What’s the Difference Between PS Plus and PS Plus Essential?
The world of PlayStation subscription services can be confusing, especially with the introduction of PS Plus Essential and the original PS Plus. If you’re unsure what sets these two apart, you’re not alone. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between PS Plus and PS Plus Essential, so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
PS Plus: The Core Benefits
PS Plus is the original PlayStation subscription service that offers a range of benefits to its members. With a PS Plus subscription, you’ll get access to the following:
- Online multiplayer: Play online with friends and other players worldwide.
- Exclusive discounts: Get discounts on select PlayStation Store purchases.
- Free games: Receive a selection of free games each month, including PS4 and PS5 titles.
- Cloud saves: Access your game saves from anywhere, across any device with an internet connection.
- Share Play: Invite friends to join you in online multiplayer sessions.
- Online storage: Store your game saves and screenshots online.
PS Plus Essential: The Essential Experience
PS Plus Essential is the new tier of subscription service that offers all the benefits of the original PS Plus, plus some additional perks. With a PS Plus Essential subscription, you’ll get everything mentioned above, plus:
- A catalog of downloadable games: Access a vast library of PS4 and PS5 games to play whenever you want.
- New games added regularly: Expect new games to be added to the catalog each month.
What’s the Difference?
The main difference between PS Plus and PS Plus Essential is the addition of a catalog of downloadable games with the Essential tier. This means that PS Plus Essential subscribers have access to a vast library of games, whereas PS Plus subscribers only get the free games each month.
Here’s a comparison of the two tiers in table form:
| PS Plus | PS Plus Essential | |
|---|---|---|
| Online multiplayer | ||
| Exclusive discounts | ||
| Free games | ||
| Cloud saves | ||
| Share Play | ||
| Online storage | ||
| Catalog of downloadable games | ||
| New games added regularly |
Choosing the Right Tier
So, which tier is right for you? If you’re looking for the core PS Plus benefits, including online multiplayer and free games, the original PS Plus tier might be the way to go. However, if you want access to a vast library of games to play whenever you want, PS Plus Essential is the better choice.
Can You Share PS Plus Essential?
Unfortunately, you cannot share PS Plus Essential with friends or family members. Each account is limited to one console, and you cannot transfer your games or subscription benefits to another account.
How Many Games Are Free on PS Plus Essential?
The number of free games available on PS Plus Essential can vary each month. In recent months, PS Plus Essential subscribers have received between two and four free games per month, including both PS4 and PS5 titles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, PS Plus and PS Plus Essential are two different tiers of subscription service that offer distinct benefits to PlayStation users. While PS Plus offers the core benefits of online multiplayer and free games, PS Plus Essential adds a catalog of downloadable games to the mix. By understanding the differences between these two tiers, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.