PS Plus is an easy way to play big name games for less, as you don’t need to actually purchase the games. It is essentially a streaming service for games, you play when you want.
Update23/04/2024, 12:10
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PlayStation Plus is a subscription service that allows PlayStation owners to access online multiplayer, cloud storage, and a library of free games. Depending on your subscription level, of course.
It has been around since 2010, and it has become an indispensable part of the PlayStation experience for many gamers.
You essentially hire games, and can play whatever is available on your membership plan. The more you pay, the more games you can play.
What are the PS Plus membership options?
There are three different levels of PlayStation Plus: Essential, Extra, and Premium.
Essential is the basic level, and it includes all of the features that you would expect from a subscription service like this. Essential gives you the ability to play online multiplayer games, which in today’s gaming world is, well, essential.
Extra includes all of the features of the Essential plan, plus a library of over 400 downloadable games. This is a rotating roster of games from the PS4 and PS5, with a mix of genres.
Premium includes all of the features of Extra, plus a library of classics from the PS1, PS2. and PS3 era, as well as access to cloud game streaming, and game trials or demos.
How much is PlayStation Plus?
The price of PlayStation Plus varies depending on your region, but the UK, the prices are as follows:
- PlayStation Plus Essential: £6.99 monthly / £19.99 quarterly / £49.99 yearly
- PlayStation Plus Extra: £10.99 monthly / £31.99 quarterly / £83.99 yearly
- PlayStation Plus Premium: £13.49 monthly / £39.99 quarterly / £99.99 yearly
One thing to know is that it is much cheaper to pay yearly, and that you can buy PlayStation Store gift cards for less than the going rate to put towards the subscription.
Try going on ‘grey’ market online gaming shops — such as ShopTo, CDKeys, or Instant Gaming — and buy wallet top ups and gift cards. You can then pay for the subscription using these and get it for less.
For example, you can normally get £50 top up for around £40, so you are saving £10 straight away. However, these are not authorised sellers, so if you have any problems then Sony will not be able to help.
Pros and cons of PlayStation Plus?
Pros
- Online multiplayer: A membership is required for online multiplayer on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5
- Cloud storage: PlayStation Plus members can store their game saves and other files in the cloud
- Free games: Members receive a free selection of games each month
- Exclusive discounts: PlayStation Plus members receive exclusive discounts on games and other content
Cons
- Price: As a subscription service you will need to pay a monthly fee to use it
- Selection of games: The selection of free games that members receive each month can be hit-or-miss
- Cloud streaming: Cloud streaming is not available in all regions, and it can be unreliable
Is PS Plus worth having?
In a word: yes.
Overall, PlayStation Plus is a great service for PlayStation gamers. It offers a lot of value for the price, and it is essential for anyone who wants to play online multiplayer, or take advantage of the cloud storage and free games.
The higher level tiers are even better value for money, especially Extra, as you get to play an assortment of AAA titles.
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