PlayStation Plus has changed its subscription structure and now offers you 3 different subscriptions for PS5 and PS4. MeinMMO breaks down the individual contents, shows the costs, and gives recommendations on which package is best for you.
PS Plus has been available since 2010 and has undergone many changes since then. However, the biggest adjustment is yet to come: In June 2022, the subscription will split into 3 different offers.
An interesting new feature for PS Plus customers, but also a new decision. For example, the streaming service “PS Now” will be integrated into the offer.
To help you know which subscription will be best for you in the future, here are the contents, costs, and an assessment of who each package is suitable for.
PlayStation Plus: Essential – The “I don’t care” package
Costs
- Monthly: 8.99 €
- Quarterly: 24.99 €
- Annually: 59.99 €
Content
- 2 games for free download per month
- Exclusive offers in the PS Store
- Cloud storage for your game saves
- Online multiplayer
- Share Play
Who is Essential suitable for? If you only need PS Plus for online gaming or spend little time on the PlayStation, go for the cheapest package. There are only minor changes compared to the regular Plus subscription.
As of now, however, you will receive one less free game per month and get one PS4 and one PS5 game.
The nearly 20 available games from the PS Plus Collection remain included in the Essential subscription for owners of a PS5 (via twitter.com).
PlayStation Plus: Extra – For Frequent Players
Costs
- Monthly: 13.99 €
- Quarterly: 39.99 €
- Annually: 99.99 €
Content
- 2 games for free download per month
- Exclusive offers in the PS Store
- Cloud storage for your game saves
- Online multiplayer
- Share Play
- 400 games for download (PS4/PS5)
Who is Extra suitable for? If you spend a lot of time on your PlayStation and like to play through a solo title, then the Extra subscription is worth looking into.
If you are someone who regularly browses the PlayStation Store to snag a hidden gem, then this subscription is perfect for you. Because the 400 games invite you to explore.
For an additional €40 a year, you gain access to up to 400 PS4 and PS5 games. Even if you were to buy just 2 games from that list in a year, you would likely already offset the Extra costs.
If you also have gaming friends with the Extra package, you will also need less persuasion if you want to try something new from the offer. Because everyone already has access to the game.
PlayStation Plus: Premium – PC and Nostalgia Bonus
Costs
- Monthly: 16.99 €
- Quarterly: 49.99 €
- Annually: 119.99 €
Content
- 2 games for free download per month
- Exclusive offers in the PS Store
- Cloud storage for your game saves
- Online multiplayer
- Share Play
- Game Trials for some AAA titles
- 400 games for download (PS4/PS5)
- Stream PS4 games from Extra package
- 340 games for streaming
- PS3 games only for streaming
- PS1, PS2, PSP games for download and streaming
Who is Premium suitable for? If you are not a die-hard PlayStation classic fan, you should only choose this package if you have a good internet connection.
While you do get many PS1, PS2, and PSP games for download, the core of the package is the ability to stream PS3 and PS4 games. You can even stream the PS4 games that are included in the Extra package.
Additionally, you get the ability to stream games on your PC, experiencing many PlayStation-exclusive experiences on your computer. Streaming the games on PS4 and PS5 is also possible.
Generally, you should only opt for the package if you are into retro games or if the additional €20 is worth it to you per year to play PS4 games on PC.
Personal conclusion: I have been a member of PS Plus almost continuously since its launch and have only touched a fraction of the games that were included for free in the subscription.
Still, the offer has always been worth it for me overall – even before online multiplayer became part of the subscription. It’s usually enough if just 2 or 3 of the free games fit in a year and you’ve already made back the Essential package.
With the new offer, I will go for the Extra package.
If there’s nothing to play on a given evening, I like the idea of simply browsing a library of hundreds of games and starting something new without having to load PayPal again.
That’s worth the €40 a year to me. If it’s a multiplayer title, I’ve hit the jackpot. That’s why I will definitely take the Extra package for a year.
I’m also interested in which package you’re picking up at launch. Are you sticking with Essential for now and waiting for the game lists, or like me, are you leaning towards browsing on a quiet evening? Feel free to leave a comment on the topic.
More PlayStation tips can be found here: 5 important settings and 8 tips for PS5 that everyone should know
