What is PlayStation Now subscription and should I get it?

Update: Sony has launched brand new PS Plus membership plan which now subsumes the benefits of PlayStation Now, you can check out the details at: All-New PlayStation Plus.

PlayStation Now might be one of the most underrated services offered by Sony. Let’s see what PlayStation now is, and is it worth it?

Playstation Now is a monthly subscription service you can use to access more than 700 games. By using PS Now, you can stream PS4, PS3, and PS2 games instantly on a PS5, PS4, and PC, as well as download hundreds of PS4 games on your PS5 or PS4 console. If you are new to PlayStation or even if you are a PlayStation veteran, you should definitely try out PlayStation Now.

Sounds amazing, right. Let’s find out how much does the subscription cost, and are there any caveats associated with the service?

How much does the Playstation Now subscription cost?

PS Now is available in three subscription plans:

You can choose between any of the plans; if you chose a 12-month plan, then that is equivalent to $5 per month and offers the most value for money.

What do I need to use Playstation Now service?

Glad you asked this question. You will need the following to use the Playstation Now service:

• PS5, PS4, or a Windows PC.
• A DualSense or Dualshock 4 wireless controller if you are on a console or a Dualshock 4 wireless controller (with USB cable) or another compatible controller.
• A PlayStation Network account with registered payment details.
• An active broadband connection. 5mbps or higher is recommended.
• And of course, An active PS Now subscription or a seven-day free trial of the same.

For Windows PC following are the requirements to use the Playstation Now service:

Minimum required spec:

• Core i3 2.0 GHz
• 2 GB of RAM
• OS: Windows 7 (SP 1), 8.1 or 10
• Sound card; USB port
• 300 MB of available storage

Recommended specs for optimal performance:

• 3.5 GHz Intel Core i3 processor or 3.8 GHz AMD A10 processor or faster
• 2 GB or more of RAM
• OS : Windows 7 (SP 1), 8.1 or 10
• Sound card; USB port
• 300 MB or more of available storage

Is it possible to download games from PS Now to my PC?

Although you can stream PS Now games on PS5, PS4, or a Windows PC but you can only download PS Now games to the PS5 and PS4.

PlayStation Now vs. PlayStation Plus: What is the Difference?

As we have seen, Playstation Now enables you to stream games on your PS5, PS4, or Windows PC. On the other hand, PlayStation Plus is a service that offers various other benefits such as:

• Discounts on games for members
• Monthly free games to download.
• 100GB of cloud storage for game saves.
• Online multiplayer gaming.

Is Playstation Plus included with Playstation Now?

No, both are separate services providing different benefits. You would need to subscribe to these services separately to avail of the respective benefits.

Which games are included with PS Now?

More than 700 plus games are available for you to play. Some of the major titles available with subscription service are:

• Bloodborne
• Journey
• GOD OF WAR: Ghost Of Sparta
• Until Dawn
• The Last of Us
• Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception – Game of the Year Edition

Sony constantly adds new titles and updates the existing library of games. You can check the current full list of games at PS Now Games List.

What happens to save progress when my PlayStation Now subscription ends?

You will lose access to your save progress associated with that game if your PS subscription expires. Your saved data will be accessible again if you subscribe to PS Now or buy the game from PlayStation Store.

Data from streamed games will be stored in the PS Now cloud storage. The saved data can be downloaded to your console or to PS Plus cloud storage (if you have a PS Plus subscription). PS Now cloud storage is available only to subscribers of the service.

The PS4 console will automatically have a save file for downloaded games. If you plan on returning to your progress through PS Now or by purchasing the game on the PS Store, just make sure you don’t delete the save file.

In which countries is PS now currently available?

PlayStation Now is currently available in the following countries:

How to sign up for Playstation Now?

Playstation Now can be set up very easily. To sign up, visit the PSN Store. In order to subscribe, you must have a valid payment method, select your plan, and chose signup. You can stream or download games from the PlayStation Now app after purchasing a subscription.

Do I need a PlayStation Plus subscription to play multiplayer games on Playstation Now?

PS Now lets you play multiplayer PS4 and PS3 games online without a PlayStation Plus subscription. But in order to play online multiplayer for PS4 and PS3 games outside of PS Now, you will need to have a PS Plus subscription. That being said, PlayStation Plus also offers a plethora of benefits you can check if it is for you or not: All-New PlayStation Plus: Which tier is best for you?

So, Is the PS Now subscription worth It?

In a word, yes, if you are new to PlayStation or even if you are a PlayStation veteran, you definitely should check out the Playstation now as it is one of the best game streaming applications available right now. You can also get a 7-day free trial period of the service and decide for yourself. 

Let us know in the comments below what your experience is with the Sony Playstation Now service.