Top Online Gaming Subscription Services You Should Try

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In the ever-evolving world of online gaming, subscription services have become a staple for gamers seeking a cost-effective way to access a vast library of games. These services offer a variety of benefits, such as new game releases, exclusive content, discounts, and more. Whether you are a console enthusiast, a mobile gamer, or a PC purist, there’s something out there for everyone. This blog post delves into the top online gaming subscription services available, providing a capsule review of each to help you decide which one fits your gaming needs. Here’s a closer look at Xbox Game Pass, Nintendo Switch Online, PlayStation Plus, Apple Arcade, EA Play, GameClub, Humble Bundle, Nvidia GeForce Now, Prime Gaming, and Ubisoft+.

Xbox Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass represents one of the flagship subscription services in the gaming industry, commonly dubbed as the “Netflix for games.” It offers a vast library of over 100 high-quality games for a monthly fee, with new titles added regularly. What sets Xbox Game Pass apart is its inclusion of new first-party titles from Xbox Game Studios on the day of their release. This feature alone makes it a must-have for Xbox console owners, as it provides immediate access to cutting-edge gaming experiences without any additional cost. In addition to console gaming, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate extends its reach to PC gamers and even mobile users through cloud gaming (beta). The service also includes exclusive member discounts and deals, plus access to EA Play at no extra cost, thus broadening the range of available titles even further. The inclusivity and breadth of content available make Xbox Game Pass a leader in gaming subscriptions.

Nintendo Switch Online

For Nintendo enthusiasts, Nintendo Switch Online is a must-have subscription. While it offers essential online functionality for multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Splatoon 2, it’s more than just an online pass. Subscribers gain access to a burgeoning library of classic NES and SNES games, many of which have been updated with online play capabilities. Nintendo Switch Online also provides cloud backup for game saves, ensuring that your progress isn’t lost due to hardware failures. Unique member-only offers, such as special in-game items and exclusive game discounts, enhance the value proposition. The icing on the cake for many is the access to Tetris 99, an addictive battle royale twist on the classic puzzle game, which is available exclusively to subscribers.

PlayStation Plus

PlayStation Plus has long been Sony’s answer to online multiplayer, but the service has expanded considerably since its inception. At its core, PlayStation Plus enables online play for PS4 and PS5 titles, but it offers much more than just that. Subscribers receive monthly free games, typically a mix of indie gems and high-profile AAA titles, which they can keep as long as they maintain their membership. Additionally, PlayStation Plus members gain access to exclusive discounts on the PlayStation Store, early access to game betas, and demos. The service also encompasses the PlayStation Plus Collection, a curated selection of PS4 games available to PS5 owners. This collection includes iconic titles like God of War, The Last of Us Remastered, and Bloodborne, providing plenty of high-quality gaming experiences right out of the box.

Apple Arcade

Apple Arcade offers a unique take on game subscription services by focusing exclusively on mobile gaming. For a monthly fee, subscribers can access an ever-growing catalog of games, all free from ads and in-app purchases. This model ensures a more traditional gaming experience, undisturbed by the commercial interruptions that plague many other mobile games. The service covers a wide range of game genres, offering something for everyone, from puzzle enthusiasts to RPG fans. Furthermore, Apple Arcade games can be played across multiple Apple devices, whether it’s an iPhone, iPad, Mac, or Apple TV. With a single subscription supporting Family Sharing for up to six members, it’s an excellent choice for families looking to explore premium, ad-free mobile gaming.

EA Play

EA Play, formerly known as EA Access, offers a comprehensive selection of Electronic Arts titles for a modest monthly fee. The service covers a wide array of sports games, including FIFA, Madden NFL, and NHL, as well as blockbuster franchises like Battlefield, The Sims, and Mass Effect. One of its standout features is the ability to play new EA games up to 10 days before their official release, often with a trial period of up to 10 hours. Beyond early access, EA Play subscribers benefit from a 10% discount on EA digital content, including full games, season passes, DLC, and in-game purchases. The service offers a diverse Vault of older titles that can be played in their entirety, making it a treasure trove for fans of EA’s extensive catalog.

