The Best Video Game Subscriptions for Every Platform

It feels like just yesterday that Xbox Game Pass launched, and everyone was skeptical about an all-you-can-eat buffet of games being too good to be true. Now, fast forward a few years, and the game subscription model has taken the industry by storm. New services are emerging constantly, each offering expansive libraries packed with hundreds of games to explore.

With the abundance of games available, it can be challenging to decide which subscription service is the best investment of your time and money. We've reviewed the most popular video game subscription services and selected six top options that stand out from the rest.

1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

Best Overall

Platforms: Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, mobile phones and tablets, select TVs, Meta Quest headsets

Pricing:

• Game Pass Ultimate - $19.99/month
• PC Game Pass - $11.99/month
• Game Pass Core - $9.99/month
• Game Pass Standard - $14.99/month

Trial Period: First month for $1 (PC Game Pass only)

Since its launch in 2017, Xbox Game Pass has been at the forefront of the subscription-based gaming revolution, often dubbed the "Netflix of video games." Its expansive catalog and day-one releases from Xbox Game Studios, including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, make it a standout choice. You'll have instant access to major titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and upcoming blockbusters such as Doom: The Dark Ages and Fable. The service also includes EA Play, providing a rich selection of EA and BioWare classics, alongside quality indie games like Chants of Sennaar, Unpacking, and Planet of Lana.

One of the most compelling features of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is its built-in cloud streaming, allowing you to play most of the library on any device with Wi-Fi, from your console to a Fire TV Stick. This seamless experience lets you pick up where you left off, no matter the device.

2. Nintendo Switch Online

Best for Nintendo Games

Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2

Pricing:

• Nintendo Switch Online: Individual - $3.99/month, $7.99/3 months, or $19.99/year | Family - $34.99/year
• Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Individual - $49.99/year | Family - $79.99/year

Trial Period: 7 days free

Nintendo Switch Online is more than just an online multiplayer enabler; it's a gateway to over 40 years of Nintendo classics. The standard subscription includes a selection of NES, SNES, and Game Boy games, while the Expansion Pack enhances your experience with Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles. Nintendo Switch 2 owners can enjoy select GameCube games at launch with the Expansion Pack. The service also offers DLC packs for popular titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Splatoon 2, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, plus upgrade packs for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom. In late 2024, Nintendo introduced the Nintendo Music app, allowing members to stream and download iconic tracks from beloved franchises.

3. PlayStation Plus

Best for PlayStation Games

Platforms: PS5, PS4, PlayStation Portal, PC/Mac, mobile devices and tablets

Pricing:

• Essential: $9.99/month, $24.99/3 months, or $79.99/year
• Extra: $14.99/month, $39.99/3 months, or $134.99/year
• Premium: $17.99/month, $49.99/3 months, or $159.99/year

Trial Period: None

Initially free when launched in 2010, PlayStation Plus now offers a multi-tiered subscription that includes online multiplayer access, cloud storage, and exclusive content and discounts. The highlight is the monthly free games, available to all subscribers. PlayStation Plus Extra provides a curated catalog of downloadable games, featuring PlayStation exclusives like The Last of Us Part I, God of War, Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and Demon's Souls, alongside Ubisoft+ Classics. PlayStation Premium extends this further with PlayStation Classics from the PS1, PS2, and PSP eras, full game trials, and a selection of movies from the Sony Pictures Catalog. PS5 Cloud Streaming is another standout feature, allowing you to stream many games from the PS Plus Game Catalog.

4. Apple Arcade

Best for Mobile Gaming

Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro

Pricing: $6.99/month

Trial Period: 30 days free

Apple Arcade revitalized mobile gaming in late 2019, offering a library of over 200 games without ads or in-app purchases. The service includes enhanced versions of classics like Angry Birds, Temple Run, and Jetpack Joyride, as well as indie hits such as Balatro, Vampire Survivors, Dead Cells, and Stardew Valley. You can enjoy these titles across Apple devices, with seamless iCloud syncing for save data. Apple Arcade supports popular third-party controllers and is shareable with the entire family, making it an excellent value for mobile gamers.

5. Netflix

Best for Hybrid Gaming

Platforms: Everywhere (for streaming), mobile phones and tablets (for games)

Pricing:

• Standard (with ads): $7.99/month
• Standard: $17.99/month
• Premium: $24.99/month

Trial Period: None

Netflix offers more than just streaming movies and shows; it includes access to over 120 games. Despite its large subscriber base, less than 1% engage with the gaming feature. With games like Hades, Dead Cells, Death's Door, GTA: San Andreas, Civilization VI: Platinum Edition, Katana Zero, Sonic Mania Plus, and Monument Valley I-III, there's a robust lineup. While currently limited to iOS and Android devices, Netflix is exploring game streaming on smart TVs and through netflix.com, adding significant value to your existing subscription.

6. Humble Bundle

Best for Discounts

Platforms: PC (via Steam/Windows), Mac/Linux (via Steam – certain titles)

Pricing: $11.99/month, $129/year

Trial Period: None

Humble Choice, a service for PC gamers from Humble Bundle, offers a curated selection of about eight games each month, which you keep forever, even if you cancel your subscription. The service is flexible, allowing you to skip months if the lineup doesn't appeal to you. Games often come with Steam keys, and you can also play them directly through the Humble app on Windows. Subscribers also get access to the Vault, a collection of over 50 DRM-free indie games, and enjoy up to 20% off purchases in the Humble Store. Plus, 5% of your subscription cost goes to charity.

Gaming Subscriptions FAQ

Which game streaming services have free trials?

Currently, the only services offering free trials are Nintendo Switch Online, with a 7-day free trial, and Apple Arcade, which provides a generous 1-month trial. Xbox no longer offers a promotional trial for Game Pass Ultimate, except for PC Game Pass, and Sony does not offer free trials for PlayStation Plus, aside from limited-time regional promotions.

How much should you spend on a gaming subscription?

The amount you should spend depends on your gaming habits. If you focus on one game for extended periods, buying games individually might be more cost-effective. However, if you enjoy exploring various genres and building a large backlog, subscriptions can offer excellent value. Consider your monthly game spending; subscriptions can be a budget-friendly way to access hundreds of games. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is particularly valuable, as it includes day-one access to Xbox first-party titles, potentially covering the cost of multiple new games with a few months of subscription.