PlayStation Plus is increasing in price just as everyone is returning.
PlayStation Plus is set to become more expensive for new customers starting May 20, adding to the rising costs associated with this console generation. This adjustment will impact select regions and will specifically affect the shorter subscription options.
As outlined in PlayStation’s official announcement, the one-month plans will begin at $10.99, €9.99, or £7.99, while the three-month plans will start at $27.99, €27.99, or £21.99. Most current subscribers will remain shielded from these changes for the time being. Sony has stated that the new pricing will not affect existing members unless they modify their plan or let their subscription expire. However, subscribers in Turkey and India may also experience this change.
Beginning May 20, new customers in select regions will see an increase in PlayStation Plus prices. Due to prevailing market conditions, one-month subscriptions will start at $10.99 USD / €9.99 EUR / £7.99 GBP, and three-month subscriptions will begin at $27.99 USD / €27.99 EUR / £21.99 GBP.
Why is there an increase in shorter plans?
The recent price hike for PlayStation Plus seems primarily focused on Essential tier users who pay monthly or renew their subscriptions for shorter terms. The monthly plan will see an increase of $1, while the three-month plan will rise by $3.
Sony has attributed this change to “ongoing market conditions,” yet the timing raises eyebrows, especially with the anticipated release of GTA 6, which is likely to draw many players back to online multiplayer gaming.
Despite being released 13 years ago, GTA Online continues to attract a significant player base. A recent report from a PlayStation beta build indicated that GTA 5 still boasts over 5 million active players. Given the game's popularity, it’s reasonable to assume that it has a substantial share of that activity. If GTA 6 generates a similar influx of players, many casual gamers may return to PlayStation Plus to join online play. Those short-term subscribers are precisely the audience now facing increased costs.
What are players saying?
The reaction has been largely one of frustration. Many players on Reddit and X have questioned the need for a market-conditions rationale, especially considering that fundamental features like online multiplayer and cloud saves are linked to the PlayStation Plus Essential subscription.
Others have speculated that Sony may be attempting to counterbalance pressure from underperforming first-party titles, such as Bungie’s Marathon and Housemarque’s Saros. However, Sony has not confirmed any such intentions, leaving this as mere speculation rather than fact.
As of now, Sony has not disclosed whether the annual PlayStation Plus plans or the Extra and Premium tiers will experience similar pricing changes in the future. Currently, the most noticeable impact is on those who subscribe via the Essential tier for shorter durations. If your subscription expires after May 20, renewing could cost more than it did previously.
Other articles
The Apple Watch may soon introduce a new feature for sensing blood pressure.
The Apple Watch currently alerts users regarding potential hypertension, but Apple could be developing a more sophisticated blood pressure function for its upcoming premium model.
Barclays reports that humanoid robots could compensate for 60% of the 37 million worker shortage in China by the year 2035.
According to Barclays, the use of humanoid robots in China might compensate for up to 60% of the anticipated decline of 37 million workers in the labor force by 2035, necessitating the deployment of as many as 24 million humanoid robots.
Hypershell secures an additional $50 million in a $120 million Series B round as consumer exoskeletons move beyond a niche market.
Hypershell has secured $50 million in a Series B+ round co-led by Ant Group and Meituan Dragonball, with Sofina and Granite Asia participating as well. The total funding for the Series B has reached $120 million, valuing the company at nearly $400 million ahead of the X-Series launch on Wednesday.
Hypershell raises an additional $50M in its $120M Series B round as consumer exoskeletons move beyond niche markets.
Hypershell has secured $50 million in a Series B+ round co-led by Ant Group and Meituan Dragonball, with participation from Sofina and Granite Asia. The total funding for the Series B round now amounts to $120 million, with a valuation close to $400 million, just before the launch of the X-Series on Wednesday.
Feldwerke secures a €12M revolving credit line to support a 100 MW agri-PV rollout.
Feldwerke, an agri-PV developer located in Munich, has obtained a €12 million revolving credit facility to construct 100 MW of agricultural-photovoltaic capacity within the coming 18 months from its 250 MW project pipeline.
Barclays reports that humanoid robots could help alleviate 60% of the anticipated 37 million worker shortage in China by 2035.
Barclays states that China's introduction of humanoid robots could compensate for nearly 60% of the anticipated decline of 37 million workers in the labor force by 2035, necessitating the use of up to 24 million humanoid robots.
PlayStation Plus is increasing in price just as everyone is returning.
Sony's recent increase in PS Plus pricing affects monthly and three-month subscribers, just ahead of the anticipated release of GTA 6, which is likely to draw a surge of players back to online multiplayer.