Subscription services have changed how people play games. So instead of buying individual titles, players can now unlock tons of games for a small fee.
And when we talk about gaming subscriptions, two names lead the pack… Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus. Both of these offer online perks, massive libraries, and other exclusive features.
On the one hand, Xbox focuses on day-one releases and cross-platform access. On the other hand, PlayStation offers popular exclusives and nostalgic classics.
That leaves us with the big question: Xbox Game Pass or PlayStation Plus? In this article, we will take a closer look at both Xbox Game Pass & PlayStation Plus to help you choose the service that fits your gaming style.
Xbox Game Pass Explained
The Xbox Game Pass is offered by Microsoft Corp and comes with a vast library of games. A lot of players also choose to buy Xbox accounts with Game Pass already activated from trusted marketplaces like U7BUY.
One key benefit of buying the Xbox accounts from U7BUY is that there is no cost loss as compared to getting the Game Pass directly from Microsoft.
The Game Pass is around since 2017 and has become the go-to subscription choice for gamers. The Game Pass is available in these options:
· Core – Online multiplayer and a small rotating game library.
· Console – Access the library on Xbox.
· PC – Access to the library on Windows PCs.
· Ultimate – Includes console, PC, cloud gaming, and all perks.
Out of these, the Ultimate is the one with the most features. Players get access to both console and PC titles, along with cloud gaming. In simple words, Game Pass Ultimate allows players to enjoy games even on smart TVs and mobile devices.
The biggest strength of the Game Pass? Day One access. If we look back, many big titles such as Forza Motorsport, Halo Infinite, and Starfield were available in Game Pass from day one.
A lot of users really love the day one release feature. Why? It lets them enjoy new titles without paying full price. However, it’s worth mentioning that the day-one releases are available on all tiers except the Core.
PlayStation Plus Explained
PlayStation Plus was made available in 2010, making it older than Xbox’s Game Pass. It was initially designed to offer online multiplayer and monthly free games. However, it was revamped in 2022 and now offers a lot more features.
PlayStation Plus is divided into different tiers:
· Essential – Online multiplayer and a few monthly free games.
· Extra – Includes everything in essential + hundreds of PS4/PS5 titles.
· Premium – Extra plan’s features and classic PS1/2/3 titles + Cloud streaming.
What makes PlayStation Plus so unique is its exclusive titles. So, if you are a fan of The Last of Us, Spider Man 2, and similar titles, the answer is PlayStation Plus.
Another strong point of this subscription is nostalgia. With Premium, players can revisit classics from the PS1 and PS2 era!
With 47+ million subscribers, PlayStation Plus remains a favorite option for the gaming community. After all, there’s so much to love: Exclusive titles, PS 1/2/3 classics, & cloud streaming.
Comparing Xbox Game Pass vs. PlayStation Plus
Now, let’s compare both of these gaming subscriptions to find out which one is best:
Pricing & Subscription Tiers
The pricing for both the Xbox & PlayStation subscriptions is pretty much the same. However, the Xbox Ultimate costs $19.99/month while the PlayStation Premium only costs $17.99/month ($2 savings).
But, it’s also worth noting that you get access to PC+console titles with the Xbox Game Pass. So for those who want to enjoy games on both PC and console, the Ultimate could help them save money.
Game Library & Content Variety
Do you want access to day-one releases? Then the Xbox Game Pass is the clear winner as it gives you instant access to new titles.
In the past, the big titles like Forza Motorsports, Halo Infinite, and Starfield were all made available. Also, the Xbox Game Pass offers EA Play, giving access to Battlefield and FIFA.
On the other hand, PlayStation Plus is all about the exclusive titles. Some of the examples include Demon’s Souls, Spider Man, Returnal, and so on. The Premium also comes with the PSP and the PS1/2 titles.
To put it short, Game Pass is best for all the new releases, and PlayStation offers exclusive and nostalgic titles.
Cloud Gaming & Accessibility
Is cloud gaming and accessibility important for you? Then, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is ideal as it allows you to enjoy gaming on all devices.
The PlayStation Plus Premium also offers cloud streaming. However, it’s limited to only older titles and certain regions for now.
Backward Compatibility & Classic Games
Are you a fan of older titles and classic games? Then, the PlayStation Plus Premium stands out as you get access to a large collection of PS 1/2/3 titles. In addition, it also offers the PSP games so players can revisit the classics.
On the other hand, the Xbox Game Pass isn’t that focused on the retro games library. But it does offer access to many Xbox 360 and Original Xbox titles.
In short, PlayStation excels at curated classics… While Xbox focuses on keeping old purchases playable.
