Is It Better to Get PS Plus or PS Now? A Comprehensive Guide
Deciding between PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) and PlayStation Now (PS Now) used to be a simpler matter. Now, with the evolution of these services, the question requires a more nuanced answer. The truth is, you no longer have to choose between the two. PlayStation Now has been integrated into the new tiered PlayStation Plus service, meaning you can’t subscribe to PS Now as a standalone service anymore. So the real question is, which tier of PlayStation Plus best suits your gaming needs: Essential, Extra, or Premium? Let’s break down the options.
Understanding the New PlayStation Plus Tiers
The landscape of PlayStation subscriptions changed in June 2022, when Sony merged PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now into a single, tiered service. This consolidation resulted in three distinct membership plans:
- PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the entry-level tier and is essentially the old PlayStation Plus. You get online multiplayer access, two monthly downloadable games, and exclusive discounts. For PS5 owners, this tier also includes the PS Plus Collection which contains a range of great PS4 titles.
- PlayStation Plus Extra: This mid-tier option builds upon Essential by adding a game catalog of up to 400 downloadable PS4 and PS5 titles. This catalog is a major draw, providing a wide array of games to play at no additional cost beyond your subscription fee.
- PlayStation Plus Premium: The top-tier membership, this gives you everything in the Essential and Extra plans, plus a library of over 700 games to choose from, including PS3 cloud streaming, classic PlayStation, and PSP titles, and game trials for select titles. This is where the previous PS Now’s streaming service lives.
So, instead of asking “Should I get PS Plus or PS Now?” the real question is, “Which tier of the new PS Plus is best for me?”.
Which Tier is Right for You?
- PlayStation Plus Essential is perfect for players who primarily focus on online multiplayer, appreciate a few free monthly games, and aren’t necessarily interested in a vast library. This is the most budget-friendly option for core PlayStation gamers.
- PlayStation Plus Extra is ideal if you want to delve into a large library of games, discovering new titles beyond what you might typically buy. It is great value for those who like a wide range of titles and have the time to try many different games.
- PlayStation Plus Premium is aimed at hardcore PlayStation enthusiasts who love classic games and appreciate the convenience of streaming. It’s the most expensive option, but it offers the most comprehensive PlayStation experience with downloadable and streamable titles, alongside game trials.
Making The Right Choice
Choosing the right tier really depends on your budget, your gaming style, and your access to a good internet connection. Do you primarily buy your games, or do you enjoy having a buffet of titles to choose from? If you’re on a tighter budget and simply need access to online play and a few free monthly titles, Essential is a no-brainer. However, if you enjoy trying out a diverse range of games and like the idea of having a digital library at your fingertips, Extra or Premium are worth the extra money. Premium adds that additional layer of classic game streaming, which for fans of older games, could be invaluable.
The most significant change is the integration of PlayStation Now’s streaming service into the PS Plus Premium tier. Therefore, you are not choosing between the services, but between various levels within a unified service. The price and the features are the biggest considerations to make here.
Important Considerations
- Game Removal: Note that games do periodically leave the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogs. While the monthly free games from the Essential plan are yours to keep as long as you remain subscribed, games in the Extra and Premium catalogs may not stay there forever. This means that you can’t guarantee access to specific games beyond a certain time.
- Price Increases: The prices of PlayStation Plus subscriptions have been increasing in recent years. This can impact what tier works best for your needs given your budget. It’s crucial to weigh the cost of each tier against what you truly need and will use.
- Internet Connectivity: For Premium subscribers looking to stream games, a stable and high-speed internet connection is crucial. Otherwise, you might experience lag and a poor playing experience.
- Trial Period: It’s possible to have a free trial of PlayStation Plus. This can be a great way to see if you enjoy the service before you invest in it, and figure out which tier you will benefit most from.
In conclusion, the decision of whether to get PS Plus or PS Now is now framed by the tiered structure of PlayStation Plus. Evaluate what you want from the service. If you are mostly interested in multiplayer and free monthly titles, the Essential tier is right for you. However, if you want the game catalog from the former PS Now then Extra or Premium are better choices. If the classic titles and cloud streaming appeals, Premium is likely your best bet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main benefits of PlayStation Plus Essential?
The main benefits include online multiplayer access, two free downloadable games each month, and exclusive discounts. PS5 owners also gain access to the PS Plus Collection, which is a collection of highly rated PS4 titles.
2. What does PlayStation Plus Extra offer that Essential doesn’t?
PlayStation Plus Extra adds access to a large catalog of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games, which are available to play at no extra cost beyond the subscription fee.
3. What are the additional perks of PlayStation Plus Premium?
Premium provides everything from Essential and Extra, as well as a library of over 700 games, including PS3 cloud streaming, classic PlayStation and PSP titles, and game trials.
4. How much does each PlayStation Plus tier cost annually?
Prices may vary depending on region, but as of the latest information, Essential is the most affordable, followed by Extra, and then Premium, which is the most expensive. You’ll typically find annual subscription options that can save you money compared to monthly subscriptions.
5. Do I keep the PS Plus games forever?
You keep the games from the monthly free games from Essential for as long as you maintain your PS Plus subscription. If your subscription lapses, you will lose access to these games. Once your subscription is renewed, you regain access.
6. Do games get removed from the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogs?
Yes, games are periodically removed from the game catalogs in the Extra and Premium tiers. While the monthly games from the Essential tier remain yours as long as you are subscribed, titles in the Extra and Premium catalogs may leave the service at any time.
7. Can I share my PlayStation Plus subscription with another account?
You can share your games and PlayStation Plus benefits with accounts on one PS5 console with Console Sharing and Offline Play activated, and on your primary PS4 console. You can’t share with a friend on a different console.
8. Do I need PlayStation Plus to play free-to-play online games?
Generally, no. Free-to-play games often do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online play. The majority of multiplayer games do, however.
9. Is PlayStation Now shutting down?
Yes, PlayStation Now no longer exists as a standalone service. It has been fully integrated into the PlayStation Plus Premium tier.
10. Can I download PS Now games to my PC?
No, cloud streaming via the Premium tier cannot be downloaded to PC. Only PS4 and PS5 consoles will allow games to be downloaded to a console.
11. Is there a free trial of PlayStation Plus?
Yes, new subscribers are often eligible for a free trial of PlayStation Plus. The length of the trial can vary.
12. Why are prices increasing for PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation has stated that price adjustments allow them to continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits to the service.
13. Can I upgrade my PS Plus subscription tier mid-cycle?
Yes, you can upgrade your subscription tier. You’ll typically need to pay the difference in price between the tiers.
14. How many games are in the PlayStation Plus Extra catalog?
The PlayStation Plus Extra catalog includes up to 400 titles. The exact number may vary over time as games are added and removed.
15. What’s the best PlayStation Plus subscription for PS5 owners?
The best subscription tier for PS5 owners depends on their needs. PS Plus Essential is great for basic online play and some free games. Extra offers a large catalog of games, and Premium is the best option for gamers who want everything, including classic game streaming and game trials.