Sony is phasing out PlayStation 4 games from its PlayStation Plus Essentials monthly games and Games Catalog starting January 2026, focusing solely on PlayStation 5 titles. This change, announced alongside February 2025's PlayStation Plus monthly games, reflects a shift in player preference towards PS5 games.
The PlayStation Blog post clarified that while PS4 games will be offered less frequently, already claimed titles remain accessible. Games Catalog PS4 titles will remain playable until their scheduled removal from the catalog. Sony assures subscribers that other PlayStation Plus benefits—exclusive discounts, online multiplayer, and cloud saves—will continue. The company anticipates enhancing the service by adding new PS5 titles monthly.
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With the PS5's release in 2020, following the PS4's 2013 debut, Sony notes a significant player shift towards PS5 gaming. This transition underlies the decision to prioritize PS5 titles in the PlayStation Plus subscription.
Sony hasn't detailed future plans for PS4 games within the PlayStation Plus Classics Catalog, which currently features titles from earlier PlayStation consoles. Further announcements are expected closer to the implementation date.
