Sony has announced significant changes to its PlayStation Plus service, reducing the availability of PS4 games starting in January 2026. According to the official announcement, this is done to put ‘focus’ on PS5 games on PS Plus instead. The Horizon publisher reassured players though, saying that previously redeemed PS4 games will remain accessible as long as they maintain their PS Plus membership.
“As we shift to PS5, PS4 games will no longer be a key benefit and will only be occasionally offered for PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalog starting January 2026,” written in the announcement. The news was slipped in the blog post for February PlayStation Plus Monthly Games.
Sony hinted that some cross-gen games playable on PS4 and PS5 could still appear on PS Plus after 2026, despite the latter taking a backseat. Aside from upcoming cuts on the free games, subscribers can continue to enjoy other benefits. Including special discounts, online multiplayer, and 100GB cloud storage for saves. Additionally, PS4 games listed in the Game Catalog can still be downloaded and played until they are removed during monthly updates.
The company claimed that this transition is done as there are increasing numbers of PS5 game redemptions from the PS Plus catalog. This change should align with ‘evolving player trends’ and it aims to optimize the PS Plus experience for the growing PS5 audience. Sony also plans to expand its PS5 games library, introducing new monthly games to the service.
Sony’s focus on the ninth-generation console is becoming increasingly clear as the PS5 nears its fifth anniversary. With reduced benefits, PS4 owners may reconsider subscribing to PS Plus and keeping the older console. Released in 2013, the PS4 had a successful run but is now slowly being phased out. Sony’s message seems clear: “It’s time to move on and upgrade to the PS5.”
