The PS4 Era Fades: Sony Shifts Focus Away from Last-Gen Games on PS Plus
It’s official: the PlayStation 4 is no longer the center of attention for Sony’s PS Plus subscription service. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the company announced this shift a year ago, the transition feels more gradual than abrupt. Let’s break it down.
Back in January 2025, Sony revealed in a PlayStation Blog post that starting January 2026, PS4 games would no longer be a priority for PS Plus. Instead, the focus would shift to PS5 titles, with PS4 games only making occasional appearances in the Monthly Games and Game Catalog. The statement read, ‘As we shift to PS5, PS4 games will no longer be a key benefit and will only be occasionally offered... We may still provide titles that can be playable on both PS4 and PS5 consoles after this date.’
Fast forward to January 2026, and the change is officially in effect. But if you’re browsing the PS Plus Essential and Extra lineups, you might not notice much of a difference—at least not yet. For instance, out of the three games added to PS Plus Essential this month, two still have PS4 versions: Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed and Core Keeper. Only Need for Speed Unbound is PS5-exclusive. Similarly, for PS Plus Extra, just one out of nine new games—A Quiet Place: The Road Ahead—skips the PS4 entirely. Titles like Resident Evil Village and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth are still available for both consoles.
So, is Sony easing into this transition? It seems that way. For now, PS4 users can still enjoy a decent selection of new titles, especially if those games have PS4 versions. However, the writing is on the wall: PS5-only releases will become more common in monthly updates. And this is the part most people miss—as the library of PS5-exclusive games grows, PS4 players might find their subscription options increasingly limited.
But here’s the real question: Does this shift matter to you? If you’re still gaming on a PS4, does this change make PS Plus feel less appealing? Or are you already planning to upgrade to a PS5? Let’s spark some debate—do you think Sony is moving too quickly away from the PS4, or is this a natural evolution in the console lifecycle? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
As for me, I’ve been a PlayStation fan since the days of Metal Gear Solid, and while I’ve embraced the PS5, I can’t help but feel a bit nostalgic for the PS4 era. Change is inevitable, but it’s always worth discussing how it impacts us as gamers.
