Three free PS Plus games – Dying Light 2 Stay Human: Reloaded Edition, Big Walk, and Signalis – will be available to download for PlayStation Plus Essential subscribers on August 4. You can add these games to your library for free if you’re subscribed to Sony’s PS Plus Essential, PS Plus Premium, or PS Plus Extra service. Don’t forget to grab them before Monday, August 31; otherwise, you’ll miss out.

Don’t have PS Plus? Want to stop paying full price? Our PlayStation Plus discount code knocks off $10 versus what Sony charges.

PS Plus free games August 2026

• Dying Light 2: Stay Human Reloaded Edition (PS5, PS4)

• Big Walk (PS5)

• Signalis (PS4)

Dying Light 2: Stay Human Reloaded Edition

Dying Light 2 is a survival action-adventure that supports four-player co-op. You take on the role of Aiden Caldwell as you set out to learn the truth. Hone your skills to defeat your enemies and make new allies.

Big Walk

A cooperative multiplayer adventure, Big Walk is about teamwork and talking. Discover a wide-open world full of challenges, puzzles, and work together to find your way around.

Signalis

Discover the terrifying secrets in a surreal retrotech world as Elster, a technician searching for her lost partner and lost dreams. Experience a classic psychological survival horror.

About downloading PS Plus free games

You can download all three PlayStation games – and if you run out of storage space on the internal SSD, check out The Shortcut’s expert PS5 SSD upgrade how-to guide and best SSD for PS5.

The free PS Plus games for July 2026 will no longer be available on August 4, 2026, (if you added them to your PlayStation games library before the cut-off date, you can continue to play them, don’t worry). Note: these PS Plus games don’t have to be downloaded; just add them to your PlayStation games library before they expire from the PlayStation Store.

The primary reason to get a PS Plus membership is online multiplayer, but these ‘free games’ have rounded out the value of Sony’s online service. It helps PlayStation Plus compete with Microsoft’s more robust offering (see our Xbox Game Pass Ultimate review and save $20 with our Xbox Game Pass discount code) which has become a Netflix-like on-demand gaming service. That’s why PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now have merged to form PlayStation Plus Premium, PlayStation Plus Extra, and PlayStation Plus Essential.

How to get the PS Plus free games

1. Get PlayStation Plus through this discount code to save $10 (you can’t stack multiple years anymore, but your pre-paid code won’t expire if you find the deal tempting. You’ll be able to turn off auto-renew and redeem it when it does expire

2. Go to the PlayStation Plus tab on the PlayStation Store on your console

3. Add each of the four games to your library (you don’t have to download them but you do need to add them to your library)

4. You can also download them by logging into the PlayStation Store through the web and adding them to your library that way (it will be faster for some people)

You’ll be able to add the PlayStation Plus free games for August to your library until August 31. On that date, new games will take over, and you’ll lose your chance to add these games to your PlayStation library. Adding the PS Plus games to your library doesn’t require downloading them and therefore doesn’t take up any hard drive or PS5 SSD storage space.

Why you shouldn’t wait on PS Plus free games

Should you buy PlayStation Plus today for these games? While online multiplayer is essential for some people, the free games for $79.99 a year MSRP (but $45 a year with a PlayStation Plus discount code) seems like good value if you play PS5 (if you don’t have a console yet, check out the Target PS5, and Amazon PS5 restock guides along with the Sony Direct queue guide). This is despite the fact you don’t know if the PS Plus free games will be any good month-to-month.

But here’s why you should get them right away: You won’t be able to add the August 2026 free PS Plus games to your library after August 31. My expert advice is that if you don’t have a PlayStation Plus membership, get it today or before the end of the month to claim all of the PlayStation games this month and the next, and for the following ten months.

Can I keep PS Plus free games forever?

As long as you’re subscribed to PlayStation Plus, you can continue playing any free games added to your library. If you cancel your PS Plus subscription, all the PS Plus free games and DLC become inaccessible.

• Check out our PlayStation Premium review 👈

There is a caveat: if you resubscribe to PlayStation Plus at any point, the free games added to your library will become playable again. So it’s worth getting PlayStation Plus if the free game is to your liking and start accumulating a nice collection.

What were the past PS Plus free games?

If you missed out on past PS Plus games, there’s no way to turn back the clock. However, I can tell you the game list for the titles you missed.

PS Plus free games list July 2026

• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3

• For The King II

• CrossCode

PS Plus free games list June 2026

• Grounded: Fully Yoked Edition

• Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2

• Warhammer 40,000: Darktide

PS Plus free games list May 2026

• EA Sports FC 26

• Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

• Nine Sols

PS Plus free games list April 2026

• Lords of Fallen

• Tomb Raider I-III Remastered

• Sword Art Online Fractured Daydream

PS Plus free games list March 2026

• PGA Tour 2K25

• Slime Rancher 2

• Monster Hunter Rise

• The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road Collection

PS Plus free games list February 2026

• Undisputed

• Subnautica: Below Zero

• Ultros

• Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

PS Plus free games list January 2026

• Need for Speed Unbound

• Disney’s Epic Mickey: Rebrushed

• Core Keeper

PS Plus free games list December 2025

• LEGO Horizon Adventures (PS5)

• Killing Floor 3 (PS5)

• The Outlast Trials (PS4, PS5)

• Neon White (PS4, PS5)

• Synduality Echo of Ada (PS5)

