Sony Corp (ADR) (NYSE: SNE) plans to stop the PlayStation Now service on all supported devices but Windows PC and PlayStation 4.
Devices that will no longer be compatible with PlayStation Now
The PlayStation Now is currently compatible with Windows PC, PS4, PlayStation TV, PS Vita, PS 3, Sony Bravia TV models, Samsung TV models, and Sony Blu-ray players.
According to a post on the PlayStation blog, Sony confirmed that the PS Now service will be exclusive to Windows PC users and PlayStation 4, from August 15, 2017. All 2016 Sony Bravia Model will stop accessing PlayStation Now from April 1, 2017.
The reason behind this decision
Sony said that “After thoughtful consideration, we decided to shift our focus and resources to Windows PC and PS4 to further develop and improve the user experience on these two devices.”
In the post, Sony thanks its customers, especially those who own the devices mentioned in the post, and urges them to continue using its products. These customers are reminded that their game progress is saved in the cloud, meaning they will continue from where they left off on Windows PC and PS4.
Sony also reminds customers to cancel their subscription, to stop auto renewal after the discontinuation day for those who will not have access to PS4 or Windows PC. The three months’ subscription option may renew in a couple of months before the discontinuation day, so customers should act accordingly.
The PlayStation Now service
PlayStation Now is a cloud-based service that allows users to stream PS3 games on the devices mentioned above. The service was launched in 2015, and now contains hundreds of PS3 game titles. PS Now is a subscription service available in US, Canada, and the UK. There is a monthly subscription option, at $19.99, and an option to rent a specific game. The cost of renting a specific game depends on the duration you plan to keep the game. Renting a game for a 90-days period costs a maximum of $14.99. However, the pricing is also dependent on the game title you are renting.
There is still time
Sony’s decision to stop the service on these devices may be as a result of low subscription numbers. But there are many people still using PS Vita and PS3. Fortunately, PS Now users on these devices have six months to enjoy the service- they should make the most of the remaining time.
