What is the online subscription for PlayStation?
The online subscription for PlayStation, known as PlayStation Plus, is a paid service that provides players with access to online multiplayer, free games, and exclusive content. This service is available in three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium, each offering a range of benefits, including cloud storage, game help, and share play, with prices starting at $10/month for the Essential plan.
Introduction to PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus is a subscription-based service that enhances the gaming experience for PlayStation users. With PlayStation Plus, gamers can enjoy online multiplayer gaming, free monthly games, and exclusive discounts on games and other content from the PlayStation Store.
Benefits of PlayStation Plus
The benefits of PlayStation Plus include online multiplayer access, allowing gamers to play with friends and other players worldwide; free games every month, which can be downloaded and played as long as the subscription is active; and exclusive discounts on games, DLC, and other content. Additionally, PlayStation Plus members get access to cloud storage, which allows them to save their game progress online and access it from any PlayStation console.
PlayStation Plus Tiers
There are three PlayStation Plus tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. The Essential plan starts at $10/month and includes online multiplayer, free monthly games, and cloud storage. The Extra plan starts at $15/month and adds a game catalog with hundreds of games to download and play. The Premium plan starts at $18/month and includes all the benefits of the Essential and Extra plans, plus access to classic games from the PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP consoles, as well as game trials and cloud streaming.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much does it cost to have PlayStation online?
The cost of PlayStation online, also known as PlayStation Plus, varies depending on the tier chosen, with prices starting at $10/month for the Essential plan.
2. Is PlayStation online no longer free?
While some free-to-play games do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online play, most multiplayer games do require a subscription.
3. Do you have to pay for a PlayStation online account?
Creating a PlayStation account is free, but accessing online multiplayer and other benefits requires a PlayStation Plus subscription.
4. Why does PlayStation make you pay for online?
PlayStation introduces a paid online subscription to make up for the loss incurred from selling consoles at a lower price, and to generate revenue from game sales and online services.
5. When did PlayStation start charging for online?
Sony introduced its unified online service, PlayStation Network, in 2006, and launched a premium subscription service, PlayStation Plus, in 2010.
6. How do I buy PlayStation online membership?
To buy a PlayStation online membership, select PlayStation Plus from the function screen, choose a plan, and complete the subscription enrollment.
7. How much does PS Plus cost?
PS Plus costs $10/month for the Essential plan, $15/month for the Extra plan, and $18/month for the Premium plan, with discounts available for three-month and one-year subscriptions.
8. What games are free with PlayStation online?
Free-to-play games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Rocket League do not require a PlayStation Plus subscription for online play.
9. Is Sony discontinuing PS5?
Sony will discontinue the original PS5 once it sells out and replace it with new models, but there is no official date announced.
10. How much longer will PS4 be online?
PS4 servers are expected to remain active for at least the next 5-8 years, based on the history of PS3 server shutdowns.
11. Why is PS Plus so expensive?
Sony justified the price increase of PS Plus with the high-quality games it delivers, but there are no new features or improvements announced.
12. What is the difference between PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now?
PlayStation Plus offers online multiplayer and free games, while PlayStation Now provides a library of streamable games.
13. What is the best PS Plus membership?
PlayStation Plus Premium is the most feature-rich tier, including all the benefits of Essential and Extra, plus access to hundreds of classic games.
14. How much does it cost to play online on PS5?
Playing online on PS5 requires a PlayStation Plus subscription, which costs $10/month for the Essential plan.
15. Is it good to buy PS Plus?
PS Plus is a good investment for gamers who play online multiplayer and want access to free games and exclusive discounts, but the value depends on the individual’s gaming habits and preferences.