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 monthly PlayStation Plus games, reflects a growing player base primarily using PS5 consoles.

The PlayStation Blog post explains that while PS4 games won't be a core benefit of the subscription going forward, they may be offered occasionally. Existing subscribers retain access to previously claimed PS4 games. Games Catalog PS4 titles remain playable until their scheduled removal from the catalog. Sony assures users that PlayStation Plus will continue to evolve, emphasizing benefits like exclusive discounts, online multiplayer, and cloud saves. The company anticipates adding new PS5 titles monthly.

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With the PS4's launch in 2013 and the PS5's in 2020, Sony notes a significant player shift towards PS5 and its associated titles. The company hasn't specified whether PS4 games will transition to the Classics Catalog, which currently features PlayStation, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 3 titles. Further details are expected closer to the implementation date.