What are the different subscription tiers offered for Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus, specifically outlining the features included in each tier (e.g., game streaming, online multiplayer access, exclusive discounts, free monthly games), the monthly and annual pricing for each tier in USD, and any regional variations in pricing or features that might exist (e.g., are there significant differences in the game libraries available on different tiers depending on the country)? Furthermore, are there any additional benefits, such as cloud gaming or cross-platform play, that are exclusive to specific tiers within each service?
Answer
Xbox Game Pass:
Xbox Game Pass offers three primary tiers:
-
Xbox Game Pass Core: This is the entry-level tier, replacing Xbox Live Gold.
- Features: Access to online console multiplayer, a select library of over 25 games that will grow over time, and exclusive member deals.
- Pricing:
- $9.99 per month
- $59.99 per year
-
Xbox Game Pass for Console: This tier provides access to a library of games playable on Xbox consoles.
- Features: Access to a library of hundreds of games playable on Xbox consoles (Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One), including first-party titles from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks on day one. Member discounts.
- Pricing: $10.99 per month.
-
Xbox Game Pass for PC: This tier provides access to a library of games playable on Windows PCs.
- Features: Access to a library of hundreds of games playable on Windows PCs, including first-party titles from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks on day one. EA Play membership. Member discounts.
- Pricing: $10.99 per month.
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: This is the most comprehensive tier, combining the benefits of the other tiers.
- Features: Includes all the benefits of Xbox Game Pass for Console, Xbox Game Pass for PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming (allowing you to stream games to compatible devices), and EA Play membership.
- Pricing: $16.99 per month.
PlayStation Plus:
PlayStation Plus offers three tiers:
-
PlayStation Plus Essential: This is the base tier, offering core PlayStation Plus benefits.
- Features: Access to online multiplayer, two monthly downloadable games, exclusive discounts, cloud storage for game saves, and access to the PlayStation Plus Collection (a library of PS4 games playable on PS5 – benefit is going away May 9, 2024).
- Pricing:
- $9.99 per month
- $24.99 quarterly
- $79.99 per year
-
PlayStation Plus Extra: This tier builds upon Essential, adding a catalog of games to download and play.
- Features: Includes all the benefits of PlayStation Plus Essential, plus access to a catalog of up to 400 downloadable PS4 and PS5 games.
- Pricing:
- $14.99 per month
- $39.99 quarterly
- $134.99 per year
- PlayStation Plus Premium: This is the highest tier, offering the most features, including classic games, game trials, and cloud streaming.
- Features: Includes all the benefits of PlayStation Plus Essential and Extra, plus access to a catalog of classic PlayStation, PS2, and PSP games; game trials; and cloud streaming for select PS4 games.
- Pricing:
- $17.99 per month
- $49.99 quarterly
- $159.99 per year
Summary Table:
| Feature | Xbox Game Pass Core | Xbox Game Pass (Console/PC) | Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | PlayStation Plus Essential | PlayStation Plus Extra | PlayStation Plus Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Online Multiplayer | Yes | Yes (Implicit) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Game Library Access | Limited | Extensive | Extensive | Monthly Games | Extensive | Extensive + Classics |
| First-Party Games on Day 1 | Yes (Select Titles) | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| EA Play | No | Yes (PC Only) | Yes | No | No | No |
| Cloud Gaming | No | No | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Game Trials | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Exclusive Discounts | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cloud Storage | Yes | Yes (Implicit) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Classic Games | No | No | No | No | No | Yes |
Note: Pricing is subject to change and may vary by region. Check the official Xbox and PlayStation websites for the most up-to-date information. The PlayStation Plus Collection benefit is going away May 9, 2024.