PlayStation is planning to combine its two existing subscription offerings into one ultimate package to rival Xbox's Game Pass. The new service, code-named Spartacus, would include the online multiplayer elements of PlayStation Plus and the streaming and downloading of games from its archive, like PlayStation Now.
It's always seemed overly complicated having these two separate services, so this will be welcome news to existing PlayStation users. Microsoft's Game Pass for the Xbox is a much simpler proposition and with Spartacus, Sony may hope to create a direct rival.
According to Bloomberg, the service is likely to retain the PlayStation Plus name but integrate the PlayStation Now functionality into various tiers. A base version would be similar to the current PS Plus offering, while more premium tiers would add a catalog of PS4 and PS5 games as well as classic PlayStation games from all eras and consoles.
The new service is expected to launch in Spring 2022 and be available for both PS4 and PS5 users. There's no word yet on price but it would make sense if they are similar to Xbox. Our guess is $9.99/£8.99 for the tier one offering, $14.99/£10.99 for tier two and $19.99/£14.99 for the full set. Anything cheaper will be a bonus.
Don't forget to check our PlayStation 5 stock tracker if you're still looking to buy a PS5 before Christmas.
Upgrade to smarter living
Get the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products straight to your inbox.
As T3's Editor-in-Chief, Mat Gallagher has his finger on the pulse for the latest advances in technology. He has written about technology since 2003 and after stints in Beijing, Hong Kong and Chicago is now based in the UK. He’s a true lover of gadgets, but especially anything that involves cameras, Apple, electric cars, musical instruments or travel.
-
PS5 gets a surprise free system update ahead of the PS5 Pro launch
Expect to see some homescreen changes
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS Plus getting one of 2025's most exciting upcoming PS5 games for free
PS Plus Extra and Premium members getting Remedy's weird new shooter on day one
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Your PS5 games could change forever after groundbreaking court decision
EU court rules that third-party cheats and add-ons are allowed
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS Plus adding one of my favourite action-RPGs on PS5 and PS4 for free
Dare you go back to the island?
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS5 Pro pre-order stock update – new stock available today
There's new PS5 Pro pre-order stock at select retailers
By Rik Henderson Published
-
PS Plus subscribers get one of the best sci-fi remakes of all time on PS5 for free
Dare you go back into space?
By Rik Henderson Published
-
Have we just seen Sony's first native PS5 Pro game?
Ghost of Yōtei looks visually stunning
By Max Freeman-Mills Published
-
How to watch the PlayStation State of Play showcase today – 20+ new games for PS5 and PS5 Pro
Here's everything you need to know about the latest PS5 presentation
By Rik Henderson Published