By 
Gaming consoles are the cheapest hardware you can get to enjoy modern AAA games without worrying about performance issues. The only issue is buying console games gets expensive as you look to build your library. It is the reason Sony and Microsoft have introduced subscription services: PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass.
These subscription services allow players to enjoy numerous games by paying a fixed monthly fee instead of buying them individually. It is more like a Netflix for video games. They offer a few other perks to make the deal even better. However, it can get confusing to decide which of the two is a better-suited service for you.
Here is a detailed comparison between PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass to help you decide.
Pricing and Benefits
| Subscription Tier | Price | Benefits |
| PS Plus Essential | $9.99 monthly, $24.99 for 3-month, $79.99 annually | Monthly games, online multiplayer, exclusive discounts, Share Play, cloud storage, exclusive content |
| PS Plus Extra | $14.99 monthly, $39.99 for 3-month, $134.99 annually | Game Catalog and Ubisoft+ Classics along with Essential perks |
| PS Plus Premium | $17.99 monthly, $49.99 for 3-month, $159.99 annually | Classics Catalog, Game trials, cloud streaming, and Sony Pictures cataog along with Extra perks |
| Xbox Game Pass Core | $9.99 monthly | 25+ console games, online multiplayer, and exclusive deals |
| Xbox Game Pass for PC | $11.99 monthly | PC games library, day one release, EA Play, and exclusive deals |
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | $14.99 monthly | PC and console game library, day one releases, online multiplayer, EA Play, and exclusive deals |
Note: Xbox Game Pass does not offer tri-monthly or annual plans yet.
Games Catalog
PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass are home to hundreds of video games spread across different genres. They keep reshuffling the games library by adding new games and removing existing ones regularly. It means there is always a possibility that a game you are playing or planning to play may leave the service before you complete it. However, Microsoft does offer discounts on games leaving Xbox Game Pass.
If you are particularly interested in day-one releases, Xbox Game Pass is the undisputed winner. It is known for offering new games on the same day as the launch more often. This is because Microsoft owns big gaming studios like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. The service further offers PC games which is another way to enjoy games. There is EA Play integration for EA games but those are usually older titles.
As for Sony, you will likely have to wait for months (sometimes even years) before you can play PlayStation’s newer top-notch titles through the subscription service. But that does not mean there are no top AAA games to enjoy. You will find titles like Ghost of Tsushima, God of War, Uncharted, Horizon Zero Dawn, and Horizon Forbidden West on PlayStation Plus.
It further has Ubisoft+ Classics integration that adds franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry to the service. You also get new game trials and classic PlayStation titles from the era of PS2, PS3, and PSP on the highest tier.
Native Device Support
PlayStation Plus subscription service is exclusively meant for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users. As for Xbox Game Pass, you can subscribe to Game Pass for PC to enjoy games on your Windows PC. The Ultimate tier offers games on PC as well as console. Both services let you stream games to other devices which we have covered next.
Cloud Gaming
Cloud gaming support is available on PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass through their most expensive tier. It is a feature that lets you enjoy games even when you are away from the console.
Xbox Game Pass offers a better cloud gaming experience as it is compatible with multiple devices like Amazon Fire TV, Android, iOS, Windows, MacBooks, smart TVs, and VR headsets. Some games even offer touch controls when you are playing them on mobile.
PlayStation Plus cloud gaming comes with few limitations. For example, PS5 games can be streamed only on a PS5 console. PS4 or classic games can be streamed on a PS4, PS5, or PC. Regardless of the service you opt for, you will need a high-speed internet connection for smoother gameplay while streaming.
Final Thoughts
PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass are subscription services that can prove to be valuable or a waste of money depending on whether you make the right or wrong choice. The best way to pick the right service is to be clear about what type of games you enjoy playing or want to play and what device(s) you intend to play on. We suggest you go for the service that offers the maximum number of games that suit your taste and on device(s) you want to play on.
Comments