We’re all familiar with subscription-based entertainment these days, and video games are no exception. Instead of spending over $50 on every game you want to play as soon as it’s released, subscriptions can save you a ton of money in the long run, and even help you discover games you love but might not have purchased individually.
However, with so many options out there, it’s important to know which video game subscriptions have the most to offer, and how you can protect your purchases. Extended warranty plans like MulberryCare are great for protecting expensive items like video games, consoles, and accessories, allowing you to invest in the ones that make the most sense for your needs.
Getting the most out of your video game subscription includes purchasing product protection to go along with it. Let's take a look at some of the top video game subscriptions on the market today.
Nintendo Switch Online
The Nintendo Switch Online membership is available for both individual ($19 annually) and family plans ($35 annually for up to 8 family members). Gamers will get access to a wide selection of free NES and SNES games, in addition to online play and online cloud saves.
A bonus membership tier is also available for serious retro gamers—it’ll run you $50 annually as a single person or $80 annually as a family.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate
Xbox Game Pass has evolved substantially over the years to meet increasing gamer needs and market changes. Users aren’t just limited to their Xbox consoles, as this service also includes PC downloads and access to online multiplayer services.
There are several options available from Microsoft, but if you want to get the most out of their offerings, the $15/month plan makes the most sense. They also often run a promotion for new subscribers to get their first month for only $1!
PlayStation Plus
Sony completely revamped their gaming subscription service to include their new, larger game library and the PS Now cloud gaming service. Subscribers can choose from three membership levels: Essential ($10/month), Extra ($15/month), and Premium/Deluxe ($18/month).
The tier you choose will depend on which Playstation Plus games you want access to. Premium will give you access to games from as far back as the PS1, but Extra still has upwards of 400 PS4 and PS5 games for users to download and play.
Apple Arcade
If you want consistent access to the best Apple Arcade games like Assemble with Care and Crossy Road Castle, this service is only $5 per month and provides an ad-free gaming experience across all iOS devices. If you’re an Apple user and find yourself spending any money on apps and games, this service is a great option.
GeForce Now
GeForce Now isn’t a traditional digital gaming service. Instead, you have access to games you have already purchased, so you don’t need to rely on a subscription or console-based library. Fore example, GeForce Now Fortnite downloads are extremely popular, since the game isn’t typically limited to one platform or console.
Honorable mentions
- Amazon Prime Gaming: Subscription tiers between $5 and $18 per month. Twitch integrations available since the company is a subsidiary of Amazon.
- Ubisoft Plus: $15/month for standalone PC access or as an add-on to Stadia and Luna (Xbox will be available in the future).
Protect your gaming experience with Mulberry
Before you sign up for any new video game subscription service, make sure you download the Mulberry browser extension to shop for product protection plans in real time, and see if your items are eligible for three months of protection, absolutely free.