PS Plus free games list November 2025

• Stray

• EA Sports WRC 25

• Totally Accurate Battle Simulator

PS Plus free games list October 2025

• Alan Wake 2

• Goat Simulator 3

• Cocoon

PS Plus free games list September 2025

• Psychonauts 2

• Stardew Valley

• Viewfinder

PS Plus free games list August 2025

• Lies of P

• DayZ

• My Hero One’s Justice 2

PS Plus free games list July 2025

• Diablo IV

• King of Fighters XV

• Jusant

PS Plus free games list June 2025

• NBA 2K25

• Alone in the Dark

• Bombrush Cyberfunk

• Destiny 2: The Final Shape

PS Plus free games list May 2025

• Ark: Survival Ascended

• Balatro

• Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun

PS Plus free games list April 2025

• RoboCop: Rogue City

• The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

• Digimon Story: Cybersleuth - Hacker’s Memory

PS Plus free games list March 2025

• Dragon Age: The Veilguard

• Sonic Colors Ultimate

• TMNT: The Cowabunga Collection

PS Plus free games list February 2025

• Payday 3

• High on Life

• Pac-Man World Re-Pac

PS Plus free games list January 2025

• Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League

• Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered

• The Stanley Parable: Ultra Deluxe

PS Plus free games list December 2024

• It Takes Two

• Aliens: Dark Descent

• TemTem

PS Plus free games list November 2024

• Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged

• Ghostwire: Tokyo

• Death Note Killer Within

PS Plus free games list October 2024

• WWE 2K24

• Dead Space

• Doki Doki Literature Club Plus

PS Plus free games list September 2024

• Quidditch Champions

• MLB The Show 24

• Little Nightmares 2

PS Plus free games list August 2024

• LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

• Five Nights at Freddy’s: Security Breach

• Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights

PS Plus free games list July 2024

• Borderlands 3

• NHL 24

• Among Us

PS Plus free games list June 2024

• SpongeBob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake

• Streets of Rage 4

• AEW Fight Forever

PS Plus free games list May 2024

• EA Sports FC 24

• Ghostrunner 2

• Tunic

• Destiny 2: Lightfall

PS Plus free games list April 2024

• Immortals of Aveum

• Minecraft Legends

• Skul: The Hero Slayer

PS Plus free games list March 2024

• F1 23

• Sifu

• Hello Neighbor 2

• Destiny 2: The Witch Queen

PS Plus free games list February 2024

• Foamstars

• Rollerdrome

• SteelRising

PS Plus free games list January 2024

• A Plague Tale: Requiem

• Evil West

• Nobody Saves the World

PS Plus free games list December 2023

• LEGO 2K Drive

• PowerWash Simulator

• Sable

PS Plus free games list November 2023

• Mafia 2: Definitive Edition

• Dragonball Z: The Breakers

• Aliens: Fireteam Elite

PS Plus free games list October 2023

• The Callisto Protocol

• Weird West

• Farming Simulator 22

PS Plus free games list September 2023

• Saints Row

• Black Desert: Traveler Edition

• Generation Zero

PS Plus free games list August 2023

• PGA 2K23

• Dreams

• Death’s Door

PS Plus free games list July 2023

• Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War

• Alan Wake

• Endling: Extinction is Forever

PS Plus free games list June 2023

• NBA 2K23

• Jurassic World Evolution 2

• Trek to Yomi

PS Plus free games list May 2023

• Grid Legends

• Chivalry 2

• Descenders

PS Plus free games list April 2023

• Meet Your Maker

• Sackboy: A Big Adventure

• Tails of Iron

PS Plus free games list March 2023

• Battlefield 2042

• Minecraft Dungeons

• Code Vein

PS Plus free games list February 2023

• OlliOlli World

• Mafia Definitive Edition

• Evil Dead: The Game

• Destiny 2: Beyond Light

PS Plus free games list January 2023

• Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order

• Fallout 76

• Axiom Verge 2

PS Plus free games list December 2022

• Mass Effect: Legendary Edition

• Biomutant

• Divine Knockout

PS Plus free games list November 2022

• Nioh 2 / Nioh 2 Remastered

• LEGO Harry Potter Collection

• Heavenly Bodies

PS Plus free games list October 2022

• Hot Wheels Unleashed

• Injustice 2

• Superhot

PS Plus free games list September 2022

• Toem

• Need for Speed Heat

• Granblue Fantasy: Versus

PS Plus free games list August 2022

• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2

• Yakuza: Like a Dragon

• Little Nightmares

PS Plus free games list July 2022

• Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time

• Man of Medan

• Arcadegeddon

PS Plus free games list June 2022

• God of War

• Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl

• Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker

PS Plus free games list May 2022

• FIFA 22

• Curse of the Dead Gods

• Tribes of Midgard

PS Plus free games list April 2022

• Hood: Outlaws & Legends

• SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom – Rehydrated

• Slay the Spire

PS Plus free games list March 2022

• Ghostrunner (PS5)

• Sonic Team Racing

• Ark: Survival Evolved

• Ghost of Tsushima: Legends (PS4 or PS5)

PS Plus free games list February 2022

• UFC 4

• Tiny Tina’s Assault on Dragon Keep

• Planet Rollercoaster (PS5)

PS Plus free games list January 2022

• Persona 5 Strikers

• Dirt 5

• Deep Rock Galactic

PS Plus free games list December 2021

• Godfall: Challenger Edition

• Lego DC Super-Villains

• Mortal Shell

• PSVR games: The Persistence, The Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners, Until You Fall

Are PSVR 2 games ever part of the PS Plus free games list?

Sony has released PSVR games as part of its PS Plus free games membership perk before, and thankfully it’s now added PSVR 2 games to the lineup. However, you’ll need to be a PS Plus Premium member to access these games. Sony may have been pushed by Meta to offer free PSVR 2 games, which launched its own subscription service called Meta Horizon Plus.

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Last updated: July 29, 2026

• ⛔ GTA 6 will not be released on physical discs, meaning players will rely on download codes that are subject to region-locking on PS5

• 😬 Download codes for PS5 copies may have expiration dates, such as in Japan where codes expire 170 days after November 19, 2026

• 🌍 Unlike PS5, Xbox download codes are not subject to the same region-locking restrictions, allowing for easier cross-country redemption

• 😓 These developments, alongside Sony’s plans to abandon physical media by 2028 and recent network outages, highlight ongoing concerns regarding the industry’s shift toward a digital-only future

As we came to learn, GTA 6 isn’t releasing as a physical disc. Instead, each copy includes a download code inside, and it’s since been discovered that PS5 copies are region-locked. That means you can’t import the game from a different country to your platform account, even though the PlayStation 5 is region-free.

• Walmart: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Best Buy - GTA 6 - $79.99

• GameStop: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Amazon: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Target: GTA 6 - $79.99

• PlayStation Store: GTA 6 - $79.99

To make matters worse, the download codes even expire in Japan after 170 days from the issuance date, which is November 19, 2026.

In a statement on Rockstar Games’ support website, it says: “The digital download code for Grand Theft Auto VI works differently depending on the platform and country of purchase. It is recommended that you buy and play from a retailer that is in the country of your platform account to avoid potential activation problems,”

Interestingly, Xbox download codes won’t be subject to the same restrictions, which means you should technically be able to purchase an EU code in the UK and redeem the game without issue.

The news of GTA 6 not coming on a physical disc was followed by Sony announcing it was also ditching the physical format in January 2028, which has been extremely controversial with fans, to say the least.

In the last few days, both Sony’s PlayStation Network and Xbox have suffered major outages, leaving fans unable to play games they own. It’s not the best look with both companies pushing more for a digital future.

Grand Theft Auto 6 is available for pre-order now for $79.99 – $10 more than the standard price. An Ultimate Edition is also available for $99.99 and is digital only. We’re still yet to see actual gameplay footage of GTA 6 in action, despite the game’s launch only being a few months away.

Up next: GTA 6 trailer 3: when could Rockstar’s next teaser drop?

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 😬 The PlayStation Network has been experiencing issues for the last few hours

• 🔒 It’s left users unable to play online or even access some games

• 🤔 It seems the issue was tied to Amazon Web Services being down

• 🔥 Slowly, some users are regaining access, though the issue will only en flame those who are against Sony’s move to digital-only in 2028

Users are reporting that the PlayStation Network is currently down, leaving them unable to sign in or play games online. Ironically, it comes just a few weeks after Sony announced it was ditching physical discs in January 2028 and pursuing an all-digital future.

