E3: Playstation Plus to Launch June 29th

Jun 15, 2010

The Playstation Plus premium service is one of those rumours that seems to have been kicking around the internet for ages – indeed, we posted about it, back in March.

While it doesn’t appear to support all the features that were originally thought to be included, it’s got enough on offer to tempt even the most fiscally challenged PS3 owner.

The best thing? The Playstation Network will remain free to join and all current features will remain free.

By accessing PlayStation®Store via PlayStation®3 (PS3®), PlayStation Network users will be able to purchase membership to PlayStation Plus, providing members with new options to expand and enhance their gaming experience and enabling them to gain an exclusive set of features and content. For users’ convenience, PlayStation Plus will be available in different subscription options of 30 days (Japan: 500 yen, Asia: HK$38), 90 days (North America: $17.99, Europe: euro 14.99) and 365 days (Japan: 5,000 yen, Asia: HK$233, North America: $49.99, Europe: euro 49.99).

PlayStation Plus features include:

• Full game trial – Members will have access to full versions of
  designated PS3® and PlayStation Network titles including PS one®
  Archives (PS one® Classics). The titles on offer will be available
  for download on PlayStation Store for a stated period and change every
  month. Members will be able to play the full version of the game for
  a designated period and even after the trial period expires, users
  will be able to continue playing the game by purchasing the game
  on-line.
• Games – Member will be able to play the full version of designated PS3
  downloadable and PlayStation Network titles including PS one Archives
  (PS one Classics) and minis*5 with no limit of time as long as
  membership is effective. These games will become available
  exclusively for PlayStation Plus members at no extra cost.
• Special content – Content such as avatars and custom themes many of
  which are exclusive will become available for PlayStation Plus members
  at no extra cost.
• Discounts – Members will have access to exclusive discounts on
  designated PS3 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) titles. Titles will
  vary every month on PlayStation Store.
• Early access – Members will have early access to designated new game
  beta trials, game demos and video content prior to public
  distribution.
• Automatic content downloads and updates – PS3 will automatically
  download and install designated game demos and game updates and also
  download the system software update data*6. PS3 will automatically
  start up at a designated time to download content and will turn off
  after the download has completed.

So, what are your thoughts? Will you be purchasing you Playstation Plus subscription on June 29th?

Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below.