GameClub

GameClub stands out by resurrecting classic iOS games that might have otherwise been lost to time. This subscription-based service curates a selection of beloved titles from the early days of the App Store, restoring them for modern devices. For a monthly fee, subscribers gain unlimited access to these revitalized gems, ensuring that fan-favorite games are not only playable but optimized for current hardware. The service aims to balance nostalgia with quality, including only those games that have stood the test of time in terms of gameplay and design. Each game featured on GameClub is devoid of ads and in-app purchases, offering a pure gaming experience. For those who long for the days of premium mobile games without the freemium model’s intrusions, GameClub is a refreshing option.

Humble Bundle

Humble Bundle is unique in that it combines a subscription service with a charitable cause. Through the Humble Choice subscription, users can receive a curated selection of PC games every month. The service offers several subscription tiers, allowing for a flexible approach to building a game library. In addition to new games each month, subscribers gain access to the Humble Trove, a collection of DRM-free games, available to download and keep. What distinguishes Humble Bundle is its commitment to charity. A portion of every subscription goes to various non-profit organizations, making it a subscription that gamers can feel good about. Humble Bundle also offers regular pay-what-you-want bundles and a storefront with a vast array of discounted games, further enriching the value.

Nvidia GeForce Now

Nvidia GeForce Now offers a groundbreaking approach to game subscriptions by focusing on cloud gaming. Rather than offering a library of games, GeForce Now allows subscribers to stream their existing game libraries from platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, and Ubisoft Connect. This model makes high-end gaming accessible without the need for expensive hardware, as games are streamed directly from Nvidia’s powerful servers. For gamers with robust internet connections, GeForce Now offers a seamless, high-quality gaming experience, complete with real-time ray tracing and AI-enhanced graphics for supported titles. It supports a wide range of devices, including PCs, Macs, Android devices, and Nvidia Shield. This subscription is ideal for gamers who want to enjoy their existing PC game libraries on lower-spec hardware or on-the-go devices.

Prime Gaming

Prime Gaming, formerly known as Twitch Prime, comes bundled with an Amazon Prime membership, making it a great value-add for existing Prime subscribers. The service offers a variety of benefits, including monthly free PC games, exclusive in-game content, and a free monthly Twitch channel subscription. The selection of free games varies but often includes indie hits as well as classic titles. In addition to free games, Prime Gaming provides numerous in-game bonuses for popular titles across various genres. From exclusive cosmetics in Fortnite to unique rewards in Apex Legends and League of Legends, there’s a little something for everyone. Prime Gaming enhances the value of an Amazon Prime membership, making it a worthy perk for gamers who already enjoy Amazon’s other services.

Ubisoft+

For fans of Ubisoft’s rich catalog of games, Ubisoft+ (formerly Uplay+) offers an all-you-can-play subscription service. For a monthly fee, subscribers can access a vast selection of Ubisoft’s games, including blockbuster titles like Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six. New releases are included on the day of their launch, providing immediate access to the latest and greatest Ubisoft games. Ubisoft+ also covers premium editions of games, including all expansions, DLCs, and other content packs. This comprehensive approach ensures that subscribers get the full game experience without the need for additional purchases. The service is available on both PC and streaming platforms like Google Stadia, offering flexibility for gamers who prefer different gaming environments.

Play More Video Games

With the myriad of online gaming subscription services available today, the choice of which to subscribe to can seem daunting. Each service offers its own unique benefits and caters to different types of gamers, from console aficionados to mobile enthusiasts. The key is to identify which service aligns best with your gaming preferences, whether you’re looking for the latest AAA titles, classic games, or a more traditional, ad-free gaming experience. These subscriptions not only provide value through extensive game libraries and exclusive content but also add convenience and accessibility to your gaming lifestyle. By investing in the right service, you can expand your gaming horizons, explore new genres, and enjoy a more enriched gaming experience overall.

Recommended by Our Editors

Our editors recommend Xbox Game Pass for its extensive library and day-one access to Xbox Game Studios titles. Nintendo Switch Online is excellent for those looking to combine modern and classic gaming experiences. PlayStation Plus stands out with its monthly free games and exclusive discounts. For mobile gamers, Apple Arcade is unmatched in offering premium, ad-free games across multiple devices. EA Play offers a treasure trove of EA classics and early access to new releases, making it a dependable choice for sports game fans. Below is a table summarizing the key aspects of each gaming subscription service: