Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Now: Which Gaming Subscription Service is Better?
Are you a gamer who's always looking for the latest and greatest games to play? Then you're probably aware of the two most popular gaming subscription services: Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now. But which one is better? Join us as we dive into the details and compare these two services.
What is Xbox Game Pass?
Xbox Game Pass is a gaming subscription service that provides access to a growing library of Xbox games. With Xbox Game Pass, you can download and play as many games as you want from a wide range of genres, including first-person shooters, racing games, sports games, and more. Xbox Game Pass also includes exclusive discounts on purchases of games, DLC, and in-game items.
What is PlayStation Now?
PlayStation Now is a streaming service that provides access to over 800 PlayStation games. With PlayStation Now, you can stream games directly to your PS4 or PC, or download them to your PS4 for offline play. PlayStation Now includes a wide range of games from the PS2, PS3, and PS4 eras, as well as exclusive titles like Bloodborne and The Last of Us.
Pricing Comparison
When it comes to pricing, both services offer tiered options:
Xbox Game Pass
- $9.99/month for Xbox Game Pass for console
- $9.99/month for Xbox Game Pass for PC
- $14.99/month for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (access to both console and PC games, exclusive discounts, and Xbox Live Gold)
PlayStation Now
- $9.99/month
- $24.99/quarterly
- $59.99/yearly
In terms of pricing, Xbox Game Pass provides better value for money with the Ultimate package, which includes access to both console and PC games, exclusive discounts, and Xbox Live Gold.
Game Library Comparison
When it comes to the size and quality of the game library, both services offer a lot of options:
Xbox Game Pass
- Over 100 games available for console and PC
- Includes exclusives like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza
- New games are added regularly
PlayStation Now
- Over 800 games available for streaming or download
- Includes exclusives like Bloodborne, The Last of Us, and Shadow of the Colossus
- Offers a mix of classic and current games
Both services offer a decent selection of games, but PlayStation Now's library of over 800 games outshines Xbox Game Pass' 100+ selection, making it the clear winner for sheer quantity.
Performance Comparison
When it comes to performance, both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now have their strengths and weaknesses:
Xbox Game Pass
- Games are downloaded directly to your console or PC, providing a smoother gameplay experience
- No lag, latency, or buffering issues
- Requires a large amount of storage space on your device
PlayStation Now
- Games are streamed, so no need to download or install
- Requires a strong internet connection to avoid lag, latency, or buffering issues
- Provides the flexibility to play on a range of devices (PS4, PC, or Android devices)
Overall, Xbox Game Pass provides a smoother gameplay experience due to games being downloaded directly to your device. However, PlayStation Now's streaming service provides the flexibility to play on a wide range of devices, so it's up to personal preference.
Final Verdict
So, which gaming subscription service is better? It ultimately depends on what you're looking for. Xbox Game Pass provides better value for money with its Ultimate package, but PlayStation Now offers a much larger selection of games.
However, we would recommend Xbox Game Pass for console gamers who want a smoother gameplay experience and exclusive access to Microsoft exclusives. PlayStation Now is a great option for gamers who want to play a wide range of games across multiple devices.
That's our unbiased comparison of Xbox Game Pass vs PlayStation Now. Which one will you choose?