Sony has announced alterations to its PlayStation Plus service pricing structure that will come into effect in the following month. The Japanese gaming giant has officially confirmed that it will be adjusting the rates for its PlayStation Plus annual subscription service. Although the underlying factors prompting this price adjustment remain undisclosed, Sony emphasises that the intended outcome is "to continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits to your PlayStation Plus subscription service." It should be noted that the revised India prices are yet to be revealed.
The revised pricing for the annual PlayStation Plus subscription is scheduled to take effect globally on September 6. Existing PlayStation Plus subscribers need not be concerned, as the revised pricing will only apply upon their subsequent renewal, but not before November 6. However, it's crucial to note that any modifications to membership attributes or subscription adjustments, including upgrades, downgrades, or extensions, will be governed by the new pricing structure.
PlayStation Plus stands as Sony's recurring subscription service, a prerequisite for most online gameplay on PS4 and PS5 consoles. The service is segmented into three tiers: Deluxe, Essential, and Extra. This service represents Sony's response to the Xbox Game Pass, affording gamers the opportunity to engage with a new game each month.
The Essential tier furnishes users with a selection of complimentary games each month, coupled with substantial discounts on titles procured through the PlayStation Store. PS Plus Extra, meanwhile, encompasses all the offerings of the Essential category, alongside access to an expansive library of PS4 and PS5 titles. Lastly, PS Plus Deluxe promises maximum value by encompassing classic titles from PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 eras, in addition to cloud-based streaming capabilities.
Under the new pricing framework, the cost of a 12-month membership for PS Plus Essential has seen an adjustment from $60 to $80, while the price of PS Plus Extra has increased from $100 to $135. Notably, the most comprehensive tier, PS Plus Premium, will now carry a cost of $160, up from its prior price point of $120. It's worth highlighting that even with these changes, the cost of the new 12-month subscriptions remains comparatively lower than the cumulative expenses incurred through the acquisition of monthly or quarterly subscriptions over a year.
For prospective subscribers within India, Sony has yet to disclose the specific alterations to pricing for the region. This aspect remains eagerly awaited, as players and enthusiasts anticipate Sony's forthcoming announcement on the matter.