One of the key differentiation between the PS3 and Xbox 360 has been the lack of online fees. While on the PS3 anyone can access Netflix (normal fees apply) or play Battlefield 3 online for free, on the 360, an additional monthly payment is required for Xbox Live. While a pleasant option for PlayStation fans, this approach is an unsustainable one by Sony as online games continue to grow which means further expenses for the company. With the PS4, all of this will change and gamers will be required to have PlayStation+ in order to access online gaming, but there is more to it than that.

It should be noted that PS+ and XBL will continue to be two very different platforms. Like before, PS+ will continue to give gamers access to a host of content, like free games, early demos, other discounted goodies and much more.  In addition to that, your PS+ account will continue to work on your PS3 and PS4 with the PS3 having access to features like automatic game and system updates and 1GB for online backup. In fact, even the PlayStation Vita now has access to PS+ content.

So what does PlayStation Plus cost and what will it do on the PS4? With PS+, you can either enroll in a month plan or get a discounted rate for the year. That means that a full year will set you back $49.99 (around $5/mo) or you can purchase 3 months access for $17.99 (around $6 month).

Free games currently for PlayStation Plus members

Sony has made it clear that PlayStation Plus will not be required for services like Hulu and Netflix. Nor will the service be required for those who wish to partake in the system’s single-player-only games with access to the PlayStation Store. However, if you’re looking to chat with your friends and do online gaming, then a PS+ membership is required.

To give you an idea, Sony is already planning on giving PS+ members DriveClub for free on the PS4 when the console launches, and that’s the takeaway. PS+ is so much more than just a toll to get to play online. It instead gives you access to tons of great content for free and/or at a discounted price. Ever since the service launched, I’ve enjoyed tons of games that I may have not tried before or bought.

Discuss:

Does the requirement of PlayStation Plus requirement for PS4’s online capability dampen your excitement for the new console or was this outcome inevitable?