In order not to let Xbox Game Pass and its offer of unlimited access subscription games escape, in 2022, Sony had decided to review the copy of its subscription service to thwart American plans and stop hearing that the formula was revolutionary.
This is how the new PlayStation Plus was born, or rather its new version. Because to the initial recipe (access to online games, cloud storage, three games offered each month and discounts – now Essential level), the Japanese manufacturer later added two subscription levels with more or less dense game catalogues, additional services and unlocked options, depending on whether you opt for the Extra or Premium level.
For a long time, Sony did not want to communicate figures. At the end of May, on the occasion of the first anniversary of the launch on its land, the industry giant announced that 47 million players had subscribed to PlayStation Plus and 14.1 million had opted for the higher levels that did not exist before. A figure well above the 30 million subscribers claimed by Xbox Game Pass.
false success
But on closer inspection, the win isn’t as clear cut as that. First of all, because according to the figures communicated personally by Sony, the old PlayStation Plus formula had 47.4 million subscribers at the end of 2020 and 48 million in May 2022 as of December 31, 2022. And until June 22 of 2022, To this we had to add the 3.2 million subscribers of PlayStation Now, a service merged into the new version of PS Plus Premium, but at a very high price (16.99 euros/month or 120 euros/year) , without a doubt taking advantage of all the options. .
According to Sony, it is this last level that makes the best offer of the new levels with 8.1 million players who have subscribed, compared to 6 million for the Extra level. However, it is this last level that is most positioned as a rival to Xbox Game Pass with a wide catalog of around a hundred PS3 and PS4 games and a few accessible PS5 titles, games offered and access to online games, for 13 99 euro. monthly (or 99.99 euros per year), which is more expensive than the basic offer of Xbox Game Pass (9.99 euros / month that will soon drop to 10.99 euros).
But PlayStation does not yet offer access to Cloud gaming games to play on your smartphone, TV or any other compatible device, as is possible with the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offer (12.99 euros/month and soon 14.99 euros). The closest Premium tier for the most money only offers game streaming on your console and for a very limited catalog of PS3 and PS4 games, even if Sony has promised to add PS5 games to it soon… but not theirs. , which are not even added as soon as they are released like the competition is.
Gifts to celebrate the birthday.
Through June 30, Sony is turning the dishes in a big way for its subscribers. In addition to the usual monthly giveaways, PS4 and PS5 subscribers can enjoy free content like avatars and wallpapers by going to the PlayStation Store and adding the code. DFPX-HA4L-QDFP to retrieve everything (usually sent by email).
From June 24 at 00:01 to June 25 at 23:59, it will also be possible to enjoy the online multiplayer game for free if you are not registered for PS Plus.
Source: BFM TV
