Top Video Game Subscriptions Across All Platforms

It feels like just yesterday that Xbox Game Pass launched, leaving gamers in awe of its all-you-can-eat buffet of games. Now, a few years later, the landscape is brimming with new services, each promising vast libraries and countless gaming experiences. But with so many options, which subscription is truly worth your time and money? We've curated a list of the top six video game subscription services to help you decide.

1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Best Overall

### Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – 1 Month Membership

$19.99 at AmazonPlatforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, mobile phones and tablets, select TVs, Meta Quest headsets

Pricing:

• Game Pass Ultimate - $19.99/month
• PC Game Pass - $11.99/month
• Game Pass Core - $9.99/month
• Game Pass Standard - $14.99/month

Trial Period: First month for $1 (PC Game Pass only)

Since its inception in 2017, Xbox Game Pass has been hailed as the "Netflix of video games," thanks to its ever-expanding catalog and stellar lineup of titles. Microsoft has since broadened its reach across multiple platforms, as evidenced by the "This Is an Xbox" campaign. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate stands out as the premier gaming subscription, offering instant access to hundreds of games, including day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios, now encompassing Bethesda and Activision Blizzard. This means you can dive into major titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and eagerly awaited blockbusters like Doom: The Dark Ages and Fable. The service also includes EA Play, unlocking a treasure trove of EA and BioWare classics. Beyond the big hitters, the Game Pass library is rich with quality indie titles such as Chants of Sennaar, Unpacking, and Planet of Lana.

One of the standout features of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is its cloud streaming capability, enabling you to play most of the Game Pass library on virtually any device with Wi-Fi, including a Fire TV Stick. This seamless streaming experience allows you to pick up and play without downloads or patches, and continue your game on your console or PC right where you left off.

2. Nintendo Switch Online

Best for Nintendo Games

12 Month Subscription### Nintendo Switch Online (Individual)

See it at AmazonPlatforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2

Pricing:

• Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - $3.99/month, $7.99/3 months, or $19.99/year | Family - $34.99/year
• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - $49.99/year | Family - $79.99/year

Trial Period: 7 days free

Nintendo Switch Online is a comprehensive subscription service available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 consoles. Beyond facilitating online multiplayer, it offers a growing library of classic Nintendo games spanning over four decades. The standard subscription includes a curated selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy titles, while the Expansion Pack extends this to Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games. For Nintendo Switch 2 users, the Expansion Pack also provides access to select GameCube games at launch.

The Expansion Pack also includes Sega Genesis titles and specific DLC packs for popular games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. For Nintendo Switch 2 subscribers, the Expansion Pack offers the Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom Upgrade Packs. In late 2024, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Music app, allowing subscribers to stream and download iconic tracks from beloved franchises such as Mario, Zelda, Pokémon, and Metroid.

3. PlayStation Plus

Best for PlayStation Games

Essential, Extra, & Premium### PlayStation Plus

See it at PlayStationPlatforms: PS5, PS4, PlayStation Portal, PC/Mac, mobile devices and tablets

Pricing:

• Essential: $9.99/month, $24.99/3 months, or $79.99/year
• Extra: $14.99/month, $39.99/3 months, or $134.99/year
• Premium: $17.99/month, $49.99/3 months, or $159.99/year

Trial Period: None

Originally a free service when it debuted in 2010, PlayStation Plus has evolved into a multi-tiered subscription required for online play on PS5 and PS4. All tiers—Essential, Extra, and Premium—include online multiplayer, cloud storage for game saves, and exclusive content and discounts on the PlayStation Store. The highlight, however, remains the free monthly games available to all subscribers, which can be played as long as the subscription is active.

PlayStation Plus Extra expands on this by offering a curated catalog of downloadable games, including PlayStation exclusives like The Last of Us Part I, God of War, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, Demon's Souls, and a selection of Ubisoft+ Classics from the Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and The Division series.