Downdetector shows around 6,000+ reports, with the outage beginning around 11am GMT. Sony has yet to comment on the situation, which seems to have been ongoing for at least a few hours.

However, some users are now reporting that PSN is slowly recovering, and it was an issue with Amazon Web Services that was to blame. Apparently, much of Sony’s network service relies on Amazon’s service, which was experiencing issues.

Amazon Web Services issued the following statement (thanks, Push Square): “As routes continue to be restored, customers should see a continued reduction in error rates and timeouts when connecting to affected services. We are monitoring recovery progress closely and will continue working until all routes have been fully restored and service metrics return to pre-event levels. We will provide another update in the next 30-45 minutes.”

Still, it’s just a glimpse of why having an always-online console that relies on digital purchases and sign-ins isn’t appealing to many, as you’re basically locked out of your account until service resumes.

Sony also doesn’t have the best track record with its online service. PSN was notoriously hacked and offline for weeks during the PS3 era, and there have been countless occasions where PSN has been down for far longer than expected.

Hopefully, PlayStation players will be able to access the games they’ve purchased very soon.

Up next: Steam Frame gains Steamworks support, more verified games, and new hardware shipments

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• ✋ Sony has indefinitely delayed the release of its PS5 FlexStrike fight stick due to unexpected production issues, missing its original August 6 launch date

• 🔜 The delay affects customers who pre-ordered the device, with retailers expected to provide updates soon

• 💰 Designed for PS5 and PC, the $199.99 controller features a rechargeable battery, wired/wireless support, and a sling carry case

• 👍 The fight stick stands out for its customizable, toolless swappable restrictor gates, allowing users to toggle between square, circular, and octagonal configurations

PlayStation Direct: FlexStrike

Best Buy: FlexStrike

Amazon: FlexStrike

Sony has announced a last-minute delay of its upcoming FlexStrike Fight stick for PS5. The first-party wireless fight stick was due to launch alongside Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls on August 6, 2026, but it’s unclear when the FlexStrike will be released.

Sony blamed the move on “unexpected production delays” and said that players who have already pre-ordered the FlexStrike should receive updates from retailers soon.

“We’re working to ensure we deliver the best possible experience to our players with FlexStrike, so we’re taking extra time to put the finishing touches on the product,” Sony’s update on the PlayStation Blog states. “We apologize for this delay and look forward to bringing the FlexStrike experience to the community when it launches.”

Funnily enough, Sony’s first social media post after it announced it would be ending physical discs in 2028 was to advertise the FlexStrike’s upcoming release date, which makes the delay a little embarrassing. It also isn’t ideal that the hardware will no longer launch alongside its big new fighting game, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.

The PS5 FlexStrike fight stick also works on PC, has a built-in rechargeable battery, and comes with a sling carry case so you can take it to a tournament, meetup, or a friend’s house. It can also be used wired and has toolless swappable restrictor gates for the custom-designed digital stick. It means you can switch between square, circular, and octagonal gates.

The PS5 FlexStrike pre-orders opened on June 12, 2026. It costs $199.99, which includes the sling carry case.

Up next: Call of Duty: Black Ops PS5 port is as bare bones as it gets – and already being ruined by hackers

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 😤 The Call of Duty: Black Ops PS5 port is a low-effort release that lacks modern enhancements like 4K resolution, anti-aliasing, and 120fps modes

• 💰 Activision is charging $40 for the base game, which does not include any DLC, requiring players to pay an additional $30 for extra content

• 😡 Online lobbies on PS5 have already been compromised by hackers and cheaters, leading Activision to disable some playlists for investigation

• 👎 Due to its poor technical state and high price, the port is widely viewed as a cash-grab and is not recommended unless heavily discounted

The Call of Duty: Black Ops PS5 port was a surprising announcement, especially as the new version of the game has skipped Xbox Series X|S entirely. However, it’s easier to see why that was the case now that the port is available.

The PS5 versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 are the very definition of a low-effort port. There’s no 4K resolution or even anti-aliasing, and a 120fps mode is also off the table. Instead, the game matches the same 1080p resolution as the PS4 version (of which there is one), and is barely an improvement over the original PS3 release.

It’s still better than the existing Xbox 360 port, which is stuck at a fuzzier 608p resolution, but gamers will have expected far more for a new PS5 release – especially as Activision is charging $40 for it.

If that wasn’t bad enough, Call of Duty: Black Ops on PS5 doesn’t even include the DLC to make it a “definitive edition” of sorts, which means you’ll have to stump up another $30 for the game’s downloadable content. It’s the same situation for Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.

Sadly, it gets worse. Reports are now emerging on Reddit that, like on Xbox 360 and PS3, the Call of Duty: Black Ops PS5 online lobbies have already succumbed to hackers and cheaters. Activision has even turned off some playlists while it investigates “reported issues”.

It’s hard to consider these PS5 ports anything other than a simple cash-grab from Activision (and, of course, Microsoft). While you may be nostalgic for Black Ops and Black Ops 2, my advice is to steer clear of these pitiful ports unless they’re available for dirt cheap.

Up next: Steam Frame release date speculation grows as huge shipment of Valve’s VR headset arrives

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 💿 ‘Sony will stop including discs with physical PS5 games starting in January 2028

• 📅 The PS6 is expected to launch in 2028 as a digital-only console without a disc drive

• 👉 Sony will prioritize digital software and subscription services over physical backward compatibility

• 📈 Rising manufacturing costs suggest the PS6 will be a premium-priced device rather than a loss-leader

Sony just announced that physical PS5 games released after January 2028 will no longer include a disc – and the news has given us a clearer insight into the Japanese company’s plans for the PS6.

With the announcement, it’s basically guaranteed that the PS6 will not launch with a disc drive and will also launch in 2028. Similar to the PS5 Pro, it will be a digital-only console, though we’re unlikely to see Sony offer a disc drive add-on this time around.

Why? Well, Sony won’t be releasing any discs for the PS6. Sony will hope that anyone who wants to play PS5 games will either: a) own them digitally; b) buy them digitally; or c) keep their PlayStation 5 to play them on.

That might sound rather brutal, but backward compatibility isn’t where Sony will make its money. As much as Microsoft grabbed headlines with its excellent backward compatibility program, it didn’t transform the console’s dire sales. It’s nice to have for most people, but not a moneymaker like subscriptions or new software sales.

Sony could offer some sort of physical to digital upgrade path, but we haven’t seen anyone implement this promise, despite rumors that Xbox was working on a similar scheme. Again, Sony may crunch the numbers and decide it’s more hassle than it’s worth.

