How to Upgrade to PS Plus Extra or Premium

How to Upgrade to PS Plus Extra or Premium

If you’ve been enjoying your PlayStation experience with the PS Plus Essential plan but are wondering whether it's time to take it up a notch, this guide is for you. Upgrading your PS Plus plan to Extra or Premium can unlock a whole new range of games, features, and benefits. But how exactly do you switch from Essential to the higher subscription tiers, and is it really worth the extra cost? This article will walk you through the process of upgrading your PS Plus plan and help you decide which tier suits your gaming style best.

Understanding PS Plus Subscription Tiers

Sony revamped PlayStation Plus a while ago, introducing three distinct subscription tiers: Essential, Extra, and Premium. Each tier offers a different level of service and value to gamers.

• Essential: The baseline plan, which is similar to the original PS Plus. It provides online multiplayer, monthly free games, exclusive discounts, and cloud storage.
• Extra: Builds on Essential by adding a catalogue of hundreds of downloadable PS4 and PS5 games you can play as long as you subscribe.
• Premium: Offers everything in Extra plus PS3 games via cloud streaming, classic PS1, PS2, PSP games, time-limited game trials, and access to more content from earlier PlayStation generations.

The Extra and Premium tiers are designed to give you more bang for your buck, especially if you enjoy a broad variety of games or want to revisit some classics.

Why Consider Upgrading Your PS Plus Plan?

Many gamers wonder if it’s worthwhile moving up from the Essential tier, which costs around $9.99 per month in the US, to Extra or Premium, which run approximately $14.99 and $17.99 per month respectively. Here are some reasons why upgrading might make sense:

• Access to a Larger Game Library: Extra subscribers gain instant access to a vast library of PS4 and PS5 games without additional charges.
• Classic Games and Cloud Streaming: Premium members enjoy an even broader catalogue including retro titles and the ability to stream certain games without download.
• Game Trials: Premium also offers the ability to try some games for a limited time before deciding to buy.
• Improved Value for Frequent Players: If you use PS Plus regularly and love discovering new games, Extra and Premium can be cost-effective alternatives to buying games outright.

How to Upgrade Your PS Plus Plan: Step-by-Step

Switching from Essential to Extra or Premium is straightforward and can be done directly from your PlayStation console or via the PlayStation website. Here’s how to do it on both:

Upgrading via PlayStation Console

1. Turn on your PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 and sign in to your account.
2. Navigate to the PlayStation Plus section on the home screen or go to the PlayStation Store.
3. Select ‘Upgrade Your Plan’ or ‘Compare Plans’ — you should see options to choose between Essential, Extra, or Premium tiers.
4. Choose Extra or Premium based on your preference.
5. Review the payment information. If you already have a subscription, Sony will provide a prorated charge for the upgrade period.
6. Confirm your purchase. The upgrade takes effect immediately, unlocking the new benefits.

Upgrading on PlayStation Website

1. Visit the PlayStation Plus subscription page.
2. Log into your PlayStation Network account.
3. Click on ‘Manage Subscription’.
4. Select ‘Upgrade Plan’.
5. Pick Extra or Premium, confirm the payment, and you’re set.

Important Notes on Billing

Your existing subscription period will be pro-rated, meaning you only pay the difference between what’s left on your current plan and the selected plan. The upgrade applies instantly, so you can start enjoying Extra or Premium features without delay.

Essential vs Extra vs Premium: Which One Should You Choose?

Let’s break down the features you get at each subscription tier to help you decide:

Now, who is each tier really for?

• Essential: Best for casual gamers who mainly want online multiplayer, some free games each month, and small discounts.

• Extra: Ideal for those who want to explore a broad selection of PS4 and PS5 games without buying each title, perfect if you have a modern console and want variety.

• Premium: Designed for enthusiasts who want access to classic titles and cloud streaming, or who like to try games before committing to a purchase.

Is Upgrading to Extra or Premium Worth It?

