How to Upgrade to PlayStation Plus Extra: A Comprehensive Guide
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Upgrading to PlayStation Plus Extra unlocks a vast library of PS4 and PS5 games, offering incredible value for players looking to expand their gaming horizons. Here’s how to make the switch:
To upgrade to PlayStation Plus Extra, you need to access the PlayStation Store through your console or the PlayStation website, select the PlayStation Plus subscription, choose the Extra tier, and pay the difference between your current subscription and the Extra tier’s price, prorated for the remaining time on your existing subscription.
Upgrading to PlayStation Plus Extra: Step-by-Step
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the process:
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Access the PlayStation Store: You can do this directly from your PlayStation console (PS4 or PS5) or through the PlayStation website on your computer or mobile device. Ensure you are logged in with the PlayStation Network (PSN) account that currently holds your active PlayStation Plus subscription.
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Navigate to PlayStation Plus: On the console, find the PlayStation Plus icon on the main menu. On the website, search for “PlayStation Plus” in the search bar.
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Select “Manage Subscription”: This option allows you to view your current subscription status and explore upgrade options. On the console, you might find this under “Subscription Management.” On the web, look for a similar option related to your subscription details.
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Choose the Extra Tier: You will see the different PlayStation Plus tiers available: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Select the “Extra” tier.
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Review the Upgrade Cost: The PlayStation Store will calculate the prorated cost to upgrade. This cost depends on how much time is left on your current PlayStation Plus subscription (Essential or another tier). The remaining value of your existing subscription is deducted from the price of the Extra tier for the rest of your subscription period.
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Confirm Your Purchase: Carefully review the details of the transaction, including the upgrade cost and the new expiration date of your PlayStation Plus Extra subscription. If everything looks correct, confirm your purchase using your linked payment method.
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Enjoy PlayStation Plus Extra: Once the transaction is complete, your account will be updated to PlayStation Plus Extra. You can now access the Game Catalog, which includes a wide selection of PS4 and PS5 games available for download and play as long as you maintain your Extra subscription.
Important Considerations Before Upgrading
- Game Catalog Availability: The games available in the Game Catalog rotate periodically. Always check the catalog before upgrading to ensure it includes titles that interest you.
- Download Speed: Downloading games from the Game Catalog can take time, especially for larger titles. Ensure you have a stable and fast internet connection.
- Subscription Stacking: While you can upgrade mid-subscription, you typically cannot “stack” multiple PlayStation Plus subscriptions. Upgrading will effectively replace your existing subscription with the Extra tier, extending your subscription period based on the upgrade cost.
- Automatic Renewal: Be aware that PlayStation Plus subscriptions are set to automatically renew by default. You can disable automatic renewal in your account settings if you prefer to manually renew your subscription.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is PlayStation Plus Extra?
PlayStation Plus Extra is a mid-tier subscription service that includes all the benefits of PlayStation Plus Essential (online multiplayer access, monthly games, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage) plus access to a Game Catalog featuring hundreds of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games.
2. How much does it cost to upgrade to PlayStation Plus Extra?
The cost to upgrade depends on the time remaining on your current PlayStation Plus subscription. The PlayStation Store calculates a prorated amount based on the difference between the price of your current tier and the Extra tier.
3. Can I upgrade if I have a PS Plus discount code applied to my account?
Yes, you can still upgrade. The discount will usually be factored into the prorated upgrade cost calculation. However, it’s recommended to check the terms and conditions of the discount code to ensure it’s applicable to upgrades.
4. What happens to the monthly games from PlayStation Plus Essential after I upgrade?
You retain access to any monthly games you claimed while subscribed to PlayStation Plus Essential, as long as you remain an active PlayStation Plus subscriber at any tier (Essential, Extra, or Premium).
5. Can I download and play games from the Game Catalog indefinitely with PlayStation Plus Extra?
You can download and play games from the Game Catalog as long as you have an active PlayStation Plus Extra subscription. If your subscription expires, you will lose access to the downloaded games until you renew your subscription or purchase the games separately.
6. Are all PS4 and PS5 games available in the Game Catalog?
No, not all PS4 and PS5 games are included in the Game Catalog. The selection is curated and rotates periodically.
7. How often is the Game Catalog updated?
The Game Catalog is updated regularly, typically on a monthly basis, with new games being added and some games being removed.
8. Is PlayStation Plus Extra worth it?
Whether PlayStation Plus Extra is “worth it” depends on your gaming habits. If you enjoy playing a variety of games and are interested in exploring a large library of titles, then the Game Catalog offers excellent value. If you primarily play a few specific games, the Essential tier might be sufficient.
9. Can I upgrade to PlayStation Plus Premium directly from Essential?
Yes, you can upgrade directly to PlayStation Plus Premium from the Essential tier. The process is the same as upgrading to Extra, but you will be paying the prorated difference between the Essential and Premium tiers.
10. What happens if I downgrade from PlayStation Plus Extra?
If you downgrade from PlayStation Plus Extra to Essential, you will lose access to the Game Catalog titles. You will retain access to the benefits of the Essential tier, such as online multiplayer, monthly games you’ve claimed, and exclusive discounts.
11. Will my game progress be saved if I upgrade to PlayStation Plus Extra?
Your game progress is generally saved, as save data is typically stored separately from the game itself. However, it’s always a good idea to back up your save data to the cloud or an external storage device to ensure no data loss.
12. What payment methods are accepted for upgrading to PlayStation Plus Extra?
The PlayStation Store accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and PlayStation Store gift cards.
13. Can I share my PlayStation Plus Extra subscription with family members?
PlayStation Plus benefits, including Extra, can be shared with other users on your console through the console’s “Console Sharing and Offline Play” settings. However, only one account can be designated as the primary account on a console.
14. Is a PlayStation Plus subscription required to play free-to-play games online?
No, a PlayStation Plus subscription is not required to play free-to-play games online.
15. Where can I find a complete list of games included in the Game Catalog?
You can find the complete list of games included in the Game Catalog on the PlayStation website or directly on your PlayStation console within the PlayStation Plus section. The list is updated regularly to reflect the latest additions and removals.