Xbox Game Pass vs. PlayStation Now – Which Gaming Subscription Service is Better?
Video game subscription services are on the rise, and it can be hard to choose which one to go for when presented with multiple options. Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now are two of the most popular subscription services out there, each with their unique offerings for gamers. In this article, we'll compare both services to help you determine which one is the best fit for your gaming needs.
Price
The cost of a gaming subscription service is a significant factor for most gamers, and understandably so. Xbox Game Pass offers two tiers, with the regular tier starting at $9.99 per month, while its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier costs $14.99 a month. The latter offers additional perks such as Xbox Live Gold, access to EA Play titles, and streaming games to mobile devices.
On the other hand, PlayStation Now offers a single tier subscription service priced at $9.99 per month or $59.99 per year, making it slightly cheaper than Xbox Game Pass. It's worth noting that PlayStation Now's subscription fee does not include PlayStation Plus membership.
In terms of price, PlayStation Now is the winner for being slightly cheaper and offering a yearly subscription option.
Games
Both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now offer access to a large library of games. As of September 2021, Xbox Game Pass boasts over 100 titles, including newly released games such as "Psychonauts 2," "12 Minutes," and "Hades," as well as popular titles like "Fallout" and "The Elder Scrolls." Xbox Game Pass also offers a mix of Xbox, PC, and cloud streaming games.
PlayStation Now, on the other hand, has a slightly smaller library of games, with just over 700 titles available. However, it boasts popular and exclusive PlayStation titles such as "God of War," "Bloodborne," and "The Last of Us." PlayStation Now also offers PS2, PS3, and PS4 titles, making it a great choice for gamers who want to play classic PlayStation games.
In terms of the library of games offered, Xbox Game Pass takes the crown. Although PlayStation Now has some exclusive titles, Xbox Game Pass offers a broad range of games that cater to various gaming preferences.
Features
Xbox Game Pass offers several features that set it apart from PlayStation Now. For example, Xbox Game Pass' cloud streaming feature allows users to stream games on their mobile devices, making it easy to play games on the go. It also features the "Play Anywhere" program, which enables users to play games on both Xbox and PC platforms. And, let's not forget the access to EA Play titles.
In contrast, PlayStation Now's cloud streaming feature is only available on PC and PlayStation 4/5 consoles, which means that mobile users cannot take advantage of this service. PlayStation Now also offers a special feature called "PlayStation Now Collections," which gathers games into curated categories such as "Open-World Adventures" and "Retro Revivals," making it easier for gamers to discover new games.
Xbox Game Pass, once again, takes the lead in terms of features, thanks to its cross-platform support for PC and mobile devices and access to EA Play titles.
Performance
When it comes to performance, both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now offer a smooth gaming experience. However, the gameplay quality may vary depending on the gamer's internet connection speed and network connectivity. Xbox Game Pass has a lower latency compared to PlayStation Now, which makes it faster and allows for smoother gameplay.
Xbox Game Pass takes the crown for performance, with its lower latency making it an excellent choice for gamers looking for a seamless gaming experience.
Conclusion
Overall, both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now are excellent gaming subscription services, each with their pros and cons. Xbox Game Pass seems to have an edge over PlayStation Now in terms of price, games, features, and performance, making it an excellent choice for gamers looking for a broad range of games across various platforms.
However, that doesn't mean PlayStation Now should be disregarded. It may be slightly cheaper, but it's still an excellent choice for gamers who want to access exclusive PlayStation titles and classic PS games.