A 2028 release date for the PS6 also makes sense in the current climate, where memory and components are exponentially more expensive than they’ve ever been. The longer Sony can hold out, the more chance it has of being able to secure parts at a cheaper price, if the AI boom slows down, of course.

A new report suggests the PS5 has already jumped $200 to manufacture, and may have exceeded $1,000. With Sony stating that it’s reluctant to take a loss on each console sold, all signs point to a premium-priced console, and one that won’t have a disc drive.

Up next: PSP 2 could become a reality, as Sony hints it’s making a portable console

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 💿 Sony will discontinue physical game disc production for all new PlayStation titles starting January 2028

• 🤔 Existing games released before the cutoff date remain unaffected by this transition

• 👎 The move aligns with growing consumer preference for digital media, though it has sparked concerns regarding game preservation

• 🤷‍♂️ This decision signals a broader industry shift, likely impacting future console hardware designs, such as the rumored PS6

Sony has announced that physical game disc production for all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028. After this date, any new games released will be available on the PlayStation Store and at retailers in digital formats only.

Sony said that the transition will have no impact on games that have already been released, or will be released, prior to January 2028.

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony’s Sid Shuman said: “This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs. This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.

“We’ll continue to prioritize our resources to drive innovation in how players can access games and provide choices as to where players prefer to purchase new games, whether that’s at retailers or PlayStation Store. We remain committed to delivering a world-class gaming experience to our fans and we thank you for your continued support.”

The creep towards digital-only content on consoles has been coming. Sony released the PS5 Pro without a disc drive, and we’ve seen digital editions of the PS5 and Xbox Series X. However, to stop disc production during the generation is a huge surprise, and one that is bound to be extremely divisive.

The knock-on effect of ditching discs

It also all but confirms that the PS6 will not have a disc drive when it eventually launches. It could feature a modular design that allows a disc drive to be attached, but if Sony is already ceasing disc production during the PS5’s lifecycle, the Japanese giant may drop the disc drive for good.

While it’s true that many gamers now play their games digitally, there’s still a passionate audience who prefer to buy their games physically, especially for preservationists. Digital games can disappear from storefronts, making them inaccessible. We’ve seen this happen countless times, and the shady practice has spurred action in the form of the Stop Killing Games movement.

Case in point: Sony has also just announced that it is closing the PS3 and PS Vita stores, which means games that were only released digitally will be essentially gone for good.

The used game market is also all but dead, as you can’t trade digital codes, nor can you resell a digital game once it’s been redeemed. The knock-on effect is bigger than most people realize.

Sadly, the digital push is now in full swing, with even GTA 6 physical copies only containing a download code inside, with no disc version planned.

Up next: GTA 6 won’t hit 60fps on PS5 and Xbox Series X, according to tech experts – but what about PS5 Pro?

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 📈 The PlayStation 6 production cost has reportedly exceeded $900, up $200 from earlier estimates

• 🚀 Rising memory and storage costs, alongside broader component supply issues, are driving up manufacturing expenses for new consoles

• 💰 Sony historically subsidizes hardware, but with manufacturing costs potentially hitting $1,000, the retail price for the PS6 may likely start at $800 or more

• 😔 Consistent with rising consumer electronics prices, industry trends suggest affordable console pricing is becoming increasingly unlikely

It’s impossible to predict the price of the PS6, which is still tipped to launch in 2027, but all signs suggest that Sony’s next console won’t be cheap.

According to a post shared on Resetera from insider Kepler_K2, who has previously leaked technical specifications and prices for console parts accurately, the bill of materials (BoM) for the PS6 has risen by $200 since March 2026.

Previously, the estimated BoM for the PlayStation 6 was around $760. But as we’ve heard directly from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, memory and storage costs continue to rise, making each new unit more expensive to build.

With Lenovo stating that the component crisis will lead to permanently higher prices in the years to come, it’s hard to see the PS6 costing anything less than $1,000 to manufacture, even if you factor in economies of scale.

Historically, Sony and Microsoft have sold hardware at a loss and subsidized consoles at around $100 to $200, recouping the losses with software sales and subscriptions. If the PS6 costs $1,000 to make, it’s unlikely Sony would sell it for anything less than $800.

Things are only getting worse

We’ve already seen the PS5 price steadily increase from its $499 launch price in 2020 to $649 today, and it’s likely another price hike will occur soon. After all, Microsoft just announced that its Xbox consoles are going up in price yet again, with the Xbox Series X to cost $799.99 from August 1, 2026.

Valve also revealed the Steam Machine will cost $1,049 for the 512GB model without a Steam Controller. Initially, it had hoped to launch the entry-level SKU for $750, but market conditions have led to a steep price increase.

As prices continue to climb across consumer electronics, there’s no doubt that the PS6 launching for $499.99 like the PlayStation 5 is practically impossible. All signs point to a PS5 Pro-rivaling price of at least $899.99, if not more, especially if the PS6 launches in 2027 as many predict.

Up next: Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition price: it just got more expensive before launch

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 😮 GTA 6 will feature “next-gen graphics and performance” with advanced ray tracing for realistic lighting and reflections

• 🌧️ A dynamic weather system will be included, impacting both gameplay and in-game physics

• 💪 The PS5 Pro version is expected to offer improved performance, more stable frame rates, and higher resolutions

• 👀 While 60fps remains unconfirmed, the enhancements suggest a smoother, more responsive experience than the standard PS5 target

Walmart: PS5 Pro

Best Buy: PS5 Pro

GameStop: PS5 Pro

Amazon: PS5 Pro

After proudly announcing that GTA 6 plays best on PS5, new details about the GTA 6 PS5 Pro enhancements have emerged from an Amazon listing in Brazil.

According to the game information, GTA 6 offers “next-gen graphics and performance on PS5 and PS5 Pro”, and that the game has been developed “natively to extract maximum power from Sony’s hardware”.

GTA 6 will apparently include global lighting with advanced ray tracing, providing detailed reflections in the cars and waters of Vice City. A realistic, dynamic weather system will also be present, which changes physics and gameplay depending on the time and severity of the weather.

• Walmart: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Best Buy - GTA 6 - $79.99

• GameStop: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Amazon: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Target: GTA 6 - $79.99

• PlayStation Store: GTA 6 - $79.99

For PS5 Pro specifically, the listing says that optimizations for Sony’s souped up PlayStation 5 include “improved performance, more stable frame rates (FPS) and even sharper resolutions on the most powerful console on the market”.

Could that mean a performance mode exclusive to PS5 Pro that allows the game to run at 60fps? Maybe, but the wording isn’t super clear. Improved performance is rather vague, and more stable frame rates could just mean it will be less prone to FPS dips during gameplay.

The tech experts at Digital Foundry also don’t believe we’ll see GTA 6 hit 60fps on PS5 Pro, because it essentially uses the same CPU as the PS5.

Digital Foundry’s Richard Leadbetter explained to IGN: “Grand Theft Auto games have always run complex simulations that push the CPU hard, which is why every GTA game has initially launched on their target platforms at 30fps.

”The PS5 Pro uses the same CPU as the PS5 and it would be extremely challenging to hit 60fps if the base PS5 version is targeting 30fps. This isn’t a GPU problem, it’s a CPU problem.”

However, despite Leadbetter’s comments, we could see a 40fps cap or an uncapped frame rate mode that allows the PS5 Pro to push past the likely 30fps target to provide a smoother, more responsive experience.

It’s fair to say that many will have bought a PS5 Pro purely to get the best GTA 6 experience possible, and Sony will want to ensure that its more powerful system delivers.

GTA 6 is available for pre-order now for $79.99. That’s $10 more than we’re used to, and those who buy a physical copy sadly won’t receive a disc – just a digital code in the box. Hopefully, that may change after the game’s release.

Up next: Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition price: it just got more expensive before launch

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🎮 Sony claims GTA 6 will “play best on PS5” by utilizing features like haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and Tempest 3D Audio

• 🎧 While Sony highlights PS5-specific tech, similar spatial audio and SSD performance are available on Xbox Series X|S

• 💪 The PS5 Pro may offer a distinct performance advantage for GTA 6 through higher resolution and frame rates, though details are pending

• 📅 GTA 6 launches on November 19, with pre-orders beginning June 25, priced at $79.99 for the standard edition and $99.99 for the Ultimate Edition

Walmart: PS5 Pro

Best Buy: PS5 Pro

GameStop: PS5 Pro

Amazon: PS5 Pro

Sony has ramped up its marketing partnership with GTA 6, claiming Rockstar’s long-awaited sequel “plays best on PS5”.

In a post on the PlayStation Blog, Sony Interactive Entertainment senior vice president Mary Yee explains that “Grand Theft Auto VI will play best on PS5 by taking advantage of PS5’s immersive features to deliver a deeply engaging single-player experience when it launches on November 19.”

• Walmart: GTA 6 Ultimate Edition - $99.99

• Best Buy: GTA 6 Ultimate Edition - $99.99

• GameStop: GTA 6 Ultimate Edition - $99.99

• Amazon: GTA 6 Ultimate Edition - $99.99

• PlayStation Store: GTA 6 Ultimate Edition - $99.99

Those immersive features won’t come as a surprise to any PlayStation 5 owner. As Yee outlines, GTA 6 will make use of the DualSense controller’s haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and integrated speaker.

The PS5’s Tempest 3D Audio tech will also let players surround themselves in the distinct soundscapes of Leonida, and GTA 6 will also leverage the PS5’s ultra-high speed SSD, which should allow for near-instant load times.

Of course, while many enjoy the PS5 DualSense controller’s features, we’ve seen that the PS5’s SSD isn’t exactly a game changer like we were first promised, and that the SSD in the Xbox Series X|S offers the same experience.

As for 3D Audio, Xbox also has its own alternatives that offer spatial audio with Dolby Atmos, DTS Headphone:X, and Windows Spatial Sound. All three deliver the same result as Sony’s Tempest 3D Audio.

• Walmart: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Best Buy - GTA 6 - $79.99

• GameStop: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Amazon: GTA 6 - $79.99

• Target: GTA 6 - $79.99

• PlayStation Store: GTA 6 - $79.99

Interestingly, one area where Sony does have a clear advantage is with the PS5 Pro. Many are expecting GTA 6 to run best on Sony’s souped-up PS5, as its additional graphics power should allow for a higher resolution and possibly even a higher frame rate.

It seems like Sony and Rockstar aren’t ready to lift the lid on how GTA 6 is enhanced for PS5 Pro, though, and it’ll also be interesting to see how the game performs on the weaker Xbox Series S.

GTA 6 pre-orders begin at midnight local time on June 25. We finally know the GTA 6 price is $79.99, and a GTA 6 Ultimate Edition has been revealed that costs $99.99.

Up next: GTA 6 collector’s edition: predicted pre-order date, price, and what to expect

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 😮 SanDisk has released some new PS5 SSDs, with a monstrous price tag attached to them

• 💰 The new 8TB Optimus GX Pro 850P costs $3,700 retail, making it more than three times as expensive as a PS5 Pro

• 🤷‍♂️ Its release is part of a rebranded range of drives after WD’s SSD division spun off last year

• 😬 For reference, the old WD SN850X with remarkably similar specs was $600 on sale in 8TB form before the memory crisis

Best Buy: SanDisk Optimus GX Pro

SanDisk has announced its latest PS5 SSDs, and prices aren’t looking good, especially if you want or need a lot of storage.

The new Optimus GX Pro 850P is among a range of drives that have been rebranded from the old WD_Black naming convention after the SSD division was spun off from Western Digital to SanDisk last year.

The drive is available in 1TB, 2TB, 4TB and 8TB variants, with the top-end choice costing $2,960. SanDisk also says that the price is technically reduced from $3,700.

For reference, the SSD alone is more than three times the cost of a PS5 Pro, which already comes with a 2TB SSD inside and costs $900 after Sony’s hefty PS5 price rise back in April.

The Optimus GX Pro 850P is a PCIe 4.0 SSD that ticks all of Sony’s stringent requirements for a PS5 drive, coming with its own heatsink and fast speeds of up to 7,300MB/s reads and 6,300 MB/s writes.

Those speeds are virtually identical to the old WD SN850X people have coveted for so long, and before the memory crisis, that was available for under $600 when on sale for its 8TB variant.

If SanDisk were to discount the Optimus GX Pro 850P from its $3,700 MSRP down to $600, that’d work out to a ridiculous 84% discount, as Digital Foundry notes.

This is perhaps one of the worst times we’ve seen for gamers for price hikes because it’s extended to virtually everyone. Nintendo announced a $50 price rise for the Switch 2 that takes effect in September, while it’s also rumored Microsoft’s new Xbox Series X25 Limited Edition could see a higher price tag than expected owing to memory pricing issues.

For reference, there has also been a steep Steam Deck price rise from Valve and Lenovo’s monstrous Legion Go 2 price hike, so it seems no one is safe from the memory crisis, whether you’re on PC or console.

Up next: GTA 6 pre-order date revealed, along with the game’s official cover art

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 😮 Treyarch is bringing Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops II to PS5, developed by Iron Galaxy Studios

• 🧟 The re-releases will include the original campaign, multiplayer, and zombies modes with improved frame rates and resolution

• 🤷‍♂️ No Xbox Series X|S version is currently planned, which has disappointed many fans given Microsoft’s ownership of the series

• 📅 The next main franchise entry, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, is scheduled for release on October 23, 2026

Even though all eyes are arguably on the next entry in the Call of Duty franchise, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, developer Treyarch has quietly announced that Call of Duty: Black Ops and Black Ops II are coming to PS5.