The ultimate question many have is: does upgrading to Extra or Premium really offer enough value? It depends on your gaming habits.

Consider Upgrading if:

• You play online a lot and enjoy trying out new games regularly.
• You want a more diverse gaming library but don’t want to spend heavily on buying many new titles.
• You’re interested in retro gaming and nostalgia, especially with the classic games ‌available in Premium.
• You prefer to try games before buying through the time-limited trials on Premium.

Perhaps Stick with Essential if:

• You mostly play multiplayer games and are happy with the monthly free games offered.
• You don’t often buy new digital games or prefer physical copies.
• You don’t value retro games or cloud streaming.

Expert Insight: Common Misconceptions About PS Plus Tiers

Some users assume that the Premium tier replaces services like PlayStation Now, but it’s actually an evolution that combines previous streaming and download services. Understanding this is key because Premium requires a stable internet connection for streaming PS3 titles, which may not work well with slower connections.

Another point is evaluating your console generation. If you mainly use a PS5 or PS4, Extra offers a fantastic library of modern games ready to download. Premium’s classic titles might be less relevant unless you’re really into PlayStation history or retro games.

Lastly, remember that upgrading isn't a one-way street—you can downgrade if you find the higher tier isn’t right for you. Be mindful of billing cycles so you don’t pay twice for the same period.

Alternatives and Comparisons: Other Game Subscription Services

While PS Plus Extra and Premium are focused on PlayStation users, other subscription services might be worth considering:

• Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: A broader library including next-gen games, backwards compatible titles, and PC gaming.
• EA Play: Offers access to EA games, available as an add-on or standalone.
• GeForce Now: Cloud gaming service that supports various platforms but requires owning the games elsewhere.

Each service has its own focus. PS Plus tiers integrate tightly with Sony’s consoles, offering exclusive content unavailable on others, making them appealing for devoted PlayStation fans.

Quick Summary Block

• Best budget option: PS Plus Essential at $9.99/month for multiplayer and basic benefits.
• Best access to latest games: PS Plus Extra at $14.99/month with hundreds of PS4/PS5 games.
• Best for retro and extras: PS Plus Premium at $17.99/month with classics, game trials, and cloud streaming.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions About Upgrading PS Plus

Can I upgrade my PS Plus plan anytime?
Yes, you can upgrade your plan at any point via console or PlayStation website.

Do I lose games if I downgrade from Premium to Essential?
You lose access to games specific to higher tiers, but any purchased games remain yours.

Is the price difference between tiers billed immediately?
Upgrade charges are prorated based on your current subscription period.

Can I share Extra or Premium benefits with family members?
Only the main console user enjoys subscription benefits; others signed in on the same console can access shared games if set as the primary console.

Is cloud streaming reliable on slower connections?
Streaming requires stable, high-speed internet for smooth play, especially for Premium’s legacy game streaming.

Pricing and Availability

Here’s where you stand on costs and buying options:

• PS Plus Essential costs about $9.99/month or $59.99/year.
• PS Plus Extra costs about $14.99/month or $99.99/year.
• PS Plus Premium costs about $17.99/month or $119.99/year.

Prices may vary by region but are generally consistent worldwide. You can subscribe or upgrade directly from your PlayStation console or the official PlayStation Store. Occasionally, Sony offers promotional discounts or bundles, especially during major sales like Black Friday.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

Upgrading your PS Plus plan from Essential to Extra or Premium can significantly enhance your PlayStation experience, unlocking hundreds of games and exclusive features — particularly if you are an avid gamer or like to explore different game genres. If you mainly desire online multiplayer and occasional free games, Essential might be sufficient. But for anyone looking to dive deeper into PlayStation’s game catalogue or who appreciate retro gaming, Extra or Premium provides excellent value.

Ready to explore more games without the commitment of buying? Go ahead and upgrade your PS Plus subscription today and start experiencing everything Sony’s gaming ecosystem has to offer.

• Check out our complete PlayStation subscription guide for more tips.
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Happy gaming!