Sony is phasing out PlayStation 4 games from its PlayStation Plus Essentials monthly games and Games Catalog starting January 2026, focusing its efforts solely on PlayStation 5 titles. This announcement, included in the PlayStation Blog post detailing February 2025's monthly games, signifies a shift in the service's offerings.
Sony stated that, as they transition to a PS5-centric model, PS4 games will no longer be a core benefit of the subscription, only appearing occasionally in the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Games Catalog. Existing subscribers will retain access to previously claimed titles. Games currently in the Games Catalog will remain playable until their scheduled removal.
The company emphasized its commitment to enhancing the PlayStation Plus experience, highlighting continued benefits such as exclusive discounts, online multiplayer access, and cloud saves. Sony looks forward to expanding its monthly PS5 game offerings.
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With the PS4's launch in 2013 and the PS5's arrival in 2020, over a decade has passed since the PS4's release, and more than four years since the PS5. Sony cited a shift in player behavior, with many now primarily playing and redeeming PS5 titles.
The future placement of PS4 games within the PlayStation Plus offerings remains unclear. While Sony hasn't confirmed whether PS4 games will transition to the Classics Catalog (currently featuring PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 titles), further announcements are expected closer to the implementation date.
