How Much is PlayStation Plus Extra? A Comprehensive Guide
The question of how much PlayStation Plus Extra costs is a crucial one for gamers looking to enhance their PlayStation experience. The answer, while straightforward, has a few facets that are important to understand. PlayStation Plus Extra is a mid-tier subscription service offering a substantial library of games and additional perks, sitting between the basic Essential plan and the top-tier Premium service. So, let’s break down the costs associated with this popular option.
PlayStation Plus Extra has a recurring fee that is charged automatically. Here are the different ways you can pay:
- Monthly: Approximately $15 per month.
- Three Months: Around $40 for a three-month period.
- Yearly: A yearly subscription typically costs around $135.
It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change. Sony has been adjusting the costs of their PlayStation Plus plans to reflect their value and to offer a higher quality service. The figures provided are the most recent costs, but checking the official PlayStation Store for the latest prices is always advisable.
The annual fee provides the best value, saving you money compared to the monthly or 3-month subscriptions. If you intend to utilize the service consistently throughout the year, choosing the annual plan will be more cost effective.
Understanding What PlayStation Plus Extra Offers
The cost of PS Plus Extra is not just about a price tag; it’s about the value you receive. Let’s look at the benefits of this subscription to understand what you are paying for.
Game Catalog
The most significant perk of the PS Plus Extra subscription is access to a vast library, or Game Catalog, of PS4 and PS5 games. Sony typically offers up to 400 games that can be downloaded and played while your subscription is active. This catalog offers a wide range of titles, ensuring there is something for almost every type of gamer. The selection includes first-party Sony exclusives as well as third-party hits.
Monthly Games
Similar to the basic PS Plus Essential tier, Extra subscribers also receive monthly games. These games are available to add to your library each month and will remain accessible as long as you have an active PS Plus subscription.
Online Multiplayer
Like other PS Plus tiers, Extra gives access to online multiplayer, allowing you to connect and compete with other players. For gamers who frequently enjoy playing online with friends or against strangers, this is a key component of the subscription value.
Other Benefits
Other benefits of PS Plus Extra include:
- Exclusive Discounts: Access to deals and offers on select PlayStation Store content.
- Share Play: Ability to invite friends to play your single-player games online with you.
- Game Help: Access to game tips and video guides to help you complete tough challenges.
- Cloud Storage: Backup your game saves to the cloud.
- Exclusive Content: Get special content and skins for select games.
Comparing Value: Extra vs Other Tiers
To fully understand whether the cost of PS Plus Extra is right for you, it’s important to compare it with the other PlayStation Plus tiers.
PS Plus Essential
The base tier, PS Plus Essential, is cheaper, but it lacks access to the Game Catalog. This tier only includes monthly games, online multiplayer, and other basic perks. If you want to download a larger variety of games to play regularly, then the PS Plus Extra service would be more valuable for you.
PS Plus Premium
The highest tier, PS Plus Premium, is more expensive than Extra. It offers everything from the other two tiers, plus access to a Classics Catalog, limited-time trials for new games, and the ability to stream select games. For gamers who love to explore older titles and want access to cloud streaming, this tier might be more appealing. However, for a more cost effective way to access a library of recent and modern games, PS Plus Extra is often the most suitable choice.
Making the Right Choice for You
Deciding if PS Plus Extra is right for you depends on your gaming habits and budget.
If you frequently purchase games, or are looking to play a variety of modern titles on a regular basis, the PS Plus Extra service offers an excellent way to do this without having to buy them outright. However, if you only play online and just want to claim the monthly games, the basic Essential tier may be more appropriate. Alternatively, if you want to stream classics and try newer games, the top tier premium service may be better for you despite the extra cost.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide additional information about PlayStation Plus Extra:
1. Is PlayStation Plus Extra a recurring subscription?
Yes, PlayStation Plus Extra is an ongoing subscription with a recurring fee that is charged automatically every month, every three months, or every year, depending on your subscription choice.
2. What happens if my PSN wallet doesn’t have enough funds?
If your PSN wallet doesn’t have enough funds, the subscription fee will be automatically funded from your default payment method linked to your account.
3. How many games are included in the PS Plus Extra Game Catalog?
The Game Catalog typically offers up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games to download. The selection is updated regularly, with games being added and removed periodically.
4. Are PS Plus Extra games free?
The games in the Game Catalog are not free in the sense that they are yours to keep forever. You have access to them as long as your subscription to PS Plus Extra is active. If the games are removed from the service or you cancel your subscription, you will lose access.
5. Is PS Plus Extra worth it for PS5 owners?
For PS5 owners who want access to a wide range of downloadable modern games, PS Plus Extra is generally considered to be a worthwhile investment. It provides a cost-effective way to experience many games that you may not otherwise purchase.
6. What are the benefits of PlayStation Plus Extra?
The benefits of PlayStation Plus Extra include:
- Monthly Games
- Online Multiplayer
- Exclusive Discounts
- Share Play
- Game Help
- Cloud Storage
- Exclusive Content
- Access to the Game Catalog of PS4 and PS5 games
7. Does PS Plus Extra include online multiplayer?
Yes, PS Plus Extra includes online multiplayer capabilities for all games that offer it, allowing you to play games with friends and strangers online.
8. Can I change my PS Plus membership plan?
Yes, you can change your PS Plus membership plan at any time. You can upgrade to a higher tier (like Premium), or you can downgrade to a lower tier (like Essential). The process can usually be done through your PlayStation account settings.
9. Does PS Plus ever go on sale?
Yes, Sony often shares exclusive offers for new and existing subscribers, such as discounts on subscription time. Check the PSN Store or your email inbox for such promotions.
10. Can you pay for PS Plus Extra on a month-to-month basis?
Yes, you can choose a monthly payment plan, which is approximately $15 per month. There are also three-month and yearly subscription options available.
11. Are games leaving PS Plus Extra?
Yes, games do leave PS Plus Extra occasionally. Sony adds new games to the service every month, but they also remove games from time to time.
12. How do I keep my PS Plus games forever?
Games obtained through the monthly games or through the Game Catalog are yours to play only while you have an active PlayStation Plus subscription. If your subscription lapses, you lose access to these games. Once added to your library from the monthly games, you have access to them for as long as you have a subscription even if they are no longer in the monthly lineup.
13. Are there any games that are not included in the Game Catalog?
Yes, some games are not included in the Game Catalog. Newer games or certain titles from specific publishers are sometimes not available on PlayStation Plus Extra, as it relies on Sony securing the necessary rights to provide them.
14. How does PlayStation Plus Extra compare to Game Pass Ultimate?
PS Plus Extra is often compared to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. While both offer a similar concept (access to a large library of games), they differ in game selection and additional features. Both are good options for gamers seeking a similar service.
15. Is Ghost of Tsushima available on PS Plus Extra?
Yes, some popular recent games like Ghost of Tsushima are available within the PlayStation Plus Extra catalog, but titles can be added and removed so this should be checked before committing to the subscription.