Sony has announced a major restructuring of its PlayStation Plus subscription service, marking a significant change for subscribers still using PS4 consoles. As of January of 2026, the Japanese company will end the inclusion of PS4 titles as part of the monthly PS Plus benefits, both in its Essential, Extra and Premium modalities, to focus exclusively on delivering PS5 games.
This decision comes at a time when the PS4, launched in 2013, is finally giving way to the PS5, which is already celebrating its fourth anniversary on the market and has a constantly growing user base. According to statements from Sony, Many of its players have adopted the PS5, which has motivated this transition.
What does the end of support for PS4 games on PS Plus mean?
Starting in January 2026, PS4 games will no longer be a key benefit on PS Plus, although they may occasionally appear in monthly titles and the general game catalog. Users who have already redeemed PS4 titles will be able to continue enjoying them as long as they keep their subscription active. Similarly, PS4 games in the PS Plus catalog will remain available until they are removed as part of regular service updates.
This transition is part of Sony's effort to optimize PlayStation Plus performance, with promises to add more PS5 titles each month and improve other benefits such as exclusive discounts, online play and cloud storage.
PS Plus Essential Games for February 2025
Despite the long-term announcement, PS4 users will still be able to enjoy free games throughout 2025The titles selected for the month of February are:
- Payday 3 (PS5): A PS5-exclusive title that combines strategy and action, where players are part of a robbery gang.
- High on Life (PS4, PS5): A humorous FPS from the creator of 'Rick and Morty', notable for its unique narrative and talking weapons.
- Pac-Man World Re-Pac (PS4, PS5): A remake of the classic platformer that recaptures the spirit of the original PS1 title.
These titles will be available for download from February 4 to March 3. Users who have not yet redeemed January games, such as 'Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League' or 'The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe', have until February 3 to do so.
What will happen to PS4 players?
While Sony has assured that previously redeemed titles will still be playable, the change suggests that PS4 users will have to consider the transition to PS5 to make the most of the PlayStation Plus service in the coming years. It also remains to be seen whether PS4 games could be integrated into the classic PS Plus Premium catalogue, alongside PS1, PS2 and PS3 titles.
The PS4 has been one of Sony's most successful consoles, but after more than a decade on the market, its role in the PlayStation ecosystem is shrinkingSony is confident that the PS5's growing catalog and ability to offer more advanced gaming experiences will make up for the decline in support for the previous generation.
The announcement reinforces Sony's commitment to the continued evolution of PlayStation Plus, adapting to the needs of its majority user base on PS5. While this news may come as a blow to players remaining on PS4, Sony seeks to position its next-generation console as the central pillar of its ecosystemThe next few months will be key to observing the acceptance of these measures and the impact on the gaming community.