Overview
PlayStation Plus Premium is the most comprehensive subscription tier offered by Sony Interactive Entertainment for its PlayStation consoles. It combines all the benefits of PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now into a single package, providing access to a vast library of games, online multiplayer, exclusive discounts, and more.
Features
Game Library:
PlayStation Plus Premium grants access to a massive collection of games, including both first-party PlayStation exclusives and third-party titles. The library includes both current-gen PS5 games and classic PS4, PS3, and PS2 games.
Online Multiplayer:
PlayStation Plus Premium enables online multiplayer functionality for all games that support it. This allows members to connect with friends and other players around the world for competitive and cooperative gameplay.
Exclusive Discounts:
PlayStation Plus Premium members receive exclusive discounts on PlayStation Store purchases, including games, add-ons, and subscriptions. These discounts can save members significant amounts of money on their gaming expenses.
Cloud Gaming:
PlayStation Plus Premium includes access to PlayStation Now, Sony’s cloud gaming service. This allows members to stream games directly to their PS4, PS5, or PC, even if they don’t have a physical disc or the game installed locally.
Tiers and Pricing
PlayStation Plus Premium is available in two tiers:
Tier | Monthly Price | Annual Price |
---|---|---|
PlayStation Plus Premium | $14.99 | $119.99 |
PlayStation Plus Premium + Utomik | $17.99 | $159.99 |
The PlayStation Plus Premium + Utomik tier includes access to Utomik, a cloud gaming service with over 1,000 additional games available to stream.
Benefits
PlayStation Plus Premium offers a number of benefits for gamers:
- Access to a vast library of games
- Online multiplayer functionality
- Exclusive discounts
- Cloud gaming
- Access to Utomik (Premium + Utomik tier only)
Comparison to Other Subscription Services
PlayStation Plus Premium compares favorably to other subscription services, such as Xbox Game Pass and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack:
Service | Monthly Price | Game Library Size | Online Multiplayer | Cloud Gaming |
---|---|---|---|---|
PlayStation Plus Premium | $14.99-$17.99 | 1,000+ games | Yes | Yes |
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | $14.99 | 100+ games | Yes | Yes |
Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack | $49.99 | 100+ games | Yes | No |
PlayStation Plus Premium offers a larger game library and cloud gaming capabilities than Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, while Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack focuses primarily on classic Nintendo games and does not include cloud gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the difference between PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Plus Premium?
A: PlayStation Plus Premium includes all the benefits of PlayStation Plus, such as online multiplayer and exclusive discounts, plus access to a larger game library and cloud gaming.
Q: Can I play PS5 games with PlayStation Plus Premium?
A: Yes, PlayStation Plus Premium grants access to a selection of PS5 games, including both first-party exclusives and third-party titles.
Q: How many games are available with PlayStation Plus Premium?
A: PlayStation Plus Premium provides access to over 1,000 games, including both PS5, PS4, PS3, and PS2 titles.
Q: Does PlayStation Plus Premium include cloud gaming?
A: Yes, PlayStation Plus Premium includes access to PlayStation Now, which allows members to stream games directly to their PlayStation console or PC.
Q: Is PlayStation Plus Premium worth it?
A: Whether or not PlayStation Plus Premium is worth it depends on individual preferences. If you are a regular gamer who enjoys playing a variety of games and using online multiplayer, then Premium can be a valuable subscription.
PlayStation Now Free Trial
The PlayStation Now free trial offers a limited-time opportunity to experience the service’s vast library of streamed and downloadable games for free. Here’s an overview:
- Eligible Devices: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC
- Duration: 7 days or 14 days (varies by region and subscription plan)
- Game Library: Access to hundreds of games from PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation 4
- No Commitment: Cancel before the end of the trial period to avoid charges
- How to Activate Trial: Visit the PlayStation Store, select "PlayStation Now," and follow the on-screen instructions to start your trial
The Game Awards 2023 Game of the Year Nominees
The nominees for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2023 are:
- Elden Ring
- God of War Ragnarok
- Horizon Forbidden West
- Stray
- Xenoblade Chronicles 3
PlayStation Plus Collection Games
The PlayStation Plus Collection is a curated library of 20 essential PS4 games available to PlayStation Plus subscribers on PlayStation 5. The collection includes critically acclaimed titles such as:
- Bloodborne
- God of War
- Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End
- Days Gone
- Infamous Second Son
These games provide a diverse and rewarding gaming experience, catering to different genres and play styles. By accessing the PlayStation Plus Collection, subscribers can enjoy a vast selection of high-quality games without the need for additional purchases.
Sony PlayStation 5 Release Date
The PlayStation 5 (PS5), the fifth installment in Sony’s PlayStation video game console line, was released in two waves:
- November 12, 2020: United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and South Korea
- November 19, 2020: Rest of the world, including Europe, Middle East, and Latin America
PlayStation Plus Free Games for the Month
This month, PlayStation Plus members can get their hands on two thrilling games for free:
- Nioh 2 (PS4): Master the lethal arts of the samurai in this challenging action RPG.
- Heavenly Bodies (PS4 & PS5): Take control of whimsical astronauts and navigate through complex spacewalks in this physics-based puzzle game.
These games will be available for PlayStation Plus members to download from February 7th until March 6th.
The Game Awards 2023 Game of the Year Winner
Elden Ring, an action role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, emerged as the triumphant recipient of the prestigious Game of the Year award at The Game Awards 2023. The title surpassed an impressive lineup of contenders to claim this coveted recognition. Elden Ring’s sprawling and intricate world, challenging and rewarding gameplay, and captivating lore captured the hearts and minds of both critics and players alike.
PlayStation Now Subscription Cost
PlayStation Now (PS Now) offers three subscription plans:
- Monthly: $9.99 per month
- Quarterly: $24.99 for three months (equivalent to $8.33 per month)
- Annual: $59.99 for 12 months (equivalent to $5.00 per month)
Note that the annual plan provides the greatest savings, while the monthly plan offers the most flexibility. PS Now grants access to a library of hundreds of PlayStation games that can be streamed or downloaded to play on a variety of devices, including the PS4, PS5, PC, and mobile devices.
Sony PlayStation 5 Price
The PlayStation 5, Sony’s latest gaming console, has a recommended retail price of:
- PlayStation 5 Standard Edition (with disc drive): $499.99 / £449.99 / €499.99 / ¥49,980
- PlayStation 5 Digital Edition (without disc drive): $399.99 / £349.99 / €399.99 / ¥39,980
These prices are subject to change based on currency fluctuations and regional variations. It’s recommended to check with authorized retailers for the most up-to-date pricing.
PlayStation Plus: Essential vs Extra vs Premium
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service for its PlayStation consoles. It offers a tiered system with varying benefits:
Essential ($9.99/month)
- Two monthly downloadable games
- Access to online multiplayer gaming
- Cloud storage for game saves (100GB)
Extra ($14.99/month)
- All Essential benefits
- Access to a catalog of 400+ downloadable games
- Trials of select new releases
Premium ($17.99/month)
- All Essential and Extra benefits
- Access to a catalog of 340+ downloadable PS3 and PSP games
- Cloud streaming of games to PS5, PS4, and PC
- Access to exclusive game demos and betas