I did not expect that we would be able to access a huge library of games for the price of a short taxi trip around the block. However, technology never ceases to amaze me. I suppose with the increase in streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime, it was only a matter of time before something comparable to it emerged for video games. And if you’re reading this post, you’re probably looking for a PlayStation 5 game.
It turns out that there is a streaming service for them, and it’s called PlayStation Now. PS Now has been available since 2014, but it is only gaining momentum now due to the growing popularity of streaming services nowadays. But the question remains: “Is PS Now worth it?” Some of the following topics are addressed in the essay:
- What PlayStation Now is
- How much it costs
- How you could use it
- And how it works in general
At the conclusion of this article, you’ll have a firm grasp on the service, whether it’s something for you, and if PS Now is worth it — which is what you’re here for!
What is PS Now?
Let’s speak about PlayStation Now first. PlayStation Now is a cloud gaming service with a subscription-based revenue model that began in 2015. It allows you to play any new game available through the service for a small price. In terms of usage, it’s very similar to Netflix. You just pay and download whatever games you want. There’s no need to be concerned about maintaining a tangible collection of games.
The prospect of installing games is also erased since you’re streaming the games. You could download the games, of course. But I’ll get to that later.
The main advantages of this service are that you may relive your favorite games from throughout the PS4, PS3, and PS2 eras, including PlayStation exclusive titles and other older games like as the Uncharted series or Resident Evil series.
However, there are two drawbacks:
- PlayStation 5 games aren’t accessible through it. It’s understandable given that they’re new to the market;
- You can play games from multiple platforms (PS Vita software to PS4 Pro titles), except for PlayStation 1 titles. Given how we get to play games from other console eras, this pointer is more difficult to swallow.
Even so, it’s an audacious move that might have a significant impact on how we think about video games.
Okay, But How Does PS Now Work?
“How does PS Now work?” is a common inquiry among PlayStation users. However, it functions similarly to other cloud-based media services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or Disney+ in terms of functionality.
If you join up, you’ll have access to a large selection of games.
If we go by the most recent consensus, which was last updated in 2020, PS Now has at least 800 video games, with around 40% of that total available for download to the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Who Can Use PS Now?
If you live in one of the following countries, you can begin your PS Now subscription right away!
PlayStation Now is available in –
- Europe (including Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom)
- North America (Canada and the United States)
- as well as Japan
How Much Is PS Now Subscription Cost?
There are three pricing tiers for each model. The most popular is the monthly edition, which costs $9.99 per month. The tri-monthly and annual options cost $24.99 and $59.99 per year, respectively Tax might be applicable, so these prices should be considered without it.
PS Now offers over 800 video games, with more than 300 of them being downloadable (more on the download part later). However, I pointed out that lineups are occasionally adjusted, so keep that in mind. If you want to start using PS Now, here’s the subscription page.
So, How Can I Use PS Now?
You’d have to check if PS Now is available in your region. Assuming that it is, the service only needs you to download a direct download from the PlayStation Store. The process may differ for other gadgets. Later on, I’ll explain more about this subject.
How to use PS Now
It’s not necessary to have all of these items, but they are definitely worth noting. But there is one or two exceptions. However, these are still important elements in making your PS Now experience better. So, here are some recommendations on how to utilize PS Now, as well as the needs of PS Now.
- Get a PlayStation Network Account – This all begins with your PlayStation Network account. To use PS Now, you’ll need it as well, just like other cloud services.
- Get a PS4 or PS5 – The second key feature is that the service is only available on PlayStation 4 and PS5 consoles, as far as PlayStation systems are concerned. Since 2017, support for other PlayStation systems has been discontinued. So make sure you have a PS4 or a PS5 before purchasing it. Why is this factor secondary to the first one? Because you don’t need a PS4 or a PS5 system to use PS Now. Non-PlayStation devices can access games through the service, but you’ll still need your PSN account to log in, pay for it, and use it.
- Get an internet connection stronger than 5 Mbps – Because it’s a streaming service, PS Now requires a minimum download speed of 5 Megabits per second (Mbps) or greater. If you convert the bare minimum, you’ll wind up with 125 KiloBytes (or 0.125 MegaBytes). The PS Now bandwidth usage may differ from user to user. However, keep in mind that the minimal amount is crucial. You shouldn’t have problems if you stream your material on another platform without difficulty — for example, Netflix or Disney Plus.
- Pay only for PlayStation Now, not PlayStation Plus – Let me see if I can guess who you are: Is PlayStation Now worth it if it lets you play online multiplayer games for free? Yes! You may interact with other gamers via PlayStation Now. There is no extra charge to play multiplayer games on PS Now. For the time frame they’ve given you, all of the pricing choices give you full access to the games.
Some people believe that you must pay for a PlayStation Plus membership in order to play online games on PS Now. That isn’t accurate, so don’t do it! If you’re still confused, here’s a better explanation of the distinctions between the two services.
Does PS Now Work on the PC, Though?
