Console Gaming Subscription Services: Which Are Worth It?

Back in the good ol days gaming was simple. You bought the console and the game and then played it. Fast forward for to 2017 and there are so many ways to game it’ll make your headspin! The aspect of modern gaming that we are going to talk about today is Console Gaming Subscriptions. This includes the Nintendo Switch’s online service, Xbox’s gold membership, and Playstation Plus. The topic regarding these three is: “Are they worth it?”

To start things off these subscriptions are a relationship between the gamer and the gaming console company. The gamer pays a set price and in return they get access to a number of features, discounts, and usually free games.

Playstation 4

• Play online with friends – There are a lot of great multiplayer games on the PS4 but in order to play with friends, you are required to purchase Playstation Plus.
• Free Games – Every month the user gets two free games that they get to keep forever. The quality of the game can vary but they do offer really good games.
• Discounts – Certain discounts on games are available only to folks who use Playstation Plus. They could mean saving quite a bit of money on major titles.

Thoughts – The PS4 has proven quite formidable in this console generation. The games that are offered for free might be more than worth the monthly price even if you never play with other people.

Price – $10 a month with a 14 day free trial.

Xbox One

• Play online with friends – There are a lot of great multiplayer games on the PS4 but in order to play with friends, you are required to purchase a Gold Membership.
• Free Games – Every month the user gets two free games that they get to keep forever. The quality of the game can vary but they do offer really good games.
• Discounts – Certain discounts on games are available only to folks who use Playstation Plus. They could mean saving quite a bit of money on major titles.

Thoughts – The Xbox One has been pretty weak this generation with their exclusive titles. A major benefit for them is the fact they work with many indie games so you have the chance to get some real gems for the two free games. Admittedly I have found myself just paying the monthly sub and playing all of the free games they offer and having a blast. They might not be as life changing as PS4 exclusives but still good!

Price – $10 a month with a 14 day free trial.

Nintendo Switch

• Play online with friends – There are a lot of great multiplayer games on the PS4 but in order to play with friends, you are required to purchase a Nintendo Switch Online membership. However users can play for free until 2018!
• Classic Game Selection – If paying the monthly fee, you get access to a huge roster of classic title that will rotate ever so often. This gives you tons of great games to enjoy for a set price.
• Discounts – Certain discounts on games are available only to folks who use Playstation Plus. They could mean saving quite a bit of money on major titles.
• Nintendo Switch Online App – This app will allow you to check various stats on the go with the switch so you can have a limited involvement even when away from the console.

Thoughts – The Nintendo Switch Online service offers quite a bit and the price point is so low that it is hard to argue against it. Although the Switch’s game roster is still pretty thin, the fact that you can access classic titles might just make it worth the $4 a month or $20 for an entire year!

Price – $4 a month or $20 a year.

Overall

The answer to the question “Which are worth it?” depends on the gamer. If they enjoy high quality games that are triple A titles I might suggest Playstation Plus for their exclusives. If you enjoy indie games, Xbox would be your best best and if you wanna save money and are a huge fan of classic titles the Nintendo Switch Online would be best!

Have you used these services before? Which ones did you love and hate?