Did PS Plus beat Game Pass in 2023?

PS Plus is considered inferior compared to Game Pass but the truth is, it might be the better product.

In the competitive world of gaming subscriptions, 2023 saw a close race between PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass, each offering a substantial library of games to their subscribers. Last year, Xbox Game Pass provided its members with a substantial amount of content, led by high-profile games like Starfield as well as AA hits such as Lies of P. And, while PS Plus is widely considered to be an inferior subscription service, the truth is that Sony’s offering isn’t far behind. In fact, according to the folks over at The Loadout, PS Plus offered an array of games valued at approximately $8,000 in 2023.

The PS Plus Essential tier, the most affordable option from Sony, presented gamers with 37 titles last year, amounting to a total value of $1,479.63. However, the bulk of the value, amounting to $7,459.59, came from the PS Plus Extra tier. This tier, considered the direct rival to Xbox Game Pass, introduced 168 games but lacked major day-one titles. The highest tier, PS Plus Premium, added 46 games valued at $570.54, focusing on classic games from older PlayStation consoles. In spite of this impressive offering, some gamers felt the selection underwhelming, particularly in the Premium tier, where iconic titles from consoles like the PS2 and PSP were absent.

The total value of games offered by PS Plus across all tiers in 2023 reached $8,030.13, slightly surpassing the Xbox Game Pass offerings. However, this doesn’t paint the complete picture of each service’s value. Xbox Game Pass is known for its first-party titles on Day 1, a feature PS Plus doesn’t offer, though it does include some third-party Day 1 releases.

The quality and variety of games are significant factors in evaluating these services. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, priced at $17 per month, is comparable to PS Plus Extra, which costs $15 per month.

Despite the impressive figures, there are concerns regarding the impact of these subscription services on game sales. In the leaked information from the recent Insomniac Games hack, Sony is aware that adding titles to PlayStation Plus may lead to a decline in overall sales. Titles like Horizon: Zero Dawn and God of War experienced a drop in sales upon their release on the Sony subscription. Microsoft has also acknowledged similar effects with Game Pass.

In response to the competition from Game Pass, Sony revamped PlayStation Plus, introducing Extra and Premium tiers to the existing Essential tier.

The pricing of these tiers has seen an increase since their introduction, with the Extra tier now costing $134.99 annually, the Essential at $79.99, and the Premium at $159.99. These changes reflect the evolving landscape of gaming subscriptions and the efforts of both Sony and Microsoft to offer the best value to their subscribers.

While it’s clear both PS Plus and Game Pass offer significant value and a wide range of games, the choice between the two ultimately depends on individual preferences and gaming interests. The close competition between giants in 2023 highlights the dynamic nature of the gaming industry and the growing importance of subscription services in providing diverse gaming experiences to players.

At the moment, both services are bringing their best foot forward to start 2024. The Game Pass will welcome a massive lineup of games ahead of a rumored Xbox Direct showcase soon. On the other hand, the PS Plus Essential lineup for January 2024 is a big win for the platform.

Special Thanks to Xfire