Yes, PS Now can be used on the PC! If you’re using a non-PlayStation device to stream your PlayStation games, you’ll need to stream them through PS Now. This indicates that PS Now is designed with most devices in mind and works on PC as well.
PlayStation Now is not available on Apple devices, including the Mac. This means it isn’t accessible from your non-PlayStation device using an XInput controller (yes, an Xbox controller works, too!). PlayOn still offers a limited selection of games that can be played online through PC and PS4.
The only downside is that you’ll need a DualShock 3 or 4, DualSense, or any other XInput-compatible controller (yes, an Xbox controller works) in order to use the service through your non-PlayStation device. Unfortunately, PlayStation Now is only for Windows. That means it’s unavailable on iOS devices like Jailbroken iPhones and iPads as well as Android devices without root access.
Can I download PS Now games on PC?
Yes, you have been able to play PS Now games on your PC for quite some time. The answer is no, you can’t download PS Now games to your PC. I’d like to emphasize the fact that downloading PS Now games isn’t possible.
But you don’t have to stream your games if you play them on your PlayStation system. You can download PS Now games to your console and enjoy them without having to stream. (After all, you could download over 300 titles.) This helps save data if you have bandwidth limitations on your internet connection.
This feature, however, is only available on consoles; non-PlayStation devices do not enjoy it.
Can I keep PS Now games forever?
If your subscription expires, your material will be removed just like with other subscription-based cloud services. nYou’ll need to renew your membership in order to play games again. As a result, you won’t be able to play PS Now titles endlessly.
You may continue to progress in the games (whether it’s a PS2, PS3, or even a PS4 game) for as long as you like (save data, trophies, etc.). You have an extra week to play offline games that you download. They are also locked once the week is up.
To open them, you’ll need to renew your PS Now subscription. PS Now is well worth the money, regardless of the flaws. If we consider the whole picture, the problems are easily overlooked.
So, now that you know what PS Now is, how it works, how much it costs, and what it needs, all you have to do now is try it out for yourself! So here’s everything you’ll need for the service and how to download it on PC.
Minimum PC specifications for PS Now
In order to run the PS Now service properly, your computer must meet the following minimum requirements:
- Broadband with a minimum speed of 5 Mbps — a wired connection is recommended.
- An adult account for PlayStation™Network.
- A registered payment method.
- A compatible controller.
How to download PS Now on PC
Follow the instructions I’ve written if you’re looking for how to play PS Now on PC. The installation is rather simple, taking no more than 10 minutes at most.
- Download the PS Now app installation file on your PC. The link will prompt you to save the file somewhere
- Install the app with the help of the onscreen prompts
- Connect your XInput-enabled controller (preferably a DualShock or DualSense controller) to your PC
- Log into the installed app using your PlayStation Network account
- Launch PS Now
- So, you’ve figured out how to download PS Now on PC!
But, Is a PS Now Subscription Worth It?
With all of this in mind, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty and see how PS Now compares to the positive aspects. So, is PS Now worth it in every instance? The jury is still out, but here are some things to consider. There’s nothing that’s “too great,” after all.
The cost of the service itself is not prohibitive. However, the price points are a little difficult to comprehend. In terms of overall value, if you took out each monthly plan one by one and added them up, you’d come out $120 poorer than if you had taken an yearly plan!
In most situations, the annual plan is usually preferable. Of course, don’t let that deter you! Consider what price point is appropriate for you and how often you’ll utilize the service. And here’s another thing to consider:
Games stream at 720p
Note that I wrote “stream” rather than “download.” When it comes to offline downloads, you can play games with resolutions up to 4K without issue. The quality of streaming video is unfortunately not as good. Gaming streams are limited to 720p.
This implies there is no way to improve PS Now visual quality. According to reports, you may solve this problem by upscaling the image quality with a high-end GPU.
Not only that, but given how the service does not rely on your GPU and just your internet connection, this doesn’t make sense. On top of that, you have to worry about input latency; a problem that is all too common in streaming services.
Most people would be hesitant to do so, understandably. A stronger internet connection might help with the latter, but not the former. 1080p is now the standard, so we can only hope that streaming quality improves in time.
This is when your mind starts to wonder, “PS Now is fantastic,” and move on to, “Is PS Now really worth it?” It’s not an issue that can be readily resolved.
Only 3 countries can stream on PS Now currently
You can currently only stream PS Now on your non-PlayStation device from inside the United States, Canada, or the United Kingdom. So, is PS Now worth it if you’re only able to access it through your PlayStation machine? That completely depends on you.
The investment is well worth it if you have financial and time restrictions. For anybody who enjoys playing video games in short bursts, the service is worthwhile. However, to enjoy it, you’ll need a PlayStation system.
It lacks keyboard and mouse support
For a service that’s available on a wide range of non-PlayStation consoles, it seems odd to believe that you could play the games on PS Now with only your keyboard and mouse. We’re going to have to make an enormous “if” about that. Currently, PS Now does not support keyboard and mouse controls for your gaming experience.
