What are Gaming Subscriptions?
Gaming subscriptions are online libraries that you pay to access and allow you to play video games without buying the physical copy. There are multiple different levels to gaming subscriptions, such as PlayStation Plus’s Essential, Extra, and Premium tiers. Or you can get it for a specific console, such as the Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC, or the Ultimate version which includes both. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack allows gamers to play games from their childhood that not everyone still has access to. Other examples of subscriptions include Apple Arcade, Amazon Luna, and EA Play, among others.
The Pros of Gaming Subscriptions for Budget Gamers
-COST SAVINGS ON GAMES
For a small monthly fee, players have access to a vast gaming library. Instead of paying $69.99 for the new Indiana Jones and the Great Circle game, pay $19.99 monthly for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
-ACCESS TO NEW AND EXCLUSIVE GAMES
With Game Pass Ultimate play same day releases by downloading the game, no purchase necessary. All of the libraries include console specific games that you cannot get anywhere else.
-CLOUD GAMING BENEFITS
Cloud gaming lets you to play video games without downloading or installing anything because the game is accessed straight from the internet. It also allows for cross-platform play with other players, and permits gamers access to using different consoles without having to import data.
-MULTIPLAYER AND BONUS PERKS
PlayStation+, Nintendo Switch Online, and Xbox Game Pass all have multiplayer features that allow you to play games with others all over the world.
The Cons of Gaming Subscriptions for Budget Gamers
-RECURRING COSTS ADD UP
$17.99 to 19.99 a month for the most expensive plans on PlayStation and Xbox doesn’t seem like a lot, but over a year that’s $215.88-239.88. Sure, they offer yearly subscription options, but who has $159.99 to drop at this exact moment?
-GAMES ROTATE OUT OF THE LIBRARY
If for some reason a game decides to leave the subscription service, you are no longer able to play it. If it moves to another service, you cannot access your save files.
-YOU DON’T OWN THE GAMES
Once the subscription ends, the games are no longer on your console and you can no longer play them unless the game is purchased or it comes back to the service.
-SUBSCRIPTION FATIGUE
Because there are so many options available, players can easily have many services, spending more money than is needed.
Are Gaming Subscriptions Worth it? The Budget Gamer Verdict
WHEN GAMING SUBSCRIPTIONS ARE WORTH IT:
-If you play multiple different games or games with multiplayer.
-If owning the physical copy of the game is not an issue.
-Cloud gaming keeps you from having to upgrade your gaming set.
WHEN GAMING SUBSCRIPTIONS AREN’T WORTH IT:
-You only play a few select games.
-Online multiplayer does not interest you.
-If you prefer having a physical copy of the game.
Alternatives to Gaming Subscriptions
If subscriptions are not your thing, you can always buy games during sales, either online or from retailers. Steam and Epic Games have free games on their catalog, while Humble Bundle and Fanatical have cheap game bundles available.
Final Thoughts
Gaming subscriptions offer budget gamers access to vast libraries of games, new releases, and cloud gaming perks for a monthly fee. Services like Xbox Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online provide multiplayer access and exclusive content, making them a great deal for those who play frequently. However, recurring costs add up, games rotate out, and players don’t truly own their games, leading to potential subscription fatigue. If you enjoy variety and online play, subscriptions are worth it; but if you prefer owning physical copies or sticking to a few favorites, buying games during sales might be a smarter choice.
