Sony is phasing out PlayStation 4 games from its PlayStation Plus Essentials monthly games and Games Catalog starting January 2026, focusing exclusively on PlayStation 5 titles.

This shift, announced alongside February 2025's PlayStation Plus monthly games, reflects Sony's strategic move towards its next-generation console. The PlayStation Blog post clarified that while PS4 games will become less frequent offerings in the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Games Catalog, previously acquired titles remain accessible. Games Catalog titles will remain playable until their scheduled removal from the catalog.

Sony assures subscribers that core PlayStation Plus benefits, including exclusive discounts, online multiplayer, and cloud saves, will continue. The company anticipates enhancing the service by regularly adding new PS5 games to the monthly lineup.

Top PS4 Games (Summer 2020 Selection)

26 Images

With the PS4's launch in 2013 and the PS5's arrival in 2020, Sony notes a significant player shift towards PS5, impacting game redemption and access patterns. The company hasn't specified whether PS4 games will transition to the Classics Catalog (currently featuring PlayStation, PS2, and PS3 titles), promising further announcements closer to the date.