Game subscriptions explained
A subscription is a regular payment, monthly or yearly, that gives you extra features or access to a library of games. You do not need one to play games you own on your own. You usually need one to play online with others. These are US prices, October 2026.
What a subscription gives you
Most subscriptions offer some of these:
- Online play with other people.
- A library of games you can play while you subscribe.
- Cloud saves, which keep a copy of your saved progress online.
- Discounts or monthly bonus games.
If you stop paying, you lose access to the library games. Games you bought stay yours.
Prices
| Service | Console | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Online | Switch 2 | $19.99 a year ($34.99 for a family plan) |
| Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack | Switch 2 | $49.99 a year |
| PlayStation Plus Essential | PS5 | $79.99 a year |
| PlayStation Plus Extra | PS5 | $134.99 a year |
| PlayStation Plus Premium | PS5 | $159.99 a year |
| Xbox Game Pass Essential | Xbox | $9.99 a month |
| Xbox Game Pass Premium | Xbox | $14.99 a month |
| Xbox Game Pass Ultimate | Xbox | $22.99 a month |
The names change, and the extras in each level change too. Check the console maker’s website for what each includes.
Do you need one?
You can play many games without one. Here is a simple guide:
- Playing alone, with discs or games you bought: you may not need one.
- Playing online with friends or family: you usually need the basic level.
- Wanting a library to try many games: a higher level may suit you.
Some games that you play in the same room, such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe with grandchildren, need no online subscription. Online play is what needs one.
Yearly or monthly
A yearly plan often costs less per month, but you pay it all at once. A monthly plan lets you stop at any time. Our console guides show a first-year cost for each console.
Watch out for automatic renewal
Most subscriptions renew on their own. When you sign up, the console maker saves your card details and charges you again when the period ends. You can turn auto-renew off in your account settings. Many people do this on the first day so they can decide later.
Other kinds of payment
- Free-to-play games are free to download and sometimes ask you to pay for extras inside the game. These are called in-app purchases. You can turn them off or set a limit in the console’s settings.
- Expansions and add-ons are extra content for a game you own. They cost extra and are never required.
Is it easy to cancel?
Usually yes, through your account page on the console or the maker’s website. Take a screenshot or note the date of renewal.
Next steps
- See the cost for a specific console: Switch 2, PS5, Xbox
- Not sure which console? Use the console chooser