Players who find themselves inhabiting a corner of the PlayStation ecosystem will often be confronted by a decision when it comes to subscription services. That’s because Sony actively promotes two very different models inPlayStation PlusandPlayStation Now. Since the transition from the PS4 to PS5, each has arguably experienced an influx of attention from the publisher, something that has made picking between the pair a more challenging proposition.
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The Games of Plus and Now
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The Extra Features of Plus and Now
Over the years, PlayStation Plus has gradually taken on a bigger role within Sony’s ecosystem, with the once optional service transforming into an almost necessary purchase for PlayStation owners. Alongside monthly games, a roster of additional features have frequently been folded into the price of the subscription service. Arguably the biggest of these changes coincided with the arrival of the PS4 in 2013, when it was announced that an active subscription to PS Plus would be required going forward to play most multiplayer games online. Currently, onlyfree-to-play titles likeFortnite,Apex Legends, andCall of Duty:Warzoneare an exception.While the change away from exclusively free online gaming was understandably criticized at the time, the influx of newer titles to the service, 100 GB cloud storage, PlayStation Store discounts, and free in-game content has smoothed over the issue to a certain extent.
With Xbox Game Pass continuing to be one of the best deals in gaming, calls for Sony to revamp PlayStation Now are gradually growing louder. Despite this, right now there’s no indication that the platform holder is in any great rush to answer these calls. It can actually be argued that Sony’s focus has so far been more geared towards revamping the already more popular PlayStation Plus. To coincide with the launch of the PS5,the PS Plus Collectionwas made available to owners of the new console, proving this point. Featuring 20 popular titles likeGod of War,Uncharted 4, andThe Last of Us, this latest feature resembles a more condensed version of what’s on offer with PS Now, with some generation-defining heavy hitters seen.
The Price of Plus and Now
Beyond this, there’s a level of continuity between PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now when it comes to the lengths and prices of the subscription options that Sony has set-up. For both, a 1, 3, and 12 month option is available, with each costing $9.99, $24.99, and $59.99 respectively. Considering the added benefits and features that have been packed into PS Plus, it’s surprising to see the two hold such an equal valuation in the eyes of Sony. Couple this with the understandable disappointment from fans regardingPS Now’s State of Play absence last week, and there’s a growing sense that the status quo between the services is likely to be revamped at some point in the future.
PlayStation Plusis available on PS4 and PS5.PlayStation Nowis available on PS4, PS5, and PC.
