PS Plus and PS Now Merge – Yea or Nay?

Sony is versatile in online value offerings for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 3, 4, and PS Vita owners.

The gaming giant offers two separate subscription services with hardly any overlapping content.

In case you haven’t caught on, we’re talking about PS Plus and PS Now.

PS Now is among the pioneers of modern cloud-based console gaming with competitors like Amazon Luna, Microsoft Xbox Cloud Gaming and Game Pass, and Google Stadia.

Its relatively older and more popular counterpart has been around since 2010, offering free monthly games with multiplayer options.

While both services feature hundreds of games and the convenience of cloud storage, it begs the question – why doesn’t Sony combine both gaming services into a single subscription?

Sony was asked about the possibility recently.

However, the company didn’t have anything to offer on the subject, leaving many loyal fans hanging.

Have you wondered what would happen if PS Plus and PS Now merge? The combined services could become the “Netflix for video games.”

If you have thought about this possibility, keep reading.

PS Plus vs. PS Now

Many users are still asking, “Is PS Now and PS Plus the same?” since they’re available for the same price.

Let’s clarify the confusion once and for all. Sony’s PlayStation Plus is an online subscription-based multiplayer service that allows users to play multiplayer games online.

The service also includes free downloadable games like God of War, The Last Guardian, The Last of Us Remastered, etc., from the PS Store for users every month.

PlayStation Now is a subscription-based game streaming service that gets users to access 800 games via their console or PC.

It also includes a small collection of downloadable PS2, PS3, and PS4 games. Users can also stream games on different consoles or PCs by logging into their accounts. However, you need an active internet connection at all times to sign in and use this service.

Below is a list of games available on PS Now and the platforms on which PS Now subscribers can play them.

Advantages of a Merger

1.     Location Availability

With PlayStation fans around the world, the biggest issue with PS Now is that it is only available in 19 countries.

In 2019, PS Now launched across Italy, Spain, Portugal, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway.

The service has expanded to 9 other European countries, the United States, Canada, and Japan, and expanding to new territories will presumably bring more success to the service.

On the other hand, PS Plus is available in 73 countries, meaning more people can access it.

If PS Plus and PS Now merge, more users can access PS Now, especially exclusive games, first-party titles, discounts, and other valuable offerings.

2.     More New Games for Both Users

PlayStation aficionados will gain access to more games upon merging, thanks to the little overlapping content on both services.

The merger might also enable users to enjoy games exclusive to PS Plus, and hold on to them too, so long as they maintain their subscription.

PS Now users will also be able to play free online multiplayer games every month. Be sure to check Twitter for news on PS Plus games to get an idea of what to expect from the combined service.

3.     PC Compatibility to Promote Online Play

With a combined service, users would be able to play free games on PC as long as they have a Dual Shock 4 or any compatible controller.

Users would play free games on PC with a combined service as long as they have a DualShock 4 or any compatible controller.

If you don’t have a powerful computer with excellent graphics or don’t want to spend money on a console, you can use PS Now to play Triple-A games like Horizon Zero Dawn.

Sure, you could also subscribe for Xbox Game Pass or Game Pass Ultimate, but if you’re strictly looking to play online, many gamers recommend PlayStation Now.

For PS Now Users: Play with your platform’s recommended graphic settings to improve your gaming experience. Depending on your PC’s specifications, you can also accelerate performance with your GPU’s clock rate and image sharpening.

Disadvantages of a Merger

1.     Increased Subscription Prices to Play Games Online

By unifying the two services into one, PlayStation users will potentially reap the unique benefits of both, such as downloading, streaming games, PC compatibility, location availability, and much more.

However, users should be ready to incur higher subscription costs since Sony would have to overcome several technical hurdles, especially those related to expanding their data centers.

2.     Storage Isn’t Free Unlike Xbox Game Pass

With more games available to download, users would require more storage to play games offline on their consoles.

Unless the combined service offers over 100 GB in physical and/or cloud storage, PS Now users won’t benefit much from the download function and game saves, which is necessary for certain games like Tomb Raider.

New Subscription Pricing

Outcome: If PS Plus and PS Now merge, there will be an inevitable increase in the subscription pricing since Sony would have to undergo several challenges to make this merger feasible.

Not to mention, they will be adding more value for both users, especially those looking forward to a single service in the future and willing to pay over $100 a year for it.

Enhanced Gaming Experience

Outcome: As far as the gaming experience is concerned, a combined service will benefit most people.

For instance, PS Plus users would get access to more high-resolution games exclusive to PS Now.

Similarly, PS Now users would get access to a vast selection of PS2, PS3, and PS4 games.

Another benefit for Now users at an extra cost is that they won’t have to subscribe to PS Plus separately to play multiplayer games, which will enhance the convenience factor and, therefore, user satisfaction.

Pros and Cons of Two Subscription Services for Monthly Games

This discussion itself is multifaceted, with the answer being a matter of preference for every user.

Pros of keeping the two services separate:

• Users that don’t generally like to play online games don’t need to subscribe to PS Plus.  
• Users with a poor internet connection can’t reap the benefits of PS Now fully, meaning subscribing to just PS Plus would be a cheaper solution.
• Users don’t necessarily like the idea of streaming games rather than playing them.

Cons of keeping the two services separate:

• Users fond of both playing and watching games need to spend some big buck to get both services.
• Both services have different content, for the most part. With a merged service, users can get access to more content.
• If the merger becomes a third or bundled option, many users might stick to PS Plus, PS Now, or an alternative combined service.
• Users with a poor internet connection can’t experience PS Now properly, meaning subscribing to just PS Plus would be a cheaper solution. Similarly, users that don’t generally like to play online games don’t need to subscribe to PS Plus.  

To Improve Internet Connection: Use a power line adaptor instead of the PS4 Wi-Fi to improve or maintain high-speed internet (preferably above 5GHz)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Time to Demand a Merger?

While both services cater to different PlayStation users, we believe that a merger would highly benefit hardcore gamers looking for the best of both worlds.

However, a complex merger like this would require hundreds of millions of dollars before it can be feasible and would have a significantly long payback time even if Sony simply doubled the subscription pricing later.

We’ll be sharing more developments on the merger soon.

In the meantime, feel free to check out more exclusive content regarding the best consoles in the market.