Sony revamps PlayStation Now to offer a better range of games and lower subscription prices.
With Google preparing to upend the video games industry with the upcoming launch of Stadia, Sony has shaken up its own PC and console video game streaming service with new pricing and the promise of an enhanced library of games.
You have to feel for Sony, just a little bit. PlayStation Now has been running for five years but it has always been considered a bit of a joke. It was only when Google declared its interest in game streaming that mainstream attention turned to the benefits and pitfalls of the technology.
Sony added local PS4 and PS2 console downloads to the service late last year and has today announced sweeping price cuts for the service. A monthly subscription is now half its original price in the US at $9.99 a month, and down to £8.99 in the UK. An annual pass is priced at $59.99/£49.99.
PlayStation Now will also start receiving new top-tier games each month. The first batch – God of War, Grand Theft Auto V, InFamous Second Son and Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End – will be available from today until January 2, 2020.
New PlayStation Now Pricing
US
- Monthly: $9.99
- Quarterly: $24.99
- Annual: $59.99
Canada:
- Monthly: $12.99
- Quarterly: $34.99
- Annual: $79.99
Europe:
- Monthly: €9.99
- Quarterly: €24.99
- Annual: €59.99
UK:
- Monthly: £8.99
- Quarterly: £22.99
- Annual: £49.99
Japan:
- Monthly: ¥1,180
- Quarterly: ¥2,980
- Annual: ¥6,980
Sony is also demonstrating its appetite for the fight by giving the service a push in its first TV advertisement.
PlayStation Now TV spot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtjRraT8zyE
If you want to try before you buy, a seven-day trial membership to PlayStation Now is available to all new subscribers. Existing subscribers will see the new pricing reflected in their next billing cycle.
For more PlayStation news, check out this week’s new PS4 releases and free PS Plus games. And follow us on Twitter and Flipboard for daily gaming updates.
