Gaming these days involves more than just getting a console and picking up a few games. The major players all have subscription services to sell you.
From Xbox Game Pass, to PlayStation Now, to Nintendo Switch Online, there’s a lot that these services offer that you may not know about.
Here’s our guide to what Microsoft, Sony, and Nintendo offer for gaming services, and some credit card options to pay for your gaming entertainment.
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Summary of online gaming subscription services for consoles
First, here’s a summary of the major gaming services. All prices you see are in Canadian dollars and do not include sales tax.
| Service | What It Offers | Monthly Price | Systems That Can Use It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xbox Live Gold | * Online multiplayer * Discounts on games |
$5.84 – $11.99 | Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S |
| Xbox Game Pass | * Game subscription * Online multiplayer |
$11.99 – $16.99 | Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Android, iOS |
| PlayStation Plus | * Online multiplayer * Discounts on games |
$5.84 – $11.99 | PS3, PS4, PS5 |
| PlayStation Now | * Game subscription | $6.67 – $12.99 | PS4, PS5, PC |
| Nintendo Switch Online | * Online multiplayer * Access to older Nintendo and Super Nintendo games |
$2.08 – $5.33 | Nintendo Switch |
There are a variety of different services offered here, with varying features.
Here’s how each one compares for cost, using the lowest price available.
A bit of variety in prices. But as you’ll see, each one offers different things. While Xbox Game Pass has the highest price, it can also save you the most money.
So with that in mind, let’s take a look at each subscription option in detail.
Xbox gaming services: Xbox Game Pass and Live Gold
Microsoft has a few services to look at. And while we’re specifically talking about console gaming here, Microsoft’s services are available on both Xbox and PCs.
1. Xbox Live Gold
- Price: $5.84 – $11.99
- What it offers: Multiplayer gaming, discounts on digital games, free older games for a limited time
- Compatible Systems: Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S
We’ll start with Microsoft’s original online service – Xbox Live Gold. Xbox Live Gold wasn’t the first online gaming service, but it certainly ended up being the standard for online multiplayer gaming and how it works.
Pioneered on the Original Xbox, Xbox Live Gold gives members one gamer tag that can be used on any online game that can be played on Xbox.
If you want to take your gaming online with an Xbox (and even PCs with compatible games), you’ll need an Xbox Live Gold membership at a minimum.
On top of being able to access multiplayer gaming, there are a few other features.
First, there are Games With Gold. Every month, there are a couple of free games you can download and play for a certain time period. These are older games obviously, but there may be a game of interest to you – you can see the current ones here.
Second, you can get discounts on select games being purchased through the Microsoft store. You can see what’s available here, but here’s a snapshot:
It’s a relatively inexpensive service, depending on where you buy it. Microsoft will sell you access for either 1 or 3 months. They used to offer a 12 month plan, but that appears to no longer be the case.
The price? $11.99 for 1 month or $29.99 for 3 months.
Instead of going to Microsoft, you can purchase digital codes through retailers.
This method is much cheaper, and you can pay for 12 months of access for only $69.99 ($5.83 per month). They can even go on sale so you can pay less.
Here’s one example from Amazon where you can purchase a digital code for a subscription length of 3, 6, or 12 months.
As for what systems you can use it with? Here’s the full list:
- Xbox 360,
- Xbox One,
- Xbox Series X|S, and
- PC.
That goes back quite a ways. So while you may be able to connect to the internet with your Xbox 360, being able to play multiplayer varies from game to game, depending on if the publishers kept the servers up and running or not.
One recent example is Halo. Microsoft shut down their servers for all Xbox 360 Halo games, so those can’t be played online.
As a result, your mileage will vary with an Xbox 360, but this won’t be an issue with the other systems in the list.
And if you want a behind-the-scenes look at what went into launching Xbox Live back in 2002, the documentary “Power On,” which was made by Microsoft, featured this in one of the episodes.
2. Xbox Game Pass
- Price: $11.99 – $16.99
- What it offers: Game subscription, online multiplayer
- Compatible Systems: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Android, iOS
The other service Microsoft offers is Xbox Game Pass. It’s a Netflix-style service, but for games.
So first, let’s think about what Netflix offers.
For a set monthly fee, you can watch all the movies and TV shows you want. But, it’s not all TV shows and movies ever made – it’s only what deals Netflix has made with distributors. But, Netflix produces their own content as well, which is always there.
Xbox Game Pass is the same thing, but just for games. It’s not all games you could play on Xbox, just games that Microsoