Sony’s answer to backward compatibility is getting one step closer to full release with the announcement that PlayStation Now is coming out of private beta and moving into an open beta.
If you just watched the video then you may already be scratching your head. If not, let me explain the beta a little bit and then you can scratch your head.
First off, the beta is only on PS4. PlayStation Now is set to come to other devices like PS3, PS Vita, PS TV, and Bravia televisions later. To get into the open beta all you have to do is open up the PlayStation Store on your PS4 and navigate to the PS Now menu.
Secondly, you are paying to rent games. That’s right – Sony is asking that you actually pay for your rentals and funds will be taken from your Sony wallet just like any other purchase from the store. Don’t like paying for betas? Then you’ll love the next part I’m going to tell you.
Thirdly, take a look at the pricing structure:
- 4 hour rental – $2.99
- 7 day rental – $3.99
- 30 day rental – $5.99
- 90 day rental – $7.99
Let me confuse you a little more by telling you that the pricing isn’t even standardized. You’ll find that some games start at $3.99 or $4.99. A few start as high as $6.99, but are only available as a 90 day rental.
The rental prices are supposed to drop to start at $1.99 within a few weeks, but the prices are what they are for now if you want to try out the service. Sony also hasn’t ruled out the fact that a subscription model could be offered at a later time. At least this could service as a competitor to the EA Access program recently announced and then downplayed by Sony.
If you want to give the PS Now beta try regardless of the pricing, make sure you use the ‘Test Connection’ feature. Sony has already stated that 5Mb or better Internet connection is needed for a quality experience.
I’m taken aback at the pricing of this program. Redbox offers 24 hour rentals for about $2 and some of the games in the beta catalog are dirt cheap if you can find a used copy. If Sony wants to be serious about this service then PlayStation Now needs a serious price adjustment.
Paul Novak is a self described Polish ninja toiling away as an IT professional but more into gaming and writing. Physically existing in the west side of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania yet existentially flowing with the ether of the Internet. Found here at What’s Your Tag? and on the Twitter @dudewantshisrug. Game on with Team XBRO!
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The pricing is confusing, i was sure this would be a subscription based service. Doesn’t see like good value at the moment
I like the concept but not the prices. A subscription based model sounds much better to me as well. An option to credit you the rental price is you end up buying the game within 24-48 of your rental ending would be nice.
There’s no way I would even consider doing this unless it becomes a subscription model and they incorporate their PS1 and PS2 library. And my backwards compatible PS3 has to drop dead first. As of right now, it’s still going strong. 🙂
I think it is more an attempt to get people to trade up to the PS4 than anything else but why would I trade in a console and all of my games for it if I have to repurchase them if I want to play them again? I’ll keep my PS3 and consider PS Now if they offer it as a subscription. The current pricing is outrageous.