PlayStation Plus to Phase Out PS4 Game Support in 2026

Sony has revealed plans to discontinue PlayStation 4 games as a primary benefit of PlayStation Plus beginning January 2026. This strategic shift will affect both the monthly free game selections and the Game Catalog available through PS Plus Extra, marking a significant evolution in the service’s offerings.

The announcement comes as the PlayStation 5 approaches its five-year market presence, signaling Sony’s gradual transition away from previous-generation support. While PS4 games may still appear occasionally on the service after the implementation date, subscribers should no longer expect them as regular monthly additions.

This change carries particular significance for PlayStation’s substantial PS4 user base. Millions of players continue to rely on the PS4 platform, and this adjustment represents a notable modification to their PlayStation Plus membership benefits. Sony’s early announcement provides these users with approximately eleven months to consider their gaming options, including potential upgrades to PS5.

The PlayStation Plus service has undergone several transformations since its PS3-era introduction. Initially offering game discounts and monthly selections, it expanded to include online multiplayer with PS4. The current three-tier structure – Essential, Extra, and Premium – provides varying levels of access to modern and classic games. This latest development follows a pattern of platform-specific support reduction, similar to previous changes affecting PS3, PSP, and PS Vita services.

For the immediate future, PlayStation Plus continues its regular operation, with February 2025’s offerings including Payday 3, High on Life, and Pac-Man World: Re-Pac. The service will maintain its current structure until the planned changes take effect in January 2026.