What Does PlayStation Plus Premium Include? A Deep Dive into Sony’s Top Tier Subscription
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PlayStation Plus Premium is Sony’s highest tier subscription service, offering a wealth of benefits that go beyond the standard PlayStation Plus experience. In short, PlayStation Plus Premium includes everything in the lower tiers (Essential and Extra) plus a library of classic games, game trials, and cloud streaming capabilities. This premium tier aims to provide the most comprehensive PlayStation experience available, catering to a wide range of gamers. Let’s delve deeper into the specifics of what this top-tier subscription offers.
Core Benefits of PlayStation Plus Premium
All Essential Tier Benefits
As the foundation of the PlayStation Plus ecosystem, the Premium tier includes all benefits offered in the Essential tier. This includes:
- Monthly Games: Members receive a selection of free monthly games that can be added to their library. These games are accessible as long as you maintain your subscription.
- Online Multiplayer: Access to online multiplayer is crucial for many PlayStation gamers, and this is included in the Essential tier and thus, the Premium tier. You can play online with friends and other players from around the world.
- Exclusive Discounts: Subscribers receive exclusive discounts on select games, DLC, and other content in the PlayStation Store.
- Cloud Storage for Game Saves: Keep your game progress safe with cloud storage, allowing you to access your saved data from any PlayStation console.
- The PlayStation Plus Collection: While this collection is being phased out for new subscribers, existing ones on PS5 can still access it.
All Extra Tier Benefits
Stepping up from Essential, the Premium tier also includes everything available in the Extra tier, namely:
- Game Catalog: Enjoy access to a large library of PS4 and PS5 games that can be downloaded and played as part of your subscription. This catalog rotates regularly, so there is always something new to try.
Premium Tier Exclusive Features
Now for the exclusive features that define the Premium tier:
Classics Catalog
This is a major draw for many. The Premium tier offers access to a library of classic games from older PlayStation consoles, including:
- PS3 Games (Cloud Streaming Only): While not downloadable, a selection of PS3 games can be played via cloud streaming.
- PS2 Games: A collection of beloved PS2 titles, downloadable and playable on your PS4 or PS5.
- PSP Games: Relive portable gaming experiences with a range of classic PSP games.
- PS1 Games: Explore the roots of PlayStation gaming with access to classic PS1 titles.
Game Trials
Premium members have the opportunity to play time-limited trials of select new release games. These trials let you test the game before committing to a purchase, a valuable feature for those unsure about investing in a full game.
Cloud Streaming
This allows you to stream select PS4 and PS5 games to your console, PC, or supported mobile devices. It’s especially useful for players wanting to try games without downloading or who don’t have the necessary storage space. This feature also allows PS3 games to be played.
Understanding Value
PlayStation Plus Premium is the most expensive tier but also the most comprehensive. Whether it’s worth it depends on your gaming habits and preferences. If you’re interested in classic games, game trials, and cloud streaming, then Premium might be a good fit. However, if your primary interest is playing a wide selection of PS4 and PS5 games, PS Plus Extra might be a more cost-effective option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does PS Plus Premium include free games?
Yes, PS Plus Premium includes free monthly games that are available to download and play as long as your subscription is active. These games are part of the Essential tier benefits, which are included in the Premium tier.
2. What is the difference between PS Plus Deluxe and Premium?
The primary difference between PS Plus Deluxe and Premium is that Deluxe does not include cloud streaming of PS3 games. While the Deluxe tier is cheaper than the Premium tier, it still provides access to all the other benefits, such as the classic game catalog (PS1, PS2, PSP) and game trials.
3. Is PS Plus Premium a permanent library?
No, the games in the Game Catalog (PS4/PS5) and Classics Catalog are not permanent. These titles are subject to rotation, and they will leave the service when Sony removes them. You will lose access to those games if you cancel your subscription. However, games you claim as part of the monthly free games are yours as long as you keep the subscription.
4. Can I upgrade from PS Plus Extra to Premium?
Yes, you can easily upgrade from PS Plus Extra to Premium. You can navigate to the PlayStation Plus page on your console or the dedicated PlayStation website, and select the upgrade option. You will be charged a fee to bring your subscription in line with the cost of the Premium tier.
5. How much is PlayStation Plus Premium per year?
The annual cost for PlayStation Plus Premium is currently $160/year. It is a recurring subscription, and if there are not enough funds in your PSN wallet, your default payment method will be charged.
6. What was the PS Plus Premium lineup for June 2023?
The new PS Plus Premium games for June 2023 included the PSP game Coded Soul, the PS1 game Herc’s Adventures, the classic Worms title, and the PSP game Killzone: Liberation.
7. What was the PS Plus Premium lineup for July 2023?
The PS Plus Premium lineup for July 2023 featured Twisted Metal and Twisted Metal 2, both classic PS1 vehicular combat games.
8. Do I keep my PS Plus games forever?
No, games acquired through the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog, Classic Game Catalog, or any other subscription perk are only accessible for the duration of your membership. Once your subscription lapses or the game is removed from the catalog, you will lose access.
9. Can I stack PS Plus Premium subscriptions?
Sony has confirmed that they have stopped the practice of users stacking PlayStation Plus subscriptions. This means that you cannot purchase multiple membership cards and use them to extend your subscription.
10. Can I downgrade from PS Plus Premium to Extra?
Yes, you can downgrade your subscription from PS Plus Premium to Extra. You can do this in the Account Management section of your PlayStation account settings. Choose the “Change Plan” option and select the desired tier and payment plan.
11. What happens if my PlayStation Plus Premium subscription expires?
When your PlayStation Plus Premium subscription expires, you will lose access to any content that you downloaded as part of the subscription, including the monthly games, unless you resubscribe. However, you’ll keep redeemed PlayStation Plus packs, avatars, and PlayStation Plus discounted purchases.
12. Is PlayStation Plus getting removed?
No, PlayStation Plus is not being removed. However, The PS Plus Collection for PS5 was removed for new subscribers, but PS Plus remains the primary subscription service for PlayStation consoles.
13. Why did Sony increase the price of PS Plus?
Sony has stated that the price increase is to enable them to “continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits” to the PlayStation Plus service.
14. Can I play online without PlayStation Plus?
Most multiplayer games require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online. However, some free-to-play games may not require a subscription for online access.
15. Do I lose PS Plus extra games if I downgrade?
Yes, if you downgrade from PS Plus Extra or Premium to a lower tier, you will lose access to the games that were made available through the higher tier’s game catalog.