However, no Xbox Series X|S version has been announced. Both games are playable via backwards compatibility, but as fans have pointed out, the Xbox 360 version runs at 720p and the online modes are plagued with cheaters and hackers.

The two games are being developed by Iron Galaxy Studios and will bring the original campaign, multiplayer, and zombies modes to PS5.

It doesn’t sound like the games will receive a huge graphical overhaul like we’ve seen with previous Call of Duty remakes, but will offer smoother frame rates, faster load times, and a higher resolution.

Crucially, the games will no longer be trapped on PS3. However, the fact that no Xbox version has been announced seems like a big slap in the face for loyal players, especially as Call of Duty is owned by Microsoft.

As for the next Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 4 releases on October 23, 2026. It’s being developed by Infinity Ward, which many still regard as the best Call of Duty studio. After a few years of missteps and falling sales, it’ll be interesting to see whether Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 can recapture the series’ magic.

Up next: Xbox is reportedly closing Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine as part of its ‘reset’

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 📉 Sony’s Days of Play 2026 sale sees deep discounts on all things headsets

• 💰 The PSVR 2 has dropped down to $300 after a hefty $100 price cut

• 🎧 The Pulse Explore earbuds are $50 off, while the Pulse Elite headset is $40 off

• 😖 There are also price cuts on various controllers, although no console-specific reductions

Walmart: PSVR 2

Best Buy: Pulse Elite headset

Best Buy: DualSense Edge

Best Buy: Pulse Explore earbuds

Sony’s big Days of Play sale has returned for 2026, and it features some surprisingly hefty discounts.

The brand hasn’t revealed all of its promos for the sale that begins today and is expected to run through June 10, but a few deals have been teased that you can nab by going directly to the PlayStation Direct store and through online retailers.

The headline is that Sony has knocked $100 off its second-gen PSVR 2 virtual reality headset to make it $300, which looks to be a new low price on the bundle with the headset, two PSVR 2 Sense controllers and straps, a USB charging cable and stereo headphones.

For reference, the headset received a permanent price cut down from its original $550 price tag to $400 on its two-year anniversary last year, which is today’s official MSRP – the $300 we’re seeing it for today beats the 2024 Black Friday sale that saw the Horizon Call of the Mountain bundle drop to $350.

Elsewhere, Sony is offering a $50 discount on the Pulse Explore wireless earbuds and a $40 discount on the Pulse Elite wireless headset to make the brand’s own flagship PlayStation headsets cheaper.

As for controllers, the customizable, pro-grade DualSense Edge is $30 off, as is the Access controller. Various DualSense wireless controllers are up to $20 off in a more modest set of discounts.

Sony has also said there will be discounts on PS5 games such as Ghost of Yōtei, Helldivers 2, Death Stranding 2 and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.

The notable omission with Days of Play for this year is that no PS5 consoles are part of the discounts, as they have been in previous years. This is surely due to the recent hefty PS5 price increases from Sony that saw the PS5 Pro rise to $900, and the PS5 Standard and Digital models rise to $650 and $600, respectively.

Up next: The first PS6 game may have already been revealed

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 👀 We might have just gotten our first look at the first PS6 game

• 🚀 Epic Games has shown off an overhauled version of Rocket League running on Unreal Engine 6

• 😲 The game has significantly improved visuals, with enhanced lighting and reflections, and stronger fine detail

• 🤔 Epic previously used a bespoke Unreal Engine 5 demo to showcase the PlayStation 5 before it launched

We might have just got our first look at the first game to come to the upcoming PS6 console.

As reported by Push Square, an updated version of Rocket League running on Epic’s upcoming Unreal Engine 6 engine has been shown off and announced at an esports event in Paris.

The accompanying footage shows significantly improved visuals, such as enhanced lighting and reflections on the game’s car models, plus stronger fine detail on the grass, for instance.

On its own, this doesn’t seem too exciting, but it’s important to remember that Epic previously used an Unreal Engine 5 demo called ‘Lumen in the Land of Nanite’ to show off what the PlayStation 5 was capable of.

With Unreal Engine 6, we may have just gotten our first look at what the next-gen Sony console is capable of.

Unreal Engine has usually been developed with scalability in mind, though, so it’s possible that this new version of Rocket League may also be able to run on PS5.

In any case, it seems like Rocket League is due a complete graphical overhaul, and what better way to make use of the new engine than with a shiny new, even beefier console?

In other PS6 news, leakers have suggested that the console’s specs and launch plans haven’t changed.

We don’t know much about the PlayStation 6 officially, beyond that Sony has said the next console generation has been “top of mind” in recent months, although leaks have indicated it could be a versatile console with accompanying handheld with a large amount of memory and with the ability to play discs as well as digital games.

The PlayStation 6 is expected to launch in 2027, according to leakers, and Microsoft is rumored to be targeting next year for its next-gen Xbox Project Helix hybrid console, too.

Up next: GTA 6 preorder update shared by an unexpected source

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 📈 PlayStation Plus Premium and Extra monthly and three-month memberships have increased in price

• 💰 New monthly/three-month costs are $16.99/$43.99 for Extra and $19.99/$54.99 for Premium

• 🆚 PS Plus Premium is now priced near Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which offers day-one first-party games that Sony does not

• 😖 This follows recent price hikes for the PS5 and PS5 Pro consoles, reflecting a broader trend of increasing costs across the gaming industry

Walmart: 12-month PS Plus

After announcing that the price of PlayStation Plus Essential was increasing for monthly and three-month memberships by $1 to $3 respectively, it turns out that PlayStation Plus Premium and PlayStation Plus Extra will also cost more from now on.

Sony didn’t specifically mention that PS Plus Premium or Extra would also be affected by the price increase. But now that the new prices are live (current subscribers aren’t affected), it turns out that you will indeed have to pay more for the higher tiers of PlayStation Plus (thanks, Eurogamer).

A PlayStation Plus Extra subscription now costs $16.99 per month or $43.99 for three months, and a Premium subscription has risen to $19.99 for one month and $54.99 for three. Annual subscriptions are not affected, at least for now.

It means that PlayStation Plus Premium almost costs the same as Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which thankfully came down in price from $29.99 to $22.99 a month in April. Unlike PlayStation Plus Premium, Microsoft’s service includes every first-party Xbox Studios game on day one, plus many other titles.

Only a few games have been released onto the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog on day one, and Sony has always been steadfast that it won’t bring its first-party games to PS Plus on release day.

The PlayStation Plus price hike comes shortly after Sony announced that the PS5, PS5 Digital Edition and PS5 Pro would become more expensive. The PS5 launched at $499.99 in November 2020 and, despite being redesigned to be smaller, lighter, and more efficient, now costs $649.99.

The PS5 Pro, which launched for $699.99, now costs $849.99, making it the most expensive console to date, putting it in the same ballpark as high-end graphics cards.

Even Nintendo has implemented price increases due to “market conditions”. The Nintendo Switch 2 is set to increase by $50 from September 1, 2026, and the price of the original Nintendo Switch increased last year.

Valve’s Steam Machine, which was rumored to cost around $699-$899, has been delayed due to the ongoing RAM crisis, and is now expected to cost at least $1,000. However, gamers will hope that isn’t the case, as their favorite pastime continues to become more and more expensive.

Up next: Sony reportedly won’t bring its single-player PS5 games to PC anymore, as it returns to console exclusives

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🔒 Sony will no longer bring single-player PS5 titles to PC, keeping games exclusive to the console

• 🗣️ PlayStation CEO Hermen Hulst communicated this decision to staff, confirming earlier reports

• 🤔 Multiplayer-focused games, such as Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls and Horizon Hunters Gathering, will still be released on PC

• 📉 The change follows several PS5 ports, including Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart and The Last of Us Part II Remastered, failing to achieve significant concurrent player counts

Sony has reportedly said that it will no longer bring its PS5 single-player titles to PC ‌in the future, meaning titles like Ghost of Yotei and Saros will remain exclusive to PlayStation 5 consoles.

According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, PlayStation CEO Hermen Hulst informed staff of the decision in a town hall Monday morning, which aligns with his previous report from March.

Sony will still bring multiplayer-focused games to PC, including the upcoming Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls and Horizon Hunters Gathering. However, future single-player titles, and even those that haven’t been released on PC, will not be ported over.

It means that Marvel’s Wolverine will remain a PS5 exclusive, as will the upcoming God of War Trilogy remake, which previously would have come to PC, albeit likely a year or two after releasing on console.

Sony took a leaf out of Microsoft’s book and began bringing PS5 exclusives to PC from 2021 onwards. However, most games failed to make much of an impact, with the most successful title being Ghost of Tsushima, which hit a peak concurrent player count of 77,154.

Other titles fared far worse, such as Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, which only peaked at 8,757 players, and even The Last of Us Part II Remastered suffered, achieving a peak player count of 30,690.

Clearly, Sony has weighed up the impact of bringing its exclusives to PC on how it affects its console sales. While the additional revenue may be worth it in the short term, Sony may also be concerned about Microsoft’s Xbox Project Helix, which would allow gamers to play PlayStation titles because of its console/PC hybrid design, along with Valve’s upcoming Steam Machine.

Up next: PlayStation Plus price increase: here’s how much you have to pay if you’re not already subscribed

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 📈 Sony is raising the price of PlayStation Plus Essential starting May 20, 2026

• 💰 The monthly subscription price increases by $1 to $10.99 (and equivalent increases in GBP/EUR)

• 🚨 Only new subscribers are primarily affected, but all must pay the new price if their subscription lapses or changes

• 😖 This price hike follows other console and subscription price increases this generation, such as the PS5 and Nintendo Switch 2

Walmart: 12-month PS Plus

Shortly after raising the price of the PS5, PS5 Digital Edition, and PS5 Pro, Sony has revealed that its online subscription service, PlayStation Plus, is also set for a price hike.

Beginning May 20, 2026, the price of a monthly subscription to PlayStation Plus Essential, the most basic tier of Sony’s service, will increase to $10.99, £7.99, and €9.99 per month. A three-month subscription is also going up to $27.99, £21.99 and €27.99 respectively.

That’s an increase of $1 per month over the previous price, and an increase of $3 for a three-month subscription. Of course, Sony has rolled out the usual excuse of “market conditions” for introducing the price hike.

The good news, if there is any, is that only new subscribers will be affected by the PlayStation Plus price increase, unless you live in Turkey or India. However, you’ll have to pay the new price if your subscription changes or lapses.

For now, only PlayStation Plus Essential, which gives you access to online services and includes three PS Plus free games each month, is increasing in price. PlayStation Extra and PlayStation Premium are safe for now, though it feels like it’s only a matter of time before both these subscription tiers go up in price too.

Nintendo recently announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will increase in price from September 1 by $50, and Microsoft has implemented several price hikes on its hardware and subscription services. However, the price of an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription was surprisingly cut from $29.99 to $22.99 per month.

Video game fans have historically been used to prices decreasing over time, particularly on hardware. However, this generation has bucked that trend, with consoles costing significantly more than when they launched, along with subscription prices continuing to creep up.

Up next: Nintendo Switch 2: Choose Your Game bundle arrives this summer before the price increases

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.

• 🤔 Sony has clarified the allegations that it introduced an Xbox One-like DRM feature on the PS5 after recent criticism

• 🤷‍♂️ A spokesperson said that no further checks for a digital license were required after a one-time online check-in when the game is purchased

• ⏰ It had previously been feared that Sony was introducing 30-day check-ins for digital games as part of some strict DRM

• 🙏 This echoes the large backlash Microsoft faced with the Xbox One, which was originally going to ship with very strict DRM, before it reversed the decision

Sony has addressed the PS5’s potential Xbox One-like DRM feature, which appeared to have been added in a recent firmware update.

Many PlayStation fans feared that Sony had introduced a check-in after a March 2026 firmware update, which added a 30-day valid license timer for newly-purchased PS4 games, and affects PS5 titles, as per game preservation source ‘Does it play?’ on X.

After a lot of backlash from fans in the immediate aftermath, Sony has addressed concerns with a representative telling Game File that “players can continue to access and play their purchased games as usual” and that a “one-time online check is required after purchase to confirm the game’s license, after which no further check-ins are needed”.

The news about 30-day license check-ins alarmed game preservationists and PlayStation fans over concerns that digital games may become unplayable if a console is offline for more than the requisite time.

Players who tested the theory found that setting a PS5 or PS4 as the “primary” console for a game (which is a Sony-authorized way to establish whether someone has the necessary digital rights to play a game or not) didn’t override this 30-day limit. This, therefore, led folks to believe that monthly DRM check-ins could be the new normal for PlayStation users.

Sony has since confirmed that this isn’t the case, but hasn’t said why the new rule was introduced in the first place. Some fans, including a helpful commenter on my previous post, theorized that it was to prevent exploits of Sony’s 14-day window for digital game returns, whereby gamers could buy a game, then go offline, nab the licence ID, then go back online and ask for a refund, and then essentially get the game for free. Sony hasn’t confirmed or denied if this is the case, though.

It had been feared that Sony wouldn’t immediately respond to such criticisms so quickly, especially after it had taken them weeks to deal with a prior issue with the console.

