The price poker for PlayStation Plus is entering the next round - and as always, Sony has the upper hand. After the last few days First price increases for the subscription service in Latin America were announced, the next regions are now being hit. This time it's the turn of Australia and numerous Asian countries such as Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. And for European players? It's probably just a case of: Please fasten your seat belts, it could get bumpy.
Australia pays the price - and how!
From the April 16 new prices for all three PlayStation Plus tariffs will also apply Down Under. Here is an overview of the new "Offers":
PS Plus Essential
- 1 month: AUD 12.95 (previously AUD 11.95)
- 3 months: AUD 35.95 (previously AUD 33.95)
- 12 months: AUD 102.95 (previously AUD 95.95)
PS Plus Extra
- 1 month: AUD 20.95 (previously AUD 18.95)
- 3 months: 59.95 AUD (previously 54.95 AUD)
- 12 months: AUD 187.95 (previously AUD 169.95)
PS Plus Deluxe
- 1 month: AUD 23.95 (previously AUD 21.95)
- 3 months: AUD 70.95 (previously AUD 63.95)
- 12 months: AUD 214.95 (previously AUD 196.95)
That's quite a premium - although Sony points out that you still pay less for PlayStation Plus Deluxe in Australia for the equivalent of around 133 US dollars a year than in the USA for the local equivalent of Premium. Sounds almost like a special offer if you really want it. It's just a shame that in Australia (and many other regions) the cloud streaming function of the premium service is not included at all. Same name, less performance - but you pay more. In the coming year for example, PS4-only titles are completely removed from the range - Justification? Unclear!
Europe is likely to be next
Australia may be geographically far away, but in organizational terms it is subordinate to PlayStation Europe. In other words: What happens there is by no means irrelevant to us here. Experience shows that price changes at Sony rarely remain local - they usually roll across the entire globe like a well-oiled avalanche.
The last price round 2023 has shown how quickly such decisions can also take effect in Europe. Back then, the price of PlayStation Plus Premium in Germany rose to a hefty 151.99 euros per year - without any significant return or new features. The fact that Sony is now turning the price screw again leaves us with a simple question: when will it be our turn?
As usual, Sony does not provide any detailed reasons. There is vague talk of "market development", of "adjusting prices to maintain service quality". The usual PR bingo. Added value? Not a thing. New games? No. Better streaming? Maybe at some point. Transparency? Please move along, there's nothing to see here.who would have thought that this year's April Fool's joke could become reality so quickly?
Extend quickly - or leave?
Anyone who currently still has a PlayStation Plus subscription should seriously consider extending it at the latest with the announcement and the usual transition period - before the next price wave reaches Europe. Cancellation is of course always an option. After all, once Australia and Asia have been processed, Sony is unlikely to delay the next step for long.
PlayStation Plus is getting more expensive - that's as certain as the Amen in church. The only surprise is when exactly Sony will be calling for a collection this time.
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