Sony has just dropped a bomb on PlayStation 4 users with its announcement for PS Plus Games availability. The PS4 now being more than a decade old with its original release on 15 November 2013. Sony recently announced their plans to discontinue the PS Plus monthly games and games catalog for PlayStation 4 Owners in 2026. This plan has sent shockwaves across the PlayStation community and users. Let’s take a deeper look into the news and see what it means for PS4 Users.
PlayStation Plus on PS3, PS5 & PS5
The PlayStation 4 has for over a decade now been the staple of gaming for many users across the globe. With the console to date boosting a strong community with little over 50 Million active users, on par with PlayStation 5 users. The console has continued to receive support in terms of software upgrades and game releases in the last generation. While Sony has shifted its focus to the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro, the move is set to completely abandon the PS4 in years to come.
The PlayStation Plus service originally provided discounts and access to free monthly games, demos, and cloud storage on the PS3 and PS Vita. After the launch of the PS4 in 2013, the subscription became mandatory to experience online multiplayer. A highly controversial move from Sony which faced huge backlash but the service thrived with many new users. After the release of the PlayStation 5 the service was ramped up with the addition of the games catalog, monthly title integration of PlayStation Now, and increased cloud storage.
PS4 Upgrade and Service Ending in 2026
Sony has officially announced the end of PS Plus monthly games and the games catalog, starting in 2026 for PlayStation 4 Users. This comes with a gradual shift focusing away from the PS4 and towards the PS5. While the news was expected, it has left a bad taste in the 50+ million users who have yet to switch to the PlayStation 5.
Starting in January 2026, the PS Plus benefits will no longer include Monthly games and the removal of the games catalog. The only saving grace for many is the one-year mark between the removal of the service features. PlayStation 4 users have just a little over a year to make the shift to the current gen and ditch the console once and for all.
Summary
While disheartening news for PlayStation 4 users, the move was expected from Sony for a long time. Just like the PS3 and PS Vita’s benefits faded away, the PS4 is heading down the same path. This announcement came shortly after the reveal of the February PS Plus Monthly Games, signaling Sony’s ongoing shift toward the PS5 era. Fans can still enjoy PlayStation Plus Benefits till the end of the year and move forward with shifting to the newer generation before 2026.
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