PlayStation Plus Premium is starting to make sense. Sony introduced the all-new PlayStation Plus more than a year ago, however, the service and its tiers have had a hard time enticing users to subscribe. As it stands now, PS Plus now has three tiers: essential, extra and premium (or deluxe in markets without streaming). At the very bottom is essential which offers little more than online multiplayer and free monthly games. The extra tier gives access to the Games Catalogue while Premium adds on the classics catalogue and game trials. However, that’s about to change with the introduction of game streaming to the service at its premium tier. While the service was announced a little over 12 months ago, it’s finally making its debut.
Starting this month, gamers will be able to start accessing PS5 cloud streaming. With the service kicking off, you’ll be able to play PS5 games without the need for lengthy downloads. Instead, the games will be instantly streamed from Sony’s servers. This will help in eliminating the waiting time and ensuring that you can dive into your chosen game at a moment’s notice.
Sony isn’t looking to stream games in low quality with the service. Instead, when streaming PS5 games, you can enjoy high-quality resolution options, including 4K, 1440p, 1080p, and 720p, all at up to 60 frames per second. This also includes HDR support. Sony is also bringing support for 5.1 and 7.1 surround sound and Tempest 3D Audiotech which is supposed to make game audio even more immersive.
Sony’s approach to cloud gaming is refreshingly flexible. PlayStation Plus Premium members can stream the games they own or wish to try out. While some games can be directly streamed, others can be downloaded, providing you with the choice that best suits your gaming preferences. You’ll also be able to capture up to 3 minutes of gameplay while streaming.
Here are some notable titles you’ll be able to stream or download as a PlayStation Plus Premium member: Resident Evil 4, Dead Island 2, Genshin Impact, Fall Guys, and Fortnite. Additionally, you can access game trials for various titles, such as Hogwarts Legacy, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and The Calisto Protocol. These game trials enable you to test these titles before deciding to purchase them.
While not all games will be available at launch, Sony promises to support hundreds of PS5 titles. Some of the top PS5 hits are already in the lineup, including Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Horizon Forbidden West, Ghost of Tsushima, Mortal Kombat 11, and Saints Row IV. This is just the beginning, with the game catalogue set to expand significantly in the future.
Pricing & Availability: Unlocking the Future of Gaming
As mentioned earlier in the article, you have to be subscribed to PlayStation Plus Premium in supported countries to access the service. At the time of the announcement, PS Plus Premium is priced at USD$159.99 (MYR755.11) a year or USD$17.99 (MYR84.91) a month. There is also a 3-month subscription for USD$49.99 (MYR235.94).
Availability will be rolled out in phases in select markets. As of now, the service is scheduled to live in Japan on October 17, 2023, followed by Europe on October 23, 2023 and North America on October 30, 2023.
At the moment, cloud gaming through PlayStation Plus Premium will be available in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Cyprus, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United State.