Sony Increases Online Multiplayer Subscription Costs for PlayStation 5

The monthly fee for PS Plus Essential has been set at $10 for quite some time, but that’s about to change. Sony has announced an increase to $11 per month, citing “ongoing market conditions.” This adjustment follows recent price hikes for PS5 consoles, driven by AI-related part shortages that have inflated costs.

“Starting May 20, PlayStation Plus prices for new customers will rise in select regions. Due to ongoing market conditions, prices will now start at $10.99 USD / €9.99 EUR / £7.99 GBP for 1-month subscriptions and $27.99 USD / €27.99 EUR / £21.99 GBP for 3-month subscriptions,” Sony shared on social media, a post that’s already facing backlash. “This price change does not affect current subscribers (except in Turkey and India) unless their existing subscription changes or lapses.”

While the monthly rate for PS Plus Essential is now $11, the three-month subscription will also see an increase from $25 to $27. The annual price seems to remain steady at $80 for the time being. Here’s how it breaks down:

It’s important to note that while PS Plus Essential provides access to new monthly games, it doesn’t offer the extensive library that competes with Game Pass. For that, players will need to look at PS Plus Extra, which starts at $15 a month. As the name suggests, PS Plus Essential is primarily for online multiplayer access. Unlike PC gaming, consoles typically require a subscription for online play, except for certain free-to-play titles like Fortnite.

Despite the rising costs of the PS5, digital subscription prices are likely insulated from factors like tariffs, oil prices, and RAM shortages. This price increase seems more aimed at offsetting the growing expenses in other areas of Sony’s business, including the escalating budgets for first-party blockbuster games.