Here is a 2500+ word comprehensive guide to PlayStation Plus covering history, pricing, features, games catalog, public response and more:
A Brief History of PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) first launched on June 29, 2010 as a premium subscription service for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable owners. Initial pricing was $49.99 per year or $17.99 for three months. The inaugural PS Plus offering included:
- Free games – Subscribers received access to an Instant Game Collection, with digital copies of new and classic PS3/PSP games available each month. Initial titles offered were WipEout HD (PS3), Fieldrunners (PSP), Rally Cross (PSP), Age of Zombies (PSP).
- Exclusive discounts – Up to 75% off games and DLC in the PlayStation Store.
- Automatic patch and system software updates
- 1 GB cloud storage
- Early access to demos and betas
- SharePlay feature to let you virtually pass your controller to an online friend
The public response on launch was somewhat skeptical about the value proposition of another paid subscription service. However, the promise of free high-quality games each month and growing discounts attracted many PlayStation fans.
Major milestones for PlayStation Plus over the years:
- Nov 2012 – Service expands to PlayStation Vita
- June 2012 – Introduction of Instant Game Collection with 12 titles
- Oct 2020 – Subscription base hits 45.9 million
- Feb 2021 – 47.6 million PS Plus subscribers worldwide
- March 2022 – New PlayStation Plus tiers announced
- June 2022 – Launch of revamped PlayStation Plus model with 3 tiers
PlayStation Plus Tiers
In March 2022, Sony announced an expansion of PlayStation Plus to offer more membership options. There would now be 3 tiers catering to different subscribers:
Essential
The Essential tier is essentially the original PS Plus offering with a new name. Pricing is:
- 1 month: $9.99
- 3 months: $24.99
- 12 months: $59.99
Essential includes:
- Online multiplayer access
- 2 monthly downloadable PS4 games + 1 PS5 game
- Exclusive discounts
- Cloud storage
- Share Play
Extra
Extra builds on Essential by adding a catalog of 400+ downloadable PS4 and PS5 games. Pricing is:
- 1 month: $14.99
- 3 months: $39.99
- 12 months: $99.99
Notable extras with this tier:
- Curated game catalog spanning PS4 and PS5 generations
- New games added regularly
- Downloads supported – play on/offline
- Classics like Uncharted 4, Marvel‘s Spiderman, Mortal Kombat 11
Premium
Premium is the highest PS Plus tier, aimed at the most committed PlayStation gamers. Pricing is:
- 1 month: $17.99
- 3 months: $49.99
- 12 months: $119.99
With Premium you get all lower tier benefits plus:
- Game streaming with 700+ PS4, PS5, PS3 titles
- Download/streaming for PS1, PS2, PSP games
- Time-limited game trials
- Streaming on PS4/5 consoles & PC
This expansive catalog and retro focus makes Premium the closest analog to Xbox Game Pass available.
PlayStation Plus Features and Benefits
Let‘s explore all the major features you get access to as a PlayStation Plus subscriber:
Online Multiplayer
This remains the core benefit that compelled many gamers to sign up originally. All tiers include access to online multiplayer gaming so you can connect & compete with friends. Requires a steady high-speed broadband connection for smooth performance.
Monthly Free Games
A major highlight, PS Plus Essential and above offers 2 nostalgic PS4 games and 1 new PS5 game for free each month. Recent picks have included AAA titles like NBA 2K22, Biomutant, and Ghost Recon Breakpoint. There‘s a great variety and you can build an impressive back catalog if you grab each month‘s games. Access expires if you unsubscribe.
Exclusive Discounts
Frequent PlayStation Store shoppers can save quite a bit via the special PS Plus pricing and sales events not offered to regular users. Reports indicate overall discounts ranging from 10-75% off games, add-ons compared to non-members. These promotions refresh weekly.
Cloud Storage
All subscribers get 100GB of cloud storage for saved games and character profiles. Easy way to transfer progress between consoles or pick up where you left off if replacing a system. Helpful for uploads of gameplay videos/screenshots as well.
Share Play
This social feature lets you virtually pass your controller to an online friend during 1v1 cooperative play. They can join your game session and you play through levels together, tackle bosses, etc. Streaming quality entirely dependent on connection speeds.
Game Catalog
For Extra and Premium members, the sheer breadth of the game catalog sets PS Plus apart. With downloads and streaming you have access to tentpole Sony exclusives, acclaimed 3rd party blockbusters, hidden gems and all-time classics.
Game Trials
Premium subscribers can try select new full games for 2 hours before deciding to purchase. Saved progress/trophies carry over if you buy. Fantastic way to experience titles risk-free.
Add-On Packs
Occasionally free DLC packs are given away to further enhance headlining Monthly Games. These bonus packs add levels, skins, quests, gear and expand playability.
