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If you are a console gamer, you might be wondering which subscription service is better for you: PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass. Both services offer access to hundreds of games, online multiplayer, and other benefits for a monthly fee. But which one gives you more value for your money and suits your gaming preferences?
In this article, we will compare PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass in terms of price, game library, streaming, and online features. By the end, you should have a clear idea of which service is worth it for you.
What is PlayStation Plus?
PlayStation Plus is Sony’s subscription service for PlayStation console owners. It has three tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier includes access to Sony’s online services, cloud storage for saved games, and discounts in the PlayStation Store. The Extra and Premium tiers also include access to a library of around 400 games, including first-party PlayStation Studios titles and third-party games from other publishers.
You can download these games and play them locally on your console for as long as you are subscribed. The Premium tier also includes access to PlayStation Now, Sony’s streaming service that lets you play over 800 games from PS2, PS3, and PS4 on your PS4, PS5, or PC.
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is Microsoft’s subscription service for Xbox console and PC gamers. It has four tiers: Core, Console, PC, and Ultimate. The Core tier replaces the Xbox Live Gold service and gives you access to online multiplayer on Xbox consoles and a library of about 25 games. The Console and PC tiers give you access to over 100 games from Microsoft and third-party studios, including EA Play’s library of games.
You can download these games and play them on your console or PC for as long as you are subscribed. The Ultimate tier includes everything from the Console and PC tiers, plus access to Xbox Cloud Gaming, Microsoft’s streaming service that lets you play over 100 games on your Android or iOS device.
Comparison of Price and Plans
The price and plans of PStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass vary depending on the tier you choose and the region you live in. Here is a table that shows the monthly cost of each tier in US dollars:
| Service | Tier | Price |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Plus | Essential | $9.99 |
| PlayStation Plus | Extra | $14.99 |
| PlayStation Plus | Premium | $17.99 |
| Xbox Game Pass | Core | $9.99 |
| Xbox Game Pass | Console | $9.99 |
| Xbox Game Pass | PC | $9.99 |
| Xbox Game Pass | Ultimate | $14.99 |
As you can see, both services have similar prices for their basic tiers, but PS Plus has higher prices for its Extra and Premium tiers. However, PS Plus also offers quarterly and yearly plans that can save you some money if you pay upfront. For example, the yearly plan for the Premium tier costs $120, which is equivalent to $10 per month.
Comparison of Game Library and Exclusives
Both services offer a large and diverse game library that covers various genres, platforms, and ratings. However, there are some differences in the quality and quantity of the games available on each service.
One of the main advantages of Xbox Game Pass is that it gives you access to all Microsoft exclusive titles on day one. This means that you can play blockbuster franchises like Halo, Forza, Gears of War, Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, and more as soon as they are released without paying extra. You also get access to new and returning IPs like Hellblade, Psychonauts 2, The Outer Worlds, Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and more.
PS Plus does not offer day one access to Sony exclusive titles, but it does offer some of them after a certain period of time. For example, some of the games that are currently available on PS Plus include God of War (2018), Horizon Zero Dawn (2017), Uncharted 4 (2016), The Last of Us Remastered (2014), Bloodborne (2015), Ratchet & Clank (2016), Days Gone (2019), Detroit: Become Human (2018), Persona 5 (2017), Final Fantasy VII Remake (2020), Control (2019), and more. These are some of the best and most critically acclaimed games of the last generation, and they are only available on PlayStation consoles.
Another difference is that Xbox Game Pass has more games from third-party publishers than PS Plus. This is partly because Xbox Game Pass includes EA Play, which gives you access to over 70 games from Electronic Arts, including FIFA, Madden, Battlefield, Star Wars, The Sims, and more. Xbox Game Pass also has more indie games and smaller titles than PS Plus, which can be a good or bad thing depending on your taste.
Comparison of Streaming and Cloud Gaming
Both services offer some form of streaming and cloud gaming, but they have different approaches and limitations.
PS Plus only offers streaming for its Premium tier subscribers, and only for the games that are part of PlayStation Now. PlayStation Now is Sony’s streaming service that lets you play over 800 games from PS2, PS3, and PS4 on your PS4, PS5, or PC. You can stream these games without downloading them, but you need a stable internet connection and a compatible controller. You can also download some of the PS4 games and play them locally on your console. However, PlayStation Now does not include any PS5 games or any of the newer PS Plus games.
Xbox Game Pass offers streaming for its Ultimate tier subscribers, and for all the games that are part of Xbox Cloud Gaming. Xbox Cloud Gaming is Microsoft’s streaming service that lets you play over 100 games from Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on your Android or iOS device. You can stream these games without downloading them, but you need a stable internet connection and a compatible controller. You can also download any of the games and play them locally on your console or PC. Xbox Cloud Gaming includes all the Xbox Game Pass games, including the Microsoft exclusive titles on day one.
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Comparison of Online Multiplayer and Perks
Both services offer online multiplayer for their subscribers, but they have different requirements and benefits.
PS Plus requires you to have a subscription to play online multiplayer on PS4 and PS5 games. However, some free-to-play games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and more do not require a subscription to play online.
PS Plus also gives you 100 GB of cloud storage for your saved games, which can be useful if you switch between consoles or want to back up your progress. Additionally, PS Plus gives you exclusive discounts in the PlayStation Store, as well as access to some free themes and avatars for your profile.
Xbox Game Pass requires you to have a Core or Ultimate subscription to play online multiplayer on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S games. However, some free-to-play games like Fortnite, Apex Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, and more do not require a subscription to play online.
Xbox Game Pass also gives you unlimited cloud storage for your saved games, which can be useful if you switch between devices or want to back up your progress. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass gives you exclusive deals and perks in the Microsoft Store, as well as access to some free DLCs and in-game items for some of the games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use both PS Plus and Xbox Game Pass at the same time?
You can use PlayStation and Xbox Game Pass simultaneously, but you’ll pay for each separately, potentially costly.
You can share PS Plus/Xbox Game Pass via family accounts or home consoles, no extra charges.
Can I cancel my PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription anytime?
You can cancel PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass anytime, but you’ll lose access to games and features when it expires.
Can I get a refund for my PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass subscription?
No refunds for PS Plus or Xbox Game Pass but contact support for issues.
Can I play offline with my PS Plus or Xbox Game subscription?
You can play offline with PS Plus or Xbox Game by downloading games, but some online features won’t work offline.
Conclusion
PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass are both great subscription services that offer a lot of value for console gamers. However, depending on your budget, preferences, and gaming habits, one might be better suited for you than the other.