PlayStation Plus Memberships Explained

PlayStation has finally launched its long-awaited tier-based subscription service that allows some PS Plus subscribers to have access to a huge library of games for the cost of the service. While there have been plenty of comparisons made between the revamped PS Plus offerings and Xbox Game Pass, PS Plus requires a little bit more explanation based on its tier system.

In short, if you’re subscribed to PS Plus, you’re going to be getting some free games, but the type of subscription you have will determine just how many games you can play. Take a look below to see what tier gets what types of games and each individual plan’s cost.

PlayStation Plus Essential

If you were a PlayStation Plus subscriber before the switch to the three-tiered system, you’ll automatically be signed up for PS Plus Essential. Essential offers the same services as an old PS Plus subscription which means you’ll be getting three free games each month (one PS5 title, two PS4 titles,) Cloud storage, discounts on select items in the PlayStation Store, and access to online multiplayer titles.

The chart below details the prices that PS Plus Essential costs for monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions.

PlayStation Plus Extra

PlayStation Plus Extra essentially gives subscribers access to a plethora of PS4 and PS5 titles (over 400 games.) Subscribers still receive the monthly free games from the previous tier but also get to play a complete library of PlayStation’s greatest hits over the last console generation. While PlayStation Studios games won’t be coming to the service the day they launch, there are still plenty of current games being offered with PS Plus Extra such as Returnal, Ghost of Tsushima: Director’s Cut, and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales.

The chart below details the prices that PS Plus Extra costs for monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions.

PlayStation Plus Premium

Although PlayStation Plus Premium is the most expensive tier, it offers a lot to its subscribers that can’t be found easily elsewhere. PS Plus Premium subscribers get everything mentioned in the previous tiers along with access to a catalog of PS1, PS2, PS3, and PSP games. Unfortunately, not every game is able to be run natively on the PS5.

Oddly enough, it’s only a large portion of the PS3 games that are available exclusively via Cloud Streaming which means that each subscriber’s mileage may vary depending on their internet connection. PS1, PS2, and PSP games, however, are able to be downloaded directly to the console. Select classic games will be given trophy support, updated resolutions, and new save state and rewind features akin to those seen in other classic game services like Nintendo Switch Online.

PS Plus Premium subscribers will also be given access to time-limited game trials that allow players to sample the first two hours of a game before deciding to purchase it. If they decide to purchase the game, all save data, trophy information, and other progress will be saved so they’ll be able to pick right back up where they were as soon as they buy it.

The chart below details the prices that PS Plus Premium costs for monthly, quarterly, and annual subscriptions.