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PlayStation gamers get bad news as Sony makes huge cuts to PS Plus

Sony confirms major PS Plus changes, dropping monthly PS4 games and shifting focus to PlayStation 5 free games on the PlayStation Network.

PS Plus

Sony has announced a significant change to its PlayStation Plus service, confirming that PS4 owners will no longer receive free monthly games as part of their subscription. The company is adjusting its strategy to prioritize PlayStation 5 content, meaning that moving forward, the PlayStation Network’s flagship service will be more focused on newer-generation gaming. While PS Plus still offers access to online multiplayer and a rotating library of video games, PS4 users are set to lose one of the key perks that has long been a staple of the subscription.

The shift marks a clear turning point for Sony, signaling that its focus is firmly on pushing players toward upgrading to a PS5. For years, PS Plus subscribers have enjoyed a mix of both PS4 and PS5 titles, but from now on, new additions will only cater to the latest console generation. While this decision makes sense as the industry moves forward, it’s a blow for those still gaming on PS4, especially given that the console remains widely used.

The change is set to take effect in March 2025, giving players just a few more months to claim their final batch of PS4 monthly games. After that, the PlayStation Plus lineup will focus exclusively on PS5 releases, leaving those who haven’t upgraded with fewer perks. Though Sony has reassured subscribers that PS4 titles will still be available in the existing PS Plus library, the removal of free monthly games means fewer incentives for players sticking with the older console.

While some fans see this as a natural progression, others are frustrated that Sony is moving away from its vast PS4 player base. With the PlayStation 5 becoming more accessible, the company is clearly looking to transition users into the next era of gaming. However, with millions still actively using PS4, the decision could alienate a significant portion of PlayStation Network users.

Sony’s decision to phase out PS4 games from the PlayStation Plus monthly lineup comes just as February’s free game selection rolls out. This month, PS Plus subscribers can claim Payday 3, High on Life, and Pac-Man World Re-Pac—all of which will be available for both PS4 and PS5 players. However, this could be one of the last times PS4 owners get to enjoy fresh additions to the monthly catalog, reinforcing Sony’s shift toward making PlayStation 5 the core focus of its subscription service.

This move also raises questions about the future of PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers, and how they’ll evolve without PS4 in the equation. With Sony pushing players toward the PS5, it’s possible that future updates will prioritize bigger exclusives and cloud gaming options rather than maintaining backward compatibility. For now, PS4 users still have access to an extensive library of older titles through PS Plus Extra and Premium, but with the shift in focus, it remains to be seen how long Sony will continue supporting legacy hardware within the subscription model.