PlayStation Premium goes further with an extensive catalog of downloadable games, including PlayStation Classics from the PS1, PS2, and PSP eras. It also offers full game trials and a curated selection of movies from the Sony Pictures Catalog. One of its standout features is PS5 Cloud Streaming, allowing you to stream many games from the PS Plus Game Catalog.

4. Apple Arcade

Best for Mobile Gaming

1 Month Free### Apple Arcade

See it at ApplePlatforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro

Pricing: $6.99/month

Trial Period: 30 days free

Apple Arcade revitalized mobile gaming in late 2019, offering a refreshing alternative to the prevalent in-app purchases and ads. With over 200 games in its library, Apple Arcade ensures a premium gaming experience free from ads and microtransactions. It includes enhanced versions of classics like Angry Birds, Temple Run, and Jetpack Joyride, as well as indie favorites such as Balatro, Vampire Survivors, Dead Cells, and Stardew Valley.

Apple Arcade's versatility extends beyond mobile phones; you can play on Apple TV, iPad, or Mac, all supporting popular third-party controllers like the DualSense and Xbox Wireless Controller. With iCloud syncing, your save data is seamlessly transferred across devices. A single subscription can be shared with the entire family, making it a cost-effective choice for multiple users.

5. Netflix

Best for Hybrid Gaming

$7.99 Per Month### Netflix Standard (With Ads)

See it at NetflixPlatforms: Everywhere (for streaming), mobile phones and tablets (for games)

Pricing:

• Standard (with ads): $7.99/month
• Standard: $17.99/month
• Premium: $24.99/month

Trial Period: None

With over 300 million subscribers, Netflix's gaming feature remains a hidden gem, with less than 1% of users taking advantage of its 120+ games. Available on iOS and Android devices, Netflix's gaming library includes both original titles based on popular IPs like Stranger Things and Squid Game, and heavy-hitters like Hades, Dead Cells, Death’s Door, GTA: San Andreas, Civilization VI: Platinum Edition, Katana Zero, Sonic Mania Plus, and Monument Valley I-III.

Netflix is also exploring game streaming on select smart TVs and directly through netflix.com, expanding its gaming reach. Combined with its extensive streaming library, Netflix offers a compelling package for both gaming and entertainment.

6. Humble Bundle

Best for Discounts

$11.99 Per Month### Humble Choice

See it at Humble BundlePlatforms: PC (via Steam/Windows), Mac/Linux (via Steam – certain titles)

Pricing: $11.99/month, $129/year

Trial Period: None

Disclosure: Humble Bundle is owned by Ziff Davis, the parent company of IGN. Humble Bundle and IGN operate completely independently, and no special consideration was given to Humble Bundle with regards to this list.

Humble Choice, a subscription service for PC gamers from Humble Bundle, offers a curated selection of about eight games each month. These games are yours to keep forever, even if you cancel your subscription. The flexibility of Humble Choice allows you to skip months when the lineup doesn't appeal to you and resubscribe when it does.

Games are typically redeemed via Steam keys, and many can be played directly through the Humble app on Windows. Subscribers also gain access to the Vault, featuring over 50 DRM-free indie games. Additionally, Humble Choice members receive up to 20% off purchases in the Humble Store and contribute 5% of their subscription cost to charity.

Gaming Subscriptions FAQ

Which game streaming services have free trials?

As of now, the services offering free trials are Nintendo Switch Online with a 7-day trial, and Apple Arcade with a 1-month trial. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate no longer offers a free trial for consoles, though PC Game Pass still provides a first month for $1. PlayStation Plus does not offer free trials, except for occasional regional promotions.

How much should you spend on a gaming subscription?

Your spending on gaming subscriptions depends on your gaming habits. If you're deeply invested in a single game for hundreds of hours, buying games individually might be more cost-effective. However, if you enjoy variety and exploring different genres, subscriptions offer great value. Consider your monthly game spending; subscriptions provide access to hundreds of games for a relatively low price. An exception is Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes day-one access to Xbox first-party titles, potentially saving you the cost of several new game purchases.

How much are you willing to pay for a streaming service per month?

• $5
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