Sony has announced significant changes to its PlayStation Plus service, confirming that PlayStation 4 games will no longer be a major part of the monthly offerings and game catalog starting January 2026.

This change is a continuation of the transition to PlayStation 5. According to Sony, most of its users have already moved to the new console and predominantly access PS5 games. While some PS4 games may appear from time to time, the subscription service will focus on offering PS5 games.

"As we shift to PS5, PS4 games will no longer be a key benefit and will only be occasionally offered for PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalog", Sony explained in a blog post. At the same time, the company assured subscribers that previously obtained PS4 games will remain accessible as long as the user maintains their subscription.

A decade of PS4 support comes to an end

PlayStation 4, released in 2013, has been supported through PlayStation Plus for over a decade. Its successor, PlayStation 5, was introduced in 2020 and has been on the market for more than four years. Sony stated that players' habits have changed, and most subscribers now prefer PS5 content.

Despite the gradual phase-out of PS4, players will still have access to already obtained games and titles in the Game Catalog until they are removed from the service during the monthly update. It is yet unknown whether PS4 games will be moved to the Classics Catalog, which currently includes ports and remasters of games from PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3.

Mixed reactions from PlayStation fans

The announcement sparked mixed reactions among players. Some consider it a natural step, given the age of the PS4, while others express dissatisfaction, especially those who still actively use the older console.

"PS4 games are still being released continuously, so I don't understand the reason for this decision," wrote one user in the PlayStation blog comments. However, others discussed the quality of the PlayStation Plus game selection rather than the transition to PS5 itself.

What’s next for PlayStation Plus?

Sony has promised to continue improving PlayStation Plus, maintaining its key benefits, including exclusive discounts, access to online multiplayer, and cloud game saves. Additionally, the company plans to add new PS5 games each month.

For now, PlayStation Plus subscribers can still receive PS4 games, including the February set, which includes High on Life, Pac-Man World Re-Pac, and Payday 3.

PS4 owners have almost a year before the changes take effect in 2026 to decide whether to upgrade to a PS5 or continue using their current game library until the changes come into effect.