How Much Does It Cost to Play on the PlayStation Network?
The cost of playing on the PlayStation Network (PSN) isn’t a simple, single figure. It depends heavily on what you want to do. At its core, the PlayStation Network is free to access for basic functions, but to unlock its full potential, particularly online multiplayer, a subscription to PlayStation Plus is generally required. Let’s break down the various costs associated with playing on the PlayStation Network.
The Basics: Free Access and Core Functions
The PlayStation Network is the online service that allows you to access the PlayStation Store, download games, stream media, and connect with friends. You do not need to pay to create an account and use these basic features. You can buy and download single-player games and use apps to stream content without a PlayStation Plus subscription. Additionally, the multiplayer function of free-to-play games is also accessible without a subscription.
However, the most significant cost consideration arises when you want to engage in online multiplayer with most PlayStation games. This is where the PlayStation Plus subscription comes into play.
The Cost of PlayStation Plus: Essential for Online Multiplayer
PlayStation Plus is a paid subscription service offered by Sony that provides players with a range of benefits, with the most crucial being access to online multiplayer for most games. There are multiple tiers of PlayStation Plus, each with different pricing and features:
- PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the entry-level subscription and the most important for online gaming. It grants access to online multiplayer for most PS4 and PS5 games, two monthly downloadable games, and exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store. It also provides access to cloud saves for your game data. The recurring fee for PlayStation Plus Essential is $9.99 per month or $79.99 per year.
- PlayStation Plus Extra: This tier includes all the benefits of PlayStation Plus Essential, plus a catalog of hundreds of downloadable games to play. This tier can be useful for discovering new games, but it is not essential for online multiplayer.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: This is the highest tier, which provides all the benefits of Essential and Extra, plus access to cloud streaming for select PlayStation games and classic games, and exclusive game trials. This tier offers even more value, but the increase in price may not be worth it for those focused solely on online multiplayer. The recurring fee for PlayStation Plus Premium is $17.99 per month.
The exact cost depends on the tier you choose and whether you opt for a monthly or yearly subscription. The yearly option is often cheaper than 12 months of monthly payments.
Why is PlayStation Plus Necessary for Online Play?
Sony charges for online multiplayer access because they argue that maintaining servers and infrastructure requires significant investment. In the past, during the PS3 era, Sony offered free online play, however, the performance and infrastructure suffered compared to Microsoft’s subscription based Xbox Live. Sony adopted the subscription model for PS4 in order to fund and improve the online multiplayer services. Unlike the open ecosystem of PC gaming, consoles have a more closed system where the console manufacturer controls the online access.
Other Potential Costs on PlayStation Network
Besides PlayStation Plus, there are other costs to consider while using the PlayStation Network:
- Game Purchases: Naturally, buying new games is a significant expense. Both digital and physical copies can cost anywhere from $10 to $70 or more, depending on the title.
- Add-ons and Microtransactions: Many games offer downloadable content (DLC), expansions, or in-game microtransactions, which can quickly add to the overall cost of gaming.
- Internet Service: You need a reliable internet connection to play online games and use the PlayStation Network’s features. The cost of internet service varies depending on your provider and region. The article stated an estimated cost of $1,020 per year for super-fast internet.
Total Cost Considerations
To accurately assess the cost of playing on PlayStation Network, you must consider the following:
- The price of the PlayStation console itself.
- The cost of PlayStation Plus if you intend to engage in online multiplayer gaming.
- The cost of the games you intend to purchase.
- Any extra game content or microtransactions.
- The price of your internet service.
While basic access to PlayStation Network is free, the overall cost can quickly add up, especially for avid gamers who play online frequently and buy many games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play every game online?
No, some free-to-play games and some single-player games offer online features that are accessible without a PlayStation Plus subscription. Be sure to check the specific game details on the PlayStation Store to see if a subscription is required.
2. Can I still play games I purchased digitally without a PlayStation Plus subscription?
Yes, you can access and play all single-player games that you have purchased digitally or physically, even without a PlayStation Plus subscription.
3. What if I cancel my PlayStation Plus subscription?
Once your PlayStation Plus subscription ends, you lose access to all benefits, including online multiplayer, monthly games, and online save storage. If you resubscribe, you regain access to those benefits and your previously claimed monthly games.
4. Do the monthly games I get with PlayStation Plus stay mine permanently?
The games you get from PlayStation Plus are yours to keep for the duration of your subscription. If you cancel your subscription, you lose access. Once you resubscribe, you will regain access to these games again.
5. Can I play online multiplayer with friends who don’t have a PlayStation Plus subscription?
Generally, no. To play most games online with friends, all players require an active PlayStation Plus subscription. There are some exceptions with free-to-play games, but this is rare for full-price retail games.
6. What payment methods does the PlayStation Store accept?
The PlayStation Store accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and PlayStation Store gift cards. You can also add funds to your PSN wallet to use for purchases.
7. How do I cancel my PlayStation Plus subscription?
You can cancel your PlayStation Plus subscription online through your Account Management settings on the PlayStation website or console. Select Subscription and then Cancel Subscription.
8. Can I remove my credit card from my PlayStation account?
Yes, you can remove a payment method through the Payment Management section of your PlayStation account.
9. Can I change my PlayStation Plus subscription plan?
Yes, you can change your PlayStation Plus subscription plan via the PlayStation Subscriptions menu under Account Information. Select a new membership plan and payment frequency.
10. Does PlayStation offer a free trial for PlayStation Plus?
Occasionally, Sony offers free trials for PlayStation Plus, but they are not always available. Keep an eye on the PlayStation website or promotions through the console.
11. What is the difference between PlayStation Network and PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation Network (PSN) is the free online service that allows you to access the PlayStation Store, while PlayStation Plus is the paid subscription service that provides additional benefits, such as access to online multiplayer and free monthly games.
12. Why does Sony charge for online play?
Sony charges for online play in order to fund server infrastructure and maintenance for a reliable online gaming experience.
13. Are there any discounts available for PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation frequently runs promotions and discounts on PlayStation Plus subscriptions, especially during sales events. It’s worth checking the PlayStation Store for any special offers.
14. Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to use cloud streaming?
Yes, cloud streaming of select PlayStation games is part of the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription tier.
15. Is PlayStation Plus worth the cost?
Whether or not PlayStation Plus is “worth it” depends on your gaming habits. If you play a lot of games online, the PlayStation Plus Essential subscription is a necessity. The additional benefits of Extra or Premium can be worth it if you are looking for more games to play. However, if you primarily play single-player games or free-to-play titles, the subscription may not be necessary.