Microsoft is finally following in the footsteps of Sony to offer gamers a subscription service for video games for its console.
Microsoft announced on Tuesday the upcoming launch of Xbox Game Pass, its subscription service that allows gamers to play unlimited titles for the monthly fee of $9.99.
While this is exciting for those with Xbox One, many gamers have both Microsoft's gaming console as well as PS4. Would it make sense to then get a subscription for both Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Now, just one service, or neither?
We compared Xbox Game Pass vs. PlayStation Now to present everything gamer's need to know about both. Here's how both Netflix-like subscription services for gamers compare.
Xbox Game Pass
Price: $9.99 per month
Library of games: unlimited access to over 100 games from top publishers like 2K, Capcom, BANDI MANCO, SEGS, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, Microsoft Studios and more.
Titles include: Halo 5: Guardians, Payday 2, NBA 2K16 and SoulCalibur II at its launch, with new titles being added and leaving each month.
Compatible with: Xbox One and backward compatible with Xbox 360 (some titles will not be available on Xbox 360)
How it works: Members are able to browse through over 100 titles on the platform and download them directly on the Xbox One console. As a result, users don't need to head to stores to buy each game they want, or worry about streaming, bandwidth or Internet issues.
Selling point: Perfect for hardcore gamers who prefer Xbox One and want endless play options. This subscription service allows members to not only rent, but also purchase games and add-ons at an exclusive 20 percent discount. The service itself is as affordable as a Netflix subscritpion.
Available: Launching this spring, but select members of the Xbox Insider Program in the Alpha Preview will be able to start checking it out today.
PlayStation Now
Price: $100 a year (originally $20 per month or $45 for 3 months). Also offer a free 7-day trial.
Library of games: unlimited access to more than 450 games including PlayStation exclusives and new additions from the big publishers.
Titles include: Batman Arkham Origins, Assassins Creeds III, The LEGO Movie Video Game, God of War III, Uncharted 3, The Last of Us: Left Behind, and more.
Compatible with: PS4, PS3, PS Vita, PSTV, PC, DUALSHOCK 4 USB Wireless Adaptor, select Sony TVs, select Samsung smart TVS, select Sony Blu-ray players.
How it works: PS Now is the subscription service that gives gamers unlimited access to its expansive library of P3 games. New games are added every month. The main difference from Xbox Game Pass is that titles can not be downloaded to the PS4 console.
Selling point: PS Now is the game streaming service for those who are looking to play PS3 games on Sony's newer console or other devices. It has a huge library of titles, so gamers will never get board.
Available: currently available (launched back in 2015). Check it out here.