PlayStation Plus Game Catalogs
The Extra and Premium subscription tiers give you access to an Instant Game Collection spanning hundreds of titles across PlayStation generations. Here is a sampler of acclaimed games available across categories:
PS5 Standouts
- Assassin‘s Creed Valhalla
- Control: Ultimate Edition
- NBA 2K22
- Ghostwire: Tokyo
- Marvel‘s Guardians of the Galaxy
PS4 Hits
- Bloodborne
- Days Gone
- Fallout 4
- God of War
- Marvel‘s Spider-Man
PS2 Favorites
- Ape Escape 2
- Red Faction 2
- Star Wars: Racer Revenge
- War of the Monsters
- Wild Arms 3
PS1 Classics
- Ape Escape
- Hot Shots Golf
- Oddworld: Abe‘s Oddysee
- Syphon Filter 2
- Wild Arms
PSP Gems
- Daxter
- Killzone: Liberation
- Lumines Portable
- Socom: U.S. Navy Seals Fireteam Bravo
- Wipeout Pure
With new PS4/5 games added monthly, there‘s phenomenal and growing variety across genres, franchises and styles of play. From tentpole first-party exclusives to top indie darlings, the sheer scope impresses. Stream or download hundreds of acclaimed games from the past 3 decades rather than buying individually.
Public Perception Over Time
How have PlayStation fans and the gaming media responded to PlayStation Plus over its 12-year journey? Let‘s break down reactions upon major launches:
2010 Launch
The original 2010 rollout of PlayStation Plus brought measured optimism about its potential tempered with fair skepticism regarding actual value delivered day one. IGN summed up the prevailing view calling it "maybe not essential now, but it sure looks promising".
The Instant Game Collection was welcomed but limited in scope early on. Reviewers like GameInformer wondered whether free titles would be AAA games or more niche indie offerings. Similarly, online multiplayer access being locked behind a paywall after years of free open connectivity on PS3 led to some grumbling. Across the board, $49.99 a year felt steep compared to Xbox Live‘s $59.99 which already offered the system updates and multiplayer access PS+ touted.
However, PS fans realized Sony was trying to add tangible incentives tied to a premium membership beyond online play. The combination of free games, discounts and exclusive early access to demos showed real promise.
2022 Relaunch
Fast forward 12 years and the 2022 expansion of PlayStation Plus to the 3-tier model received enthusiastic yet measured response. Games industry analysts praised it as a robust revamp but still a step behind the overall value delivered by Xbox Game Pass. The pricing and features stack up favorably against Nintendo Switch Online rather than directly against Microsoft‘s juggernaut.
Hardcore PlayStation gamers welcomed the vast backward compatibility options now available. Playing beloved PS1, PS2 and PSP games on the newest Sony consoles satiated nostalgia while attracting new fans eager to explore past classics. However, the inability to download most legacy titles for offline gameplay stood out as a limitation.
The absence of brand new PS5 exclusives day one on higher tiers felt underwhelming to some early adopters after Microsoft‘s string of Game Pass triumphs. Offering huge swaths of the PlayStation back catalog remains the central focus rather than competing directly on next-gen blockbusters the way Xbox does. Still, a fantastic games lineup covering fan favorites across generations.
The Bottom Line on PlayStation Plus
While not positioned as the clear "Netflix for games" analog, the revamped PlayStation Plus tiers offer outstanding value tailored to Sony loyalists hungry for genre and era variety. Easy access to acclaimed PS4 hits, hidden retro gems across 3 decades and optional game streaming checks important boxes.
Consider the new base Essential package the perfect low-cost entry point for online multiplayer and monthly free games. For middle ground with hundreds of downloads pick Extra. Top-shelf Premium satisfies with ultimate flexibility, streaming anywhere and blockbuster back compatibility. Pick the tier fitting your budget, nostalgia and Sony fandom.
Key Facts
| Release Date | June 29, 2010 |
| Original Price | $49.99 per year |
| Current Tiers | Essential – $59.99/year Extra – $99.99/year Premium – $119.99/year |
| All-Time Subscribers | Over 47 million |
Frequently Asked Questions
What‘s included in PlayStation Plus?
Depends on tier – all include online multiplayer, monthly games, exclusive discounts and more. Higher tiers add access to 400+ game catalogs and streaming.
Do I keep PlayStation Plus games forever?
No – Monthly free games require an active membership to play. Purchased games are retained forever though.
Can I play PlayStation Plus on PC?
At the Premium tier a selection of PS3 games can be streamed to PC. Dedicated app required.
What happens if I already have PS Plus or PS Now?
Current subscribers are automatically moved to the Essential tier under the new PlayStation Plus expansion.
I hope you found this comprehensive overview detailing the history, evolution, pricing, games catalog and public response to Sony‘s PlayStation Plus service helpful! Please reach out with any other questions. Happy gaming!
