearly
- Europe
- €8.99 monthly / €24.99 quarterly / €59.99 yearly
- United Kingdom
- £6.99 monthly / £19.99 quarterly / £49.99 yearly
- Japan
- ¥850 monthly / ¥2,150 quarterly / ¥5,143 yearly
The second tier is known as PlayStation Plus Extra. Not only does it already have the previous tier's benefits, but it also comes with something a little extra. This comes in the form of a massive catalogue of up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games, which includes exclusive IPs from the maker's studios or even third-party partners. Here are the prices as such:
- United States
- $14.99 monthly / $39.99 quarterly / $99.99 yearly
- Europe
- €13.99 monthly / €39.99 quarterly / €99.99 yearly
- United Kingdom
- £10.99 monthly / £31.99 quarterly / £83.99 yearly
- Japan
- ¥1,300 monthly / ¥3,600 quarterly / ¥8,600 yearly
The third and final tier is where it's at though. Called PlayStation Plus Premium, it not only provides all the benefits from the two previous tiers but also adds up to 340 additional games (pricing and availability may vary depending on region). However, there's more. You'll also get access to PS3 game titles via cloud streaming. A large catalogue of classic titles will be available for both downloading and streaming from the original PlayStation, PS2, and PSP generations.
You'll also gain access to cloud streaming for original PlayStation, PS2, PSP, and even PS4 games offered from the Extra and Premium tiers where PlayStation Now is currently available. This includes countries like the US, Canada, Japan, UK, France, Germany, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, Spain, Italy, Portugal, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Sweden. Members will now be able to stream via their PS4, PS45, or even PC. Unfortunately, only Japan is restricted from streaming via PC but will be available in future updates. Here are the prices as such:
- United States
- $17.99 monthly / $49.99 quarterly / $119.99 yearly
- Europe
- €16.99 monthly / €49.99 quarterly / €119.99 yearly
- United Kingdom
- £13.49 monthly / £39.99 quarterly / £99.99 yearly
- Japan
- ¥1,550 – monthly / ¥4,300 – quarterly / ¥10,250 yearly
For countries that do not have PlayStation Now, SIE is bringing in an alternative known as PlayStation Plus Deluxe for select markets. It'll be offered at a lower price point compared to the Premium subscription but will feature a huge variety of classic video game titles from the original PlayStation, PS2, and PSP generations to both download and play. There will also be time-limited trials, allowing you to be one of the first to try out new and exciting games. You'll also gain access to Extra and Essential tiers as well. Pricing will vary depending on the market.
SIE will be rolling out the new-and-improved PlayStation Plus in regional launches. It is slated to drop around June with several markets in Asia being the first to check it out. This is followed by North America, Europe, as well as the rest of the world where PS Plus is available. SIE is expecting all of its PS Plus territories to carry its new subscription service by the end of the first half of 2022. They are also planning to expand their cloud streaming service to additional markets with more details to be provided at a later date.
This announcement comes just a day after Microsoft announced that it will be bringing a preview of its PC Game Pass to five select Southeast Asian countries.