Sony has recently announced a price increase for its PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) subscription service, affecting all its tiers. Scheduled to take effect on September 6, the Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers will see considerable hikes in their annual costs. Here’s a breakdown of the changes, their implications for existing subscribers, and how they compare with changes to Xbox Game Pass.

Price Changes: By the Numbers

The Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers for PS Plus, initially priced at $59.99, $99.99, and $119.99, will now cost $79.99, $134.99, and $159.99 respectively. Sony cites the need to “continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits” as the reason for this adjustment.

Existing Subscribers: What It Means for You

If you’re already a subscriber to PS Plus, don’t worry—your current subscription cost will remain the same until your next renewal date. Only when you renew or change your subscription plan will the new pricing take effect.

Credit: Playstation Blog

New Subscribers: Act Now

For those contemplating a PS Plus subscription, it would be wise to make your purchase before September 6. This allows you to lock in the current, lower rates for a full year, saving you up to $40 depending on the tier you choose.

Monthly Games for September

Alongside the announcement of the price hike, Sony also revealed the monthly games for September. Subscribers can add the Saints Row reboot, Black Desert – Traveler Edition, and Generation Zero to their profiles for free, provided they maintain their PS Plus subscription.

Comparison with Xbox Game Pass

Interestingly, Xbox also increased the price of its Game Pass subscription service in June, raising the cost of its standard and Ultimate tiers as of July 6. The hikes came with the removal of the 14-day trial just before the launch of Starfield. Xbox’s reason for the adjustment echoes Sony’s, emphasizing the need to “reflect competitive conditions in each market.”

Conclusion

While Sony’s price hike is considerable, the tech giant assures that the increase will enable them to keep delivering quality games and benefits. Both new and existing subscribers should take note of these changes and act accordingly to make the most out of their gaming investment. Given the parallel price increases from Xbox, it appears that the cost of gaming subscriptions is on a general uptrend, prompting gamers to strategize their spending carefully.

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