Sony has
launched its
PlayStation Now game streaming service in the United States and Canada. Previously only available as a
private beta, all
PlayStation 4 owners in the two countries are able to access the service in an open beta, with users able to rent PlayStation 3 titles and stream them to their console without downloading the entire game beforehand.
The Gaikai-powered service hosts the game session on its servers, streaming video to the console and interpreting any player interactions. Cloud saves, trophies, friends lists, and leaderboards are supported, with players also able to play with other PS Now users or those who own either the download or disc version.
Over 100 titles will be available to play, with four rental periods being made available. Seven-day, 30-day, and 90-day rentals of games cost $5.99, $7.99, and $14.99 respectively, with players able to opt for a four-hour rental session for $2.99 to try the game out. A $1.99 tier for four-hour rentals will be offered on some titles in the coming weeks, and it is possible for Sony to offer a Netflix-style monthly all-you-can-eat subscription in the future.
PlayStation 4 owners are not the only ones able to take advantage of PS Now. Owners of
Sony 4K televisions and some Bravia models will be able to play by using a DualShock 3 controller connected via USB. The service is also expected to head to the
PlayStation Vita, the
PlayStation 3 and the
PlayStation TV in the future.
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