ThePlayStation Plusmembership scheme has just been renewed by Sony, and its on the way this year.
What are the new tiers like, and which perks will you get from each one?
Lets find out all the details you must know before you jump into a subscription.
What Is PlayStation Plus (PS Plus)?
The gaming industry is only growing, and with it comes changes in various gaming platforms services.
Gone are the days when your only option to play games was to purchase each title individually.
Thats essentially what the PlayStation Plus service is all about.
With a PlayStation Plus membership, you’re able to avail of free games on your PlayStation console.
Its also your gateway to online multiplayer which isnt always available to all players.
Of course, this definition refers to both the old and new PlayStation Plus membership.
Well discuss the changes a bit more below.
It was optional, as it required an additional subscription fee for users to gain access.
You could even play older titles released on the PS2, PS3, and PS4.
However, the downside with PlayStation Now was that it required high-speed internet.
Otherwise, youd have to suffer through lots of lag when streaming PlayStations selection of games.
With these two separate services available, its no wonder many fans complained about Sonys offerings being too complex.
Well discuss the different tiers in detail later.
However, it wont take effect until later this year at an unspecified date this June 2022.
Moreover, each platform (PS4, PS5, and PC) will get different release dates.
These are still unknown and will be announced later on.
How Much Is a PlayStation Plus Membership?
Whats interesting about the new PlayStation Plus membership is that there are nine ways to pay.
Each subscription tier offers different payment schemes, segregated by payment frequency.
you might renew monthly, quarterly, or annually, depending on how much you want to commit.
Of course, like most segregated subscription plans, opting for longer-term payment schemes yields greater savings.
Well talk more about each plan later.
For now, heres a rundown of each subscription tier and how much youll pay for each payment scheme.
The table below also includes a summary of the benefits youll receive.
Is There a Free Trial?
Unfortunately, we currently do not know whether a PlayStation Plus free trial will exist under the new scheme.
Currently, customers who want a PlayStation Plus membership for free can do so with a 14-day free trial.
Afterward, youll have to pay the recurring monthly subscription price.
How to Cancel PlayStation Plus Membership?
you’re free to do this anytime before the free trial ends.
This will automatically halt your registration to the service and will halt any future charges.
However, do note that canceling your PlayStation Plus membership wont give you a refund for the previous period.
If youd like to proceed, you might do so through your PlayStation 5.
Simply pop crack open the console and head to options.
Afterward, navigate to Users and Accounts then go to Account.
Under this area, look for Payment and Subscriptions and then press Subscriptions.
it’s possible for you to cancel your registration to the service here.
PlayStation Plus New Membership Tiers and Perks
What does a PlayStation Plus membership get you?
Here is a breakdown of each subscription tier and what you gain with any one of them.
PS Essential
What is a PlayStation Plus membership like under the Essential tier?
Thats because it essentially provides what the current PlayStation Plus membership offers.
However, do note that its somewhat of a downgrade compared to the previous service.
Why do we say this?
Thats because the old PS Plus subscription offers users three new free games every month.
On the other hand, the new PS Essential PlayStation Plus membership will only provide you with two.
Sony didnt highlight or mention this during the unveiling of the service and you could see why.
However, there are three payment schemes to choose from namely, monthly, quarterly, and annually.
Naturally, registering for a PlayStation Plus 12-month membership will provide the most savings.
Itll only cost $59.99 annually (essentially $5 monthly).
An in-between option also exists and costs $24.99 quarterly (about $8.33 monthly).
Thats because it offers essentially the same perks as both services combined.
However, instead of two free games monthly, you get access to a wider library of games.
400 to be exact.
These 400 games may include new and classic titles offered on the PS4 and PS5.
Sony also promises that the tier will provide you access to both 3rd and 1st-party titles.
However, do keep in mind that Sony hasnt revealed what titles will be included in the tier.
We can only make guesses for now, so youll have to wait until the launch date before deciding.
Likewise, the PS Extra PlayStation Plus membership is more affordable if you commit long-term.
A PlayStation Plus one-year membership will cost a hefty $99.99 but that essentially translates to $8.33 monthly.
PS Premium
Lastly, Sonys highest-end PlayStation Plus membership is dubbed PS Premium.
The only difference it has over the previous two tiers?
Access to cloud gaming, backward compatibility, and classic games from ages past.
This greatly increases the number of games you’re free to access and thats certainly a perk.
Its also beneficial for long-time PlayStation fans who want to relive older titles and get a boost of nostalgia.
Like the previous two tiers, PS Premium is more affordable when paid for annually.
Itll only cost about $119.99, which translates to roughly $10 monthly.
Finally, you’re free to opt for a traditional monthly subscription at $17.99.
How does it compare to competing products like the Xbox Game Pass?
Firstly, we have to admit that the new PlayStation Plus membership scheme certainly surpasses Sonys previous services.
Each of these services costs $9.99.
That means current users who want the benefits of both need to pay $20 monthly.
With that said, the revamped PlayStation Plus membership is certainly welcome.
You no longer have to pay twice the amount for access to both benefits.
Even the highest-end tier only costs $17.99 instead of $20.
Thats because Microsoft has refined its subscription service and built it on a solid foundation.
Unlike Sony, Microsoft stuck to backward compatibility when the Xbox One came around.
Moreover, it did not stop when the Series X and S came out.
It also bundles proprietary games into the Xbox Game Pass service.
Which PlayStation Plus Membership Should You Get?
If youre satisfied with the old PlayStation Plus, then the PS Essential tier might be right for you.
Regardless, its the best option if youve already finished the biggest titles on both the PS4 and PS5.
It also maintains the status quo and allows you access to the PlayStations most essential feature: online multiplayer.
Moreover, you dont even need to renew your subscription manually when the time comes.
Thats because the PS Extra and PS Premium tiers are so closely priced.
The difference is only a meager $2 to $3.
With that said, which of the two is better?
It offers almost twice as many games and only costs a little to upgrade.
Of course, not everyone prefers PlayStations older games, especially if youre picky when it comes to graphics.
It already provides access to 400 PS4 and PS5 titles.
This is already a good deal if you only plan on playing a few old titles every year.
Moreover, itll save you $20 to $36 yearly.
The Verdict
Is it worth getting a PlayStation Plus membership?
Yes, but it depends.
Its also worth considering subscribing to both PS Plus and PS Now.
The biggest one would be the titles Sony will release on the PS Extra and PS Premium tiers.
If all of them turn out to be bland or unpopular titles, then its hardly worth considering.
Nonetheless, we say that the Essentials tier is at least worth it for now.
Its something most PlayStation users cant go without, especially if you rely on online connections in games.
