If you purchase a paid subscription to a video game service for consoles and PCs, you will gain access to a wide list of titles that will be available as long as you make the payment monthly or annually.
You’ll also enjoy extra benefits like the ability to play your console or PC games in the cloud, priority access to games the same day they’re released, and much more.
But since there are different video game subscription services out there, you need to choose the one that best suits your tastes. Here’s what you need to consider to make the right choice.
What to look for when choosing the best gaming subscription
There are several key points that you should not overlook in order to make a good decision when selecting your video game subscription service:
Game Library
This is a crucial aspect. In principle, if you only have one console, the choice is simple, since you will have to subscribe to the platform belonging to it. For example, if you own a PS5, your corresponding subscription is PlayStation Plus.
On the other hand, if you want a service that combines titles for consoles and PCs in a single catalogue and that also combines other functions, the best option today is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Its main strength is the arrival of first-party Xbox titles on both systems day one.
It also has a list of more than 400 games, where the oldest ones are remastered with 4K textures and 60 fps. It has “Play Anywhere”, that is, video games that will be enabled on your console and computer and supports playing in the cloud through Cloud Gaming.
Now, if you are looking for a complementary service for consolesyou can opt for EA Play or Ubisoft Plus. The former will give you access to EA’s own titles, such as Sims 4, Battlefield 2042, Dead Space Remake, etc. The same goes for Ubisoft Plus, which is made for Far Cry and Assassin’s Creed fans, as all the sagas are there.
Finally, if you want a PC-only subscriptionHumble Bundle is the best thing going right now. With membership you’ll get access to a curated list of titles and 20% off newly released games ($12/month).
Additional functions
Evaluate the features listed in this section before purchasing the subscription so that you make the best possible decision, and you will have a team with first-class support.
When it comes to features, the subscription with the most variety is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate because it is the only one that gives access to games released by the company from the first day of release. Also, the cloud gaming platform, Cloud Gaming, gives access to hundreds of titles that you can play from your mobile if you have a stable Internet connection (more than 50 Mbps) and includes “Play Anywhere”.
Of course, it also has online gaming support, cloud save and backup, and constant offers on multiple video games. Plus, a big plus is that it gives you access to many games from the EA Play service.
For its part, PlayStation Plusis a much more traditional service compared to Game Pass, as it only focuses on providing a library of more than 400 games where you will find PS5, PS4, PS3, PS2, PS1 releases, classic Ubisoft titles and more.
As for basic support, PlayStation Plus also delivers online gaming, cloud storage and backup, and discounts on all kinds of video games. Although the most recent PlayStation releases take a while to drop in price, it can take a year or more for the first discounts to become available.
With respect to Nintendois the most basic of the three. Here you can choose to pay only for online support and cloud saves, and you can also include a small expansion pack containing games from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and SEGA Mega Drive. As for features, Nintendo won’t give you anything else, it only sticks to the bare essentials.
Prices
This point is related to the previous one, and it is best to study it before purchasing the console so that you do not regret it in the future. Evaluate the quality-price ratio of the membership, that is, if its cost is really worth it for what it offers.
Each subscription comes with several plans, in Xbox Game Pass you will find the following options:
– Game Pass Core: It costs seven euros per month and has online support, a catalogue of 25 games and product offers for subscribers.
– Game Pass Ultimate: It costs 18 euros per month and you’ll get access to hundreds of games on console, PC and cloud. Day one releases, member offers, online multiplayer and EA Play catalogue.
With PlayStation you will have three types of subscriptions at your disposal:
– Essential: three monthly games, online play, cloud storage and offers. It costs seven euros per month.
– Extra: offers Essential plus a catalog of PlayStation games and Ubisoft+ Classics titles. It costs 10.49 euros per month.
– Deluxe: has all of the above, plus a library of classic titles, game trials, and access to a catalog of Sony movies.
For its part, Nintendo has the following:
– Nintendo Switch Online: You will have online support and cloud storage for four euros per month.
– Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: adds a catalogue of video games from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and SEGA Mega Drive for 40 euros per year (can only be paid annually).
In conclusion, if what you want is to unite your console and PC thanks to a service to play on both systems without limitations and with the support of an excellent catalog of games, the best option is Game Pass Ultimate.
It’s the only service that lets you bring both worlds together, and while it’s the most expensive subscription, keep in mind that many of the games you buy will be enabled on both your console and PC, which will help you save a good amount of money.
On the other hand, if you are a loyal PlayStation user, it is best to pay for the Extra subscription because the classic titles on the Deluxe plan are not well optimized, so the gaming experience is mediocre. Also, the movie library does not add any added value to a gaming membership.
Finally, if you prefer Nintendo over everything else, paying 40 euros a year for online support plus a list of classic titles would be ideal, as it is an affordable amount and you will forget about paying for this service for a long time.