Gaming Subscriptions Compared: Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online
What each major gaming subscription includes, which tier fits which player, and how to buy memberships and gift cards safely.
What each major gaming subscription includes, which tier fits which player, and how to buy memberships and gift cards safely.
Photo by Bryan Ochalla / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0
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Every major platform now has a subscription, and most of them come in tiers. This guide explains the general structure of each one. Tiers and catalogs change often, so check the platform’s own page for the current details before you subscribe.
Xbox Game Pass
Game Pass has tiers for console and PC. The top tier, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, combines the console and PC libraries with online multiplayer on Xbox and cloud gaming. Lower tiers cover fewer platforms or features. Game Pass is especially good value if you play many new releases, as Microsoft’s own games launch on it.
PlayStation Plus
PlayStation Plus has three tiers: Essential (online multiplayer, monthly games, cloud saves), Extra (adds a catalog of games) and Premium (adds classic games, game trials and cloud streaming). You can buy membership through the PlayStation Plus membership listings or add credit with a PlayStation Store gift card.
Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online covers online play and a library of classic games. The Expansion Pack tier adds more classic consoles and some DLC. It is the cheapest of the three, and the standard tier is needed for online play in most Switch and Switch 2 games. See the Nintendo Switch Online membership listings, or use a Nintendo eShop gift card.
How to save
- Annual plans usually cost less per month than monthly billing.
- Gift cards and digital codes from authorized retailers work just like buying in the console store.
- Check region: codes and gift cards are usually region-locked. Buy the version for your account’s region.
Avoid grey-market key sellers
Very cheap subscription codes on unofficial key-reseller sites can be revoked, and the platform may penalize your account. Buy from the platform or an authorized retailer.
Bottom line
Subscribe to the service that matches the games you actually play, and only to the tier you need. Downgrade or cancel when you’re not using it.
Our picks: Game credit & memberships
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Affiliate links.As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links below go to Amazon; prices and availability change, so check Amazon for current pricing.Affiliate disclosure
Illustrative photos: Photo by Bryan Ochalla / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0