PlayStation Plus subscribers should prepare for a major shift, as Sony has confirmed that January 2026 will mark the end of an era for the popular subscription service. The change represents Sony’s biggest move yet toward fully transitioning PlayStation Plus into a PS5-focused platform.
Since its launch, PlayStation Plus has evolved dramatically, and this upcoming update could significantly impact how subscribers experience the service moving forward.
How PlayStation Plus Has Evolved Over the Years
When PlayStation Plus was first introduced, it primarily offered monthly free games and exclusive discounts. Over time, Sony expanded its role, making a PS Plus subscription mandatory for online multiplayer on PS4 and PS5 consoles.
Another major transformation came when Sony merged PlayStation Plus with its PlayStation Now streaming service. This restructuring introduced three subscription tiers:
- PlayStation Plus Essential – Monthly free games, online multiplayer, and core benefits
- PlayStation Plus Extra – All Essential features plus a large library of PS4 and PS5 games
- PlayStation Plus Premium – Includes Extra benefits along with classic and retro titles
This tiered system remains in place today, but another significant change is on the horizon.
PS4 Games Will No Longer Be Guaranteed on PS Plus
Starting in January 2026, Sony will officially stop prioritizing PS4 titles in its PlayStation Plus offerings. While PS4 games won’t disappear entirely, Sony has confirmed that it will no longer guarantee PS4 titles as part of the monthly PS Plus lineup.
This means subscribers who want to get the full value of PlayStation Plus will likely need to upgrade to a PS5 if they haven’t already. Cross-generation games that support both PS4 and PS5 may still appear, but PS4-only titles will no longer be a focus.
What This Means for Free Monthly Games
Sony has not yet clarified how the monthly free games lineup will be affected by this change. However, past console phase-outs suggest that subscribers could see fewer free games per month.
Instead of the traditional three free games, PlayStation Plus subscribers may receive only two monthly titles starting in 2026. While this has not been confirmed, it would align with how similar transitions were handled in the past.
When Will Sony Reveal the January 2026 Games?
Sony is expected to officially unveil the PlayStation Plus free games lineup for January 2026 on Wednesday, December 31. At that time, subscribers will get a clearer picture of how the new PS5-focused strategy will be implemented.
Final Thoughts
The January 2026 update signals Sony’s commitment to moving beyond the PS4 generation and fully embracing the PS5 ecosystem. While the shift may disappoint some long-time users, it reflects the natural progression of console generations.
More details are expected soon, and PlayStation Plus subscribers should stay tuned for Sony’s official announcement to see exactly how these changes will shape the future of the service.
