Demystifying the Downgrade: What Happens When You Downgrade Your PlayStation Plus Subscription?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
So, you’re considering downgrading your PlayStation Plus membership? Maybe your budget is tighter, perhaps you’re not using all those premium features, or you just want to scale back your gaming habits. Whatever the reason, understanding the implications of a downgrade is crucial. In a nutshell, when you downgrade your PlayStation Plus membership, the change takes effect on your next payment date. Until then, you’ll continue to enjoy the benefits of your current tier. Once the downgrade kicks in, you’ll lose access to the benefits exclusive to your previous, higher-tier subscription plan. This includes games from the Extra and Premium game catalogs, cloud streaming, and classic games, depending on which tier you’re moving down from. Let’s dive into the details.
Understanding the Downgrade Process
Downgrading your PlayStation Plus subscription is fairly straightforward. Here’s how you do it:
- Go to Settings on your PlayStation console.
- Navigate to Account Management.
- Select Account Information, then PlayStation Subscriptions.
- Choose your PlayStation Plus subscription and select Change Plan.
- Select your desired new membership plan and payment frequency.
Remember, the downgrade won’t happen immediately. You’ll retain your current benefits until your next billing cycle.
The Consequences of Downgrading
The most immediate consequence of downgrading is the loss of access to the features and content that came with your higher-tier subscription. This includes:
- Games from the Extra and Premium Game Catalogs: Once the downgrade is complete, you will no longer be able to play any games you downloaded from these catalogs.
- Classic Games Catalog (Premium only): If you downgraded from Premium, you’ll lose access to the library of classic PlayStation, PS2, and PSP games.
- Game Trials (Premium only): The limited-time game trials offered with the Premium tier will no longer be available.
- Cloud Streaming (Premium only): Streaming games directly to your console or PC will no longer be an option.
What About the “Free” Monthly Games?
The situation with the monthly downloadable games offered to all PlayStation Plus members is different. If you claimed these games while you were subscribed to any tier of PlayStation Plus, you’ll retain access to them as long as you maintain an active PlayStation Plus subscription at any level. This means you can downgrade and still play those games, provided you remain a subscriber.
Considerations for Cloud Saves and Online Multiplayer
Even if you downgrade, you’ll still be able to access your cloud saves and play online multiplayer, as these are core benefits of the PlayStation Plus Essential tier, the base level of the subscription.
Before You Downgrade: A Checklist
Before you pull the trigger on that downgrade, consider these points:
- Game Progress: Are there any games in the Extra or Premium catalogs that you’re currently playing and want to finish? Prioritize completing them before your downgrade takes effect, or consider purchasing them outright.
- Cost Savings vs. Value Loss: Carefully weigh the money you’ll save against the features you’ll be giving up. Do you really use the higher-tier benefits often enough to justify the cost?
- Future Plans: Do you anticipate wanting access to the higher-tier features again in the near future? If so, it might be more cost-effective to maintain your current subscription.
The educational and entertainment value of games is also a topic of discussion in learning communities such as the Games Learning Society and on GamesLearningSociety.org. Consider browsing their resources to learn more.
Downgrading Strategically
Downgrading doesn’t have to be a permanent decision. You can always upgrade your PlayStation Plus membership again later if you find you miss the higher-tier benefits. This gives you the flexibility to tailor your subscription to your current gaming needs and budget. Buying a new PS Plus membership online via PlayStation Store will start when your current membership runs out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I downgrade from PS Plus Premium to PS Plus Essential?
Yes, you can absolutely downgrade from PS Plus Premium to PS Plus Essential, or any other combination of tiers. Follow the steps outlined above in “Understanding the Downgrade Process”.
2. Do I keep PS Plus Extra games if I downgrade to PS Plus Essential?
No, you will not keep access to the PS Plus Extra games once you downgrade to PS Plus Essential. You’ll only be able to play games that you own or are part of the Essential monthly games program (as long as you maintain an active PS Plus subscription).
3. What happens if I cancel PlayStation Plus before it expires?
If you cancel your PlayStation Plus subscription before it expires, you’ll retain all your benefits until the end of your current billing cycle. After that, you’ll lose access to all PS Plus features.
4. How do I cancel my PS Plus subscription?
You can cancel your PS Plus subscription by going to Settings > Account Management > Account Information > PlayStation Subscriptions and selecting Cancel Subscription.
5. Is PS Plus subscription worth it?
Whether a PS Plus subscription is worth it depends on your individual gaming habits and preferences. If you frequently play online multiplayer games, value cloud saves, and enjoy having access to a library of downloadable games, then it’s likely worth the cost.
6. Can you permanently keep PS Plus games?
Games you “purchase” from PlayStation Plus each month are yours to play as long as you remain a subscriber. If your subscription lapses, you’ll lose access until you resubscribe. Games available on PS Plus Extra and Premium are not yours forever as well.
7. Can you extend PS Plus before it expires?
Yes, you can extend your PS Plus subscription before it expires. Any new subscription time will be added to your existing subscription.
8. Will I still have PS Plus if I cancel my subscription?
No, you will not still have PS Plus after you cancel your subscription. You will only have it until the end of the current subscription period that you paid for.
9. Can I change my PS Plus subscription to another account?
You cannot directly transfer your PS Plus subscription to another account. However, you can share some benefits of your subscription with other accounts on the same console by setting that console as your primary console.
10. How long can PS Plus last?
You can purchase PlayStation Plus subscriptions for 1, 3, or 12-month periods.
11. Can PS Plus codes stack?
Sony has confirmed that it’s blocking PS Plus membership stacking, likely to prevent users from taking advantage of loopholes or discounted codes.
12. Can I play PS Plus games offline?
Games from the PS Plus Extra and Premium catalogs can be played offline, but they require a weekly online validation to ensure you still have an active subscription.
13. Why are some PS games locked?
Games might be locked if they were downloaded as part of a PlayStation Plus subscription that has since expired. Resubscribing will unlock them again.
14. What do I get with PS Plus Premium?
With PS Plus Premium, you get all the benefits of Essential and Extra, plus access to the Classics Catalog, game trials, and cloud streaming.
15. Can 2 people use the same PlayStation Plus subscription?
Yes, two people can share certain PlayStation Plus benefits on the same console, if one account has PS Plus and that console is set as the primary console for that account.
Conclusion
Downgrading your PlayStation Plus subscription is a decision that requires careful consideration. By understanding the implications and following the steps outlined above, you can make an informed choice that best suits your gaming needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust your subscription as your gaming habits evolve.