Is it worthwhile to pay for PlayStation Now even if you don’t have a controller? But is PS Now worth it even if you don’t have one of those peripherals? It’s mostly true. However, it depends on your personal comfort level.
So How to Cancel PS Now?
Assuming you’re already a member, let’s assume you didn’t care for what PS Now has to offer. Alternatively, you may just want to save money (because game streaming can be costly in terms of data usage). You may cancel your PS Now subscription by following the steps I’ve outlined for each platform.
How to Cancel PS Now on Console
It’s not difficult to figure out how to end PS Now subscriptions on your console. It is possible on both the PS4 and PS5 consoles.
- Go to the home screen, and open the Settings menu
- Go to Account Management, and then Account Information
- Scroll down to PlayStation Subscriptions
- Choose the type of subscription (in this case, it should be PlayStation Now)
- Turn off Auto-Renew
How to Cancel PS Now on PC
If you’re not using a PlayStation console but rather used PS Now on your PC, here are the details for how to cancel PS Now on PC.
- Login to PSN Management
- Click on Media, and select Games
- Click on the tab for the PS Now subscription
- Press on the Cancel Automatic Renewal button, and you’re good to go
How to Cancel PS Now on PlayStation App
If you’re out of town and only have access to the PlayStation App, you’re not out of luck! You may still cancel your PS Now membership using the PlayStation App itself.
- Go to the PlayStation Store
- Go to Profile, and Purchase History
- Click on Games
- You’ll see the option to click PlayStation Now
- Pressing on the Cancel Automatic Renewal will cancel your subscription
You may cancel at any time. However, you will not be charged for the next subscription right away. You will be unsubscribed automatically when the expiration date for the current subscription arrives!
Are There Alternative Game Streaming Services Like PS Now?
Of course! You have three services to choose from:
- EA Play – it is an online game streaming service provided by EA. So, if you’re interested in trying out any EA games (for example, Dragon Age), it’s worth looking into this service. Only PC users can access to EA Play Pro – an enhanced form of the service.
- Ubisoft Plus – Ubisoft is the creator of this game streaming service. It’s worth it if you’re a fan of Assassin’s Creed or want to learn more about Rainbow Six: Siege. The service is only accessible via PC.
- Xbox Game Pass – There are two parts to the Xbox Games Pass: EA Play and the regular subscription. This is a two-birds-with-one-stone situation, because you may get both EA Play and the full Xbox Games Pass Ultimate! The downside, of course, is that you’ll need an Xbox in order to use it. It’s not for PlayStation gamers.
Frequently Asked Questions on PS Now
Can I use PS Now on PS5?
Yes, you can. In fact, PS Now has a large selection of PS4 games that may be played on the PS5 as part of its lineup.
Do you keep PS Now games forever?
No, not for ever. You can watch the programs online until either your subscription runs out or the game(s) you’re playing are removed from the lineup. You may also download and play them that way (only possible on consoles). However, after your membership ends, you’ll receive an extra week to play the game before it is locked.
How long do games stay on PS Now?
For the past three months, the “marquee” games have been in rotation. The remaining may be determined by the game’s information, which you can check out on PS Now.
How much is the PlayStation Now subscription in the UK?
If you live in the United Kingdom, you can subscribe for $8.99 per month, $22.99 per three months, or $49.99 per year.
Is PS Now free?
After that, it costs money. There is a seven-day free trial after which you must pay. You may only have one trial per account. After you use up your seven days, you’ll need to pay for PS Now.
Is PS Now better than PS Plus?
Although PS Plus is the most popular service, if you want to play more games, PS Now is a superior option. You can also use PS Now without subscribing to PS Plus. However, we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of the subject; I’ll get into it in greater detail later on.
How do I improve PS Now quality?
If you want to watch PS Now on a 1080p display, you’ll have to do so via the PlayStation Store. Although streaming quality has improved somewhat since launch, it is still restricted to 720p. There are no current plans for enhancing streaming quality. To play the games at higher resolutions, you’ll need to download them locally and play them on your console.
Do you think PS Now is worth it?
In the end, it comes down to what you believe is more convenient for you. A significant amount of time is spent playing the games you choose. Most video games these days can be completed in 8 to 20 hours easily. Personally, I feel it’s well worth the money. I not only get to discover a sea of games I’d be hard-pressed to buy (since they may be expensive), but I also have the option of finishing them if I so desired.
Conclusion
If you’re a slow finisher or don’t want to play many games in general, this service isn’t for you.
In those situations, the 30-day period might be off-putting. You may save money by buying the physical copies and playing them at your leisure. If you’re either someone who likes to finish games quicker than Quicksilver could avoid bullets (Oof), or someone who wants to sample everything that PS Now has to offer, it’s definitely worth a look!
With that in mind, there’s always a choice for you to try it out before you make your decision. And with that, the tour is complete.
Please let me know whether you’ve already used the service and what you think of it! Is PS Now worth it? Or would you rather stick to buying games?
