For console gamers, the Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online services serve three very different communities.
These online services from Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo are required to enjoy certain features on their respective consoles.
In addition to the Switch, newer consoles from Microsoft and Sony also evolved with their online focus.
Nintendo Switch Online is the cheapest and most kid-friendly, while Xbox Game Pass allows gamers to stream or play natively on multiple devices.
Meanwhile, Sony's service, PlayStation Plus, helped make games more accessible than ever.
If you have to pick just one, we're here to break down a few things to consider.
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Subscribe to Game Pass if ...
You want access to many original Xbox games
Go back to your favorite video games released on the original Xbox over 20 years ago, Game Pass is worth a try.
Sure, the launches of games like 'Forza Horizon 5' and 'Halo Infinite' and their availability on this service from day one ensure that the console can compete with Sony exclusives.
However, the ability to enjoy releases from the Xbox 360 era, like the original 'Gears of War' trilogy or original Xbox games like 'Crimson Skies', gives us right on nostalgia.
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That doesn't even count the sheer number of Bethesda titles added since Microsoft acquired them, from various games within the 'The Elder Scrolls' series to more recent titles like 'Doom Eternal.'
Other Xbox Game Studios releases in the future include 'Forza Motorsport', 'Senua's Saga: Hellblade II' and 'Fable'.
And Game Pass is a ticket to play them from day one.
You want to enjoy third party releases
Microsoft's releases aren't the only games available for Game Pass - high-profile third-party games rotate on and off the service as well.
The number of titles representing various genres and generations of consoles can be a bit overwhelming for some.
For starters, players looking for more conventional releases can enjoy everything from 'Aliens: Fireteam Elite' to 'Dirt 5'.
The library extends quite well into the territory of niche indie games like 'SkateBird' and 'Firewatch'.
Games like 'PAW Patrol Mighty Pups Save Adventure Bay' and 'Race With Ryan' mean that the service also features releases that are absolutely kid-friendly.
You'd pay extra for Xbox Live Gold, cross-platform streaming, and EA Play
Unlike PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online, Game Pass alone does not grant Xbox users access to play multiplayer games online.
Outside of free games, Xbox Live Gold is required for those who want to be in the online multiplayer version.
For a few more dollars a month, the Ultimate level of Game Pass offers the benefits of Game Pass, Xbox Live and much more.
You'll be able to play Xbox natively on your console and PC, while also extending to streaming games across those platforms and mobile devices.
Those 100+ games split between first and third party releases also get even bigger with the included EA Play membership.
Subscribe to Game Pass Gold (for your console and computer) for a month here for
MX $ 229 and
USD $ 14.99 or for three months here for
MX $ 689 and
USD $ 44.99.
Subscribe to PlayStation Plus if ...
You're looking to try at least two free games per month on PS4 or PS5
At a basic level, being a member of PlayStation Plus allows users to be in online multiplayer.
However, since the PS3 era, Sony's online service has provided two perfectly curated games for subscribers per month.
PS5 owners also have access to the PlayStation Plus collection with several dozen PS4-era games comprised of first-party exclusives and third-party releases.
Although the current list for Sony's latest games is not the largest, those who unfortunately skipped the PS4 can try games like 'Last of Us Remastered', 'God of War', 'Ratchet & Clank', 'Detroit: Become Human 'and more.
Eventually you may need some discounts on games
Many gamers understand the feeling of paying full price for games at launch and regretting that decision later.
The best thing about PlayStation Plus is how generous the discounts are for service members.
Between newer and older releases, downloadable content, and various in-game currencies, the reduced price for subscribers really does ease those feelings of buyer's remorse.
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You want to try auxiliary functions like Share Play and Game Help
Two of the most recent additions to PlayStation Plus since the PS5 launch are Share Play and Game Help. Share Play gives PS5 users the opportunity to allow their friends with PS5 or PS4 consoles to view their game screen or try PS5 games. This allows users who may lack a game or PS5 to stream games from their friends' consoles or play cooperative games together.
Meanwhile, Game Help makes games a little more accessible.
Compatible with games like 'Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart' and 'Oddworld: Soulstorm', the feature gives players clues on how to complete difficult objectives.
Think of them as official game tips that don't require players to leave their screen for an online guide or YouTube video.
All players have to do is press the PS button on the DualSense controller (
MX $ 1,499 /
USD $ 74.99) and access the function through the Control Center.
You want to try PlayStation Now
Playstation Plus just doesn't offer the same number of available games as Game Pass and Nintendo Switch Online. However, PlayStation Plus subscribers may consider adding PlayStation Now. The service grants members the ability to play a large collection of games stretching back to the PS2 era via streaming. This allows players to play everything, including previous 'God of War' entries and 'Dark Cloud' games, and is currently even the only way to play 'Metal Gear Solid IV: Guns of the Patriots'.
In addition to the ability to stream PlayStation Now on PS4 and PS5, the service works on PC if users have a PS4 controller.
It doesn't even matter whether users stream or download selected games natively on consoles, subscribers to the service also get full access to online multiplayer modes.
Like Game Pass, game saves via PlayStation Now transfer between PS4, PS5, and PC.
You can buy PlayStation Plus here for three months:
MX $ 749 /
USD $ 24.99
Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online if ...
You care about a safe environment for children to play online
Nintendo has received a lot of criticism for the way it handles online multiplayer.
However, for a brand that is considered more familiar than Microsoft and Sony, it makes sense for the Japanese giant to take extra precautions within the space.
Although extremely tedious, the buddy code system of bonding with other players makes it more difficult for kids to interact with random strangers.
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This also extends to communication.
Outside of free games like 'Fortnite' and 'Warframe', most games, including all Nintendo releases with the ability to play online, require the Nintendo Switch Online app (available on Android and iOS) to enable chat. voice.
You want to play the classic Nintendo catalog
Having a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online gives you access to several dozen games from the Nintendo and Super Nintendo eras.
In addition to first-party classics like 'Super Mario Brothers' and 'Donkey Kong Country,' the subscription also features highly specialized third-party offerings.
For a fixed price of USD $ 49.99 per year, users get the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
This not only includes classic titles in addition to Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games, but also unlocks downloadable content for games like 'Animal Crossing New Horizons'
You can buy Nintendo Switch Online here for three months:
MX $ 749 /
USD $ 24.99
In conclusion
Choosing between Game Pass, PlayStation Plus, and Nintendo Switch Online comes down to the type of gaming experience you're looking for.
If you want a huge library of games to play that is constantly growing and spans multiple console generations, then Xbox Game Pass makes sense.
We recommend opting for Game Pass Ultimate as it includes Xbox Live Gold.
Playstation Plus is ideal for casual gamers who don't buy a lot of games and may need help from time to time.
Meanwhile, parents concerned about their children's online gaming habits can rest assured that Nintendo Switch Online will provide a safe experience at a very affordable price.