Gaming Subscriptions: PlayStation Plus vs Xbox Game Pass - Who Offers the Best Value?

Comparing the Numbers: PlayStation Plus vs Xbox Game Pass

Gaming can be an expensive hobby, and gamers are always looking to get the most value for their money. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which gaming subscription offers the best bang for your buck. Luckily, The Loadout has crunched the numbers and compared PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass to see which one comes out on top.

At first glance, PlayStation Plus seems like the clear winner. With a higher buy-in price, PlayStation offers subscribers more games. In fact, they added over 200 games to their PS Plus Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers this year, which amounts to around $8,000 (£6,300) worth of games. On the other hand, Xbox Game Pass added 150 games to its subscription, totaling around $5,000 (£4,000) in value.

But as any gamer knows, not all games are created equal. Xbox Game Pass has a major advantage over PlayStation that goes beyond the numbers. One of the main selling points of Xbox Game Pass is that subscribers can play a vast number of games the day they are released. This means that big-name games like Starfield, Lies of P, Like A Dragon: Ishin!, Cocoon, Jusant, and Forza Motorsport were available to play as soon as they hit the market. PlayStation, on the other hand, holds back their big releases in the hope that players will purchase them separately. This means that PlayStation-exclusive games like Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and Final Fantasy 16 were not available on any subscription service.

The Value of Being in the Hype

While games can still be enjoyable long after their release, many gamers thrive on the excitement of playing a game as soon as it comes out. Being able to join in with the hype and engage in discussions about a newly released game is a unique experience that Xbox Game Pass offers. If you're the type of gamer who enjoys being part of the excitement, then Xbox Game Pass may be worth more to you, despite the price difference.

Ultimately, the choice between PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass comes down to personal preference and gaming priorities. Both subscriptions offer a plethora of games and provide value in different ways. Whether you prioritize a larger game library or the ability to play new releases immediately, there's a subscription for you.

So, next time you're considering which gaming subscription to invest in, take into account not only the number of games offered but also the timing of their release. After all, being part of the gaming hype can be an exhilarating experience.