Since Microsoft launched its Xbox Game Pass subscription service back in 2017, there have been persistent calls for Sony to follow suit with its own rival. After years of questions and speculation the Japanese platform holder has finally delivered on that front. The rebootedPlayStation Plusrolled out across the globe in June, and has already found solid success. Between day one debutantes likeStrayandDeliver Us the Moon, andupcoming additions like theYakuzaseries, the service has already demonstrated its value.
Considering how Microsoft’s subscription service inspired and prompted Sony to step up its own game though, comparisons between the two are more than natural. Ever since the rebooted service was leaked several months ago, fans have been weighing up how both publishers have managed to approach the same Netflix-esque concept in unique ways. Now that the new-lookPS Plushas launched, it’s worth taking a look at how its feature-complete Premium tier compares with Xbox Game Pass.
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Gaming Libraries
Arguably the most important comparison that needs to be made between PS Plus Premium and Xbox Game Pass right off the bat, is the type of content that they offer. In a world dominated by an ever-growing list of subscription services, the phrase ‘content is king’ has become all the more relevant. It’s perhaps unsurprising thatMicrosoft and Sony have gone downsimilar yet unique avenues on this front, in an attempt to demonstrate their respective value.
What helps to make PS Plus Premium’s library more enticing, though, is the fact that its list includes all the Extra tier’s content as well. That means in total players have access to roughly 700 games from across PlayStation’s storied history. In addition to modern hits likeReturnal, classic gamessuch asApe EscapeandSyphon Filterare locked exclusively behind Sony’s most expensive tier. It’s easy to imagine this being one area that Sony continues to improve on, based on how long it’s been making console games in comparison to its rival.
In comparison,Xbox Game Pass’ library is slightly smaller. While the list of titles changes each month, on average the selection clocks in at roughly 400 games. It’s worth keeping in mind though that there’s one significant caveat to this, that numbers alone don’t demonstrate. Even though Sony has been reluctant to go down the same road, Microsoft has reconfirmed that all of its first party content will continue to launch day-and-date on Game Pass. From a content perspective, there’s no denying how valuable this is.
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Bonus Content
Pricing and Platforms
While personal preference and taste is obviously subjective, there’s no denying that Microsoft currently offers a more cost-effective deal. That also extends to the trial versions of each respective subscription model. Typically,Xbox and PC playerscan get a one-month trial of Game Pass for only $1. In comparison, Sony offers a free trial of PS Plus Premium that lasts for just one week.
Extra Features
When it comes to Xbox Game Pass’ extra features, Microsoft has spread them out between its two tiers. The ability to stream the subscription service’s biggest games directly to mobile devices and select TVs,via Xbox Cloud Gaming, is arguably Ultimate’s standout feature. Players also have the ability to earn bonuses via Microsoft’s Reward scheme as well, regardless of which subscription model they choose to buy into.
MORE:The Best Games On PS Plus Premium & Extra (July 2022)
