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Is PS Plus Going Up in Price? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) has recently experienced a price increase across all subscription tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. This change, implemented in September 2023, has sparked significant discussion and debate within the PlayStation community. Understanding the reasons behind the price hike, the new pricing structure, and the value proposition of each tier is crucial for PlayStation users to make informed decisions about their subscriptions.

Understanding the PlayStation Plus Landscape

Before diving into the details of the price increase, let’s quickly recap what PS Plus offers. PS Plus isn’t just a single service; it’s a tiered subscription model that offers varying levels of access to features and content. These tiers are designed to cater to different player preferences and budgets.

PS Plus Essential: This is the base tier and the most fundamental. It provides access to online multiplayer for most games (some free-to-play titles are exempt), monthly downloadable games, exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store, and cloud storage for game saves.
PS Plus Extra: Building upon Essential, Extra adds a vast library of PS4 and PS5 games that subscribers can download and play as part of their subscription. This library is regularly updated with new additions and removals.
PS Plus Premium: The highest tier, Premium, includes everything from Essential and Extra, plus access to a library of classic games from older PlayStation consoles (PS1, PS2, PSP), game trials for select new releases, and cloud streaming of games.

The Price Hike: What Changed?

In August 2023, Sony announced that the 12-month subscription prices for all PS Plus tiers would be increased. The rationale behind this decision, according to Sony, was to “continue to bring high-quality games and value to your PlayStation Plus subscription.” The exact increase varied slightly by region, but the overall trend was consistent: prices went up.

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate price increases:

PS Plus Essential: Increased by roughly $20 per year.
PS Plus Extra: Increased by roughly $35 per year.
PS Plus Premium: Increased by roughly $40 per year.

The percentage increase was significant, with some regions experiencing hikes of up to 35%. This generated considerable backlash from gamers who felt that the increase wasn’t justified by improvements to the service.

Justification and Community Reaction

Sony attributed the price increase to the rising costs associated with providing high-quality games and maintaining the PS Plus service. While some players acknowledge the value provided by PS Plus, particularly the Extra and Premium tiers with their extensive game libraries, many others voiced concerns. Criticisms included:

Lack of Transparency: Some felt Sony didn’t adequately explain the specific factors driving the price increase.
Value Proposition: Players questioned whether the added value of the service, especially compared to competing services like Xbox Game Pass, justified the higher price.
Game Removals: The constant rotation of games leaving the Extra and Premium libraries was a point of contention, as players worried about losing access to games they enjoyed.
Economic Timing: The price increase coincided with a period of global economic uncertainty, making it even more difficult for some gamers to afford the service.

Alternatives and Future Outlook

The PS Plus price increase has led many players to reconsider their subscription choices. Some are downgrading to lower tiers, while others are exploring alternatives like purchasing games outright or considering other gaming platforms.

The future of PS Plus remains to be seen. Sony will likely continue to refine the service, adding new games and features to justify the price. The company will also need to address community concerns and ensure that PS Plus remains a compelling offering in the increasingly competitive gaming landscape.

The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) studies the intersection of learning and video games, which can help us understand not only how these subscriptions affect gameplay, but how they affect the learning process.

PS Plus Price Increase: FAQs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the PS Plus price increase, designed to provide comprehensive information and clarity:

1. What are the new prices for PS Plus after the increase?

The new prices vary slightly depending on your region, but here’s a general idea of the new annual subscription costs in the US:

PS Plus Essential: Roughly $79.99
PS Plus Extra: Roughly $134.99
PS Plus Premium: Roughly $159.99

2. When did the PS Plus price increase take effect?

The price increase took effect on September 6, 2023.

3. Why did Sony increase the price of PS Plus?

Sony stated the price increase was necessary to “continue to bring high-quality games and value” to the PlayStation Plus service.

4. Does the price increase affect monthly or quarterly PS Plus subscriptions?

While the primary announcement focused on the 12-month subscriptions, it’s reasonable to expect that monthly and quarterly subscription prices may also see adjustments. Check the PlayStation Store in your region for the most up-to-date pricing.

5. Will my existing PS Plus subscription be affected by the price increase?

If you have an active 12-month subscription, the price increase will not affect you until your next renewal date. However, if you’re on a monthly or quarterly plan, you likely saw the increased prices on your next billing cycle after September 6, 2023.

6. What happens if I cancel my PS Plus subscription?

If you cancel your PS Plus subscription, you will lose access to the games you downloaded as part of the Extra and Premium tiers. You will still be able to play any games you purchased separately. The free monthly games from Essential are also only playable with an active subscription.

7. Can I still play online multiplayer games without PS Plus?

Most PS4 and PS5 games require a PS Plus subscription for online multiplayer. However, some free-to-play games, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone, are exceptions and do not require PS Plus.

8. Are there any games that don’t require PS Plus to play online?

Yes, many free-to-play games do not require a PS Plus subscription for online play. Check the PlayStation Store to confirm whether a specific game requires PS Plus for online multiplayer.

9. What games are included in the PS Plus Extra and Premium tiers?

The game libraries for Extra and Premium are constantly changing. Sony adds and removes games regularly. Check the PlayStation Store or the PlayStation Blog for the most up-to-date lists of games included in each tier.

10. What are the benefits of upgrading to PS Plus Extra or Premium?

PS Plus Extra provides access to a vast library of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. PS Plus Premium includes everything from Extra, plus access to classic games from older PlayStation consoles, game trials for select new releases, and cloud streaming of games.

11. Can I still buy a physical PlayStation Plus card?

While digital subscriptions are increasingly common, you may still be able to find physical PS Plus cards at retailers. However, be sure to check the expiration date and confirm the price with the retailer, as some cards may reflect the older pricing. These cards can be redeemed towards your PlayStation account funds to use for a PS Plus membership.

12. Is PS Plus required to play Minecraft online with friends?

Yes, you generally need a PS Plus subscription to play Minecraft online with friends on PlayStation consoles. However, you can play single-player Minecraft without a subscription.

13. Are there any discounts available for PS Plus subscriptions?

Sony occasionally offers discounts on PS Plus subscriptions, particularly around major sales events like Black Friday. Keep an eye on the PlayStation Store and retailers for potential deals. PlayStation Plus subscribers can also take advantage of exclusive discounts on a wide range of games from the PlayStation Store.

14. What happens to the games I downloaded from PS Plus if they are removed from the service?

If a game is removed from the PS Plus Extra or Premium libraries, you will no longer be able to play it unless you purchase the game separately.

15. How does PS Plus compare to Xbox Game Pass?

PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass are both subscription services that offer access to a library of games. Xbox Game Pass is seen as more value for the subscription. The “best” service for you will depend on your gaming preferences, the games you want to play, and your budget. Evaluate the game libraries, features, and pricing of each service to determine which one is the best fit for your needs.

Is PS Plus going up in price?