Opinion: Has Sony Assembled the Worst PS Plus Month Ever?

Is This the Worst PS Plus Month Ever? Sony Faces Backlash over Poor Lineup and Price Increase

Sony announces a disappointing lineup for September 2023

The poor lineup for September 2023 and the membership price increases would be bad enough on their own, but when they’re put together and announced hand in hand: is this the worst PS Plus month ever?

PS Plus Essential and PS Plus Extra subscribers express dissatisfaction

Prior to the price hike, PS Plus Essential and PS Plus Extra members were generally satisfied with the value they were getting. The base tier offered three quality PS4 games (with Saints Row being considered a good choice for this month), and PS Plus Extra subscribers enjoyed access to up to 20 fantastic titles at once. However, this value has now been tainted by a £16 / $35 price increase.

PS Plus Extra still offers good value, but scrutiny increases

Starting next month, PS Plus Extra is still considered to provide good value. However, Sony’s choice of PS5 and PS4 games for the service will now face increased scrutiny. Users are aware that the company has selected these titles with the knowledge that they are demanding more cash.

PS Plus Premium faces criticism for lack of value and increased price

PS Plus Premium, the membership tier constantly criticized by Sony backers, now costs an extra £20 / $40. Over the past few months, game updates have been limited to PS1 and PSP titles, with no new PS2 games added since the service was refreshed and only occasional streaming access to PS3 experiences. With rarely more than three games available at once, many view it as bad value for money, and Sony’s decision to hike prices only exacerbates the dissatisfaction among subscribers.

Sony fails to justify the price increase

Sony has the freedom to adjust the pricing structure of its PS Plus service, but without any justification or added benefits, the significant price increase comes across poorly. If Sony had announced the ability to download and play PS3 games natively or the release of first-party games on PS Plus Premium day and date, it might have been easier to justify the price hike. Unfortunately, these are not realistic propositions, and simply asking for more money without a reason is hard to accept for many subscribers.

Share your opinion on the PS Plus price increase

A poll has been created to gauge the general sentiment towards Sony’s PS Plus price increases. You can cast your vote and share your thoughts in the comments section below the article.

Reader Poll: Has Sony put together the worst PS Plus month ever?

• Yes, this is the worst PS Plus month there’s been – 38%
• It’s up there, this is a really bad month – 39%
• I think it’s a pretty average month for PS Plus Essential – 13%
• Not really, I don’t think it’s so bad – 4%
• Not at all, you’re overreacting – 5%
• I don’t know – 1%

Reader Poll: Will you remain subscribed to PS Plus after the price increase?

• Yes, I’ll still subscribe to PS Plus at my current tier – 32%
• Yes, but I’m going to drop a tier – 22%
• No, I’m letting my subscription lapse – 32%
• I don’t know / I don’t have PS Plus – 15%

How do you feel about Sony’s PS Plus price increases? Place a vote in our polls and then share your full thoughts in the comments below.