Several years ago, there was a hardware issue with the console’s internal clock – if the PS5’s internal CR2032 battery failed, then it would kill the machine’s internal clock, rendering games unplayable. Sony did fix this through system updates, although it took them several weeks to even admit the issue and offer fixes. However, ‘Does it play?’ on X believes this new restriction basically brings this problem back.

It had been posited that a 30-day check-in would have operated in a similar manner to Microsoft’s original intentions for the Xbox One. Microsoft originally wanted to ship the console with strict DRM involving daily internet check-ins to determine the legitimacy of games, although after intense backlash, it backed down and reversed its decision.

Up next: GTA 6 price is still unknown, as publisher Take-Two dodges the question

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 😬 Sony may have added similar DRM checks to the PS5 in a recent update to the ones that almost killed the Xbox One

• 👀 As part of a new March 2026 firmware update, Sony has allegedly added a background check for newly purchased games to check if the copy being booted is legitimate

• 🤔 Sony hasn’t acknowledged the issue yet, but has a previous history with game-breaking console issues, such as the issue with the internal CR2032 battery killing the console’s internal clock, which stopped games from running

• 😐 It also echoes the large backlash Microsoft faced with the Xbox One, which was originally going to ship with very strict DRM, before it reversed the decision

Sony may have just added similar DRM checks to the PS5, similar to the ones that almost killed the Xbox One over a decade ago.

That’s according to the discovery of a new online check-in from game preservation sources ‘Does it play?’ on X, which states tha, as a result of some new March 2026 firmware, “newly-purchased PS4 games now show a 30-day valid licence timer”. Strangely, this also affects PS5 titles, although it “only shows an error when starting a game”.

The suggestion is that Sony has added a background check for newly purchased games (from March 2026 onwards) to detect whether folks are booting a legitimate copy of a game, with a 30-day grace period should your console be offline.

In response, PS5 users have posted evidence of chat conversations with official PlayStation customer support about the issue, although to no avail, as the agents they spoke with didn’t seem to be fully briefed on the situation.

Fans have also compared this current DRM issue to a prior issue with the PS5 that left some games unable to function if the console’s internal CR2032 coin cell battery failed, which killed the machine’s internal clock. After quite the uproar, Sony eventually rolled out system updates to fix it.

It also echoes similar issues that occurred with the Xbox One launch over a decade ago, where Microsoft faced a monumental backlash against its initial idea to ship the console with strict DRM, with daily internet check-ins to check the legitimacy of games. Eventually, it reversed its decision.

Sony has also allegedly refused to acknowledge the current issue, according to some fans, which ‘Does it play?’ responded to, noting that Sony denied the existence of the CR2032 issue publicly, only to fix it a couple of weeks later. Let’s hope it’s a little more forthcoming on this latest potential problem.

Up next: Xbox Project Helix price will be affected by the memory crisis, new CEO admits

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Reece Bithrey is a journalist with bylines for Trusted Reviews, Digital Foundry, PC Gamer, TechRadar and more. He also has his own blog, UNTITLED, and graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in International History and Politics in 2023.

• 😍 The Killscreen custom PS5 controller features a translucent ice blue design, reminiscent of the N64’s beloved Funtastic colorway

• 💪 It offers significant hardware upgrades, including clicky mechanical face buttons, Omron hair triggers, and GuliKit TMR thumbsticks to prevent stick drift

• 🆚 While the fully modded controller is more expensive than the DualSense Edge, its enhanced buttons and triggers offer a superior feel for both competitive and casual gaming

• 🤷‍♂️ The controller has beautiful aesthetics and some welcome performance upgrades, though the recessed Create and Options buttons and lack of back paddles are minor drawbacks

Killscreen: Ice Blue PS5 controller

I developed a rather compulsive habit of collecting controllers over the last few years. But as more variants of the PS5 and Xbox controllers were released, my enthusiasm – like the funds in my bank account – slowly whittled away.

While some PS5 and Xbox controller colors are more eye-catching than others, nothing compares to the artistry that Killscreen, an independent gaming hardware studio, is creating. Not only does it make phenomenal-looking custom DualSense controllers, but it also improves upon the hardware itself.

After spotting Killscreen’s latest release, a translucent ice blue PS5 controller that’s identical to the beloved N64 colorway that I still proudly own, I knew I had to get my hands on one. And after putting the controller through its paces, it’s become a permanent fixture on my desk, either to game with, or to stare longingly at.

With optional clicky mechanical face buttons, Omron hair triggers for instant response, and GuliKit TMR thumbsticks to eliminate stick drift, you can significantly upgrade your Killscreen controller so that it leaves the standard PS5 DualSense controller, and even the DualSense Edge, in the dust.

Yes, it comes at a cost. A regular PS5 DualSense controller costs between $74.99 and $89.99 depending on the color, while a modded Killscreen controller starts at $139.99. If you want to add all the extras, expect to pay $208.

That’s more expensive than even Sony’s PS5 DualSense Edge controller, which costs $199.99, and you’re not getting any back buttons or added software features, either. However, the clicky face buttons and D-Pad are a joy to press, and gave me incredible consistency in Streets of Rage 4 whenever I performed a forward special.

For competitive first-person shooters, the Omron hair triggers also have practically zero travel, providing a mouse-like click which is superior to the DualSense Edge’s trigger locks that offer far too much travel for my liking.

It’s also worth highlighting the Funtastic Ice Blue PS5 controller’s wonderful analog sticks. The unit I was provided with included TMR (Tunnel Magnetoresistance) thumbsticks for upgraded accuracy and peace of mind from stick drift ever developing. But cleverly, the ‌right analog stick mimics the feel of the N64’s analog stick, which is a delightful touch.

If there’s one downside about Killscreen’s gorgeous controller, though, it’s the Create and Options buttons. They’re too recessed, which makes them tricky and hard to press. I understand the decision behind it – you don’t want to mistakenly press them when you’re in the heat of the moment – but I’ve never done so myself.

I’d also love to see a version with back buttons, similar to Scuf’s controllers, and a way to switch between analog and the hair triggers, as it’s something you need in certain titles like racing games. If Killscreen’s controller had these features, I’d probably never need to grab another gamepad ever again.

But of course, a huge part of the Killscreen controller’s appeal is just how fantastic it looks. This gamepad is absolutely beautiful, invoking nostalgia while delivering modern hardware features that most controllers skimp on. I’ll find myself glancing over at now and then just to marvel at the stunning design, and that’s exactly what you want from a custom, collectable controller.

Up next: Best PS5 controller colors: every PlayStation 5 DualSense gamepad ranked

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Adam Vjestica is The Shortcut’s Senior Editor. Formerly TechRadar’s Gaming Hardware Editor, Adam has also worked at Nintendo of Europe as a Content Marketing Editor, where he helped launch the Nintendo Switch. He also runs a retro gaming YouTube channel called Game on, boy! Follow him on X @ItsMrProducts.