What is Playstation Plus? How does it function, what advantages does it offer, and what are its potential drawbacks? This review aims to address these questions. Having used Playstation Plus Premium for approximately a year, I can now offer a considered perspective on the various subscription tiers.
Playstation Plus is structured into three tiers, each with a different price point. The entry-level tier, Essential (95 SEK per month), does not include access to a game catalog. However, subscribers receive monthly discounts on select titles, as well as complimentary games available for download and access for the duration of their subscription. Cloud storage for save data and online multiplayer access are also included.
The Extra tier (150 SEK per month) encompasses all the benefits of the Essential tier, plus access to a downloadable game catalog, similar to Xbox Game Pass (which has discontinued its monthly free game offering). This catalog features a range of new and older titles, along with access to Ubisoft Classics. Extra tier members also receive exclusive discounts and promotions.
The top-tier offering is Premium (180 SEK per month), which includes all the features of the Essential and Extra tiers. Furthermore, Premium subscribers gain access to trial versions of recently released games and the ability to stream games from the catalog, comparable to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. This allows players to thoroughly evaluate a full game for a limited time before committing to a purchase. These are not demo versions but complete games. Streaming functionality is also available, although a stable and high-speed internet connection is essential for optimal performance. The classics catalog is also included, featuring a selection of games from the PS1 to PS4 eras that are backwards compatible with the PS5.
Having tested the Premium tier of Playstation Plus, I believe it justifies the additional 30 SEK monthly cost. The ability to trial full games has prevented me from purchasing titles that ultimately did not align with my preferences, resulting in considerable savings. Conversely, I was able to identify and purchase games that genuinely appealed to me after the trial period concluded.
The classics catalog boasts hundreds of titles, including a number of engaging Lego-spel that I had not previously explored. Additionally, the original Max Payne is available in its retro, pixelated form. I also utilized Playstation Plus to play Spider-man: Miles Morales in order to compare it to the PC version. Similar to Xbox Game Pass, this service offers an opportunity to explore a wider range of games and genres, potentially uncovering new favorites.
The Premium tier’s 180 SEK monthly fee equates to approximately 2,200 SEK annually. However, an annual subscription can be purchased for around 1600 SEK, reducing the effective monthly cost to 135 SEK. While this may initially seem expensive, it is comparable to the cost of purchasing just two full-price games per year. For context, the premium tier of Netflix is similarly priced.
In conclusion, Playstation Plus offers numerous advantages as a service, despite initial confusion regarding the features of each tier. Hopefully, this review clarifies the differences between the service’s various levels and their corresponding benefits. Identifying significant disadvantages is challenging. The Essential tier caters to users seeking online multiplayer access and discounts, while participation is optional for those disinterested in online gaming. The automatic cloud backup of save data is a particularly valuable feature, especially for users who frequently switch between PS5 and PS4 consoles.
Playstation provided a review code for this test. The provider of the material has no editorial influence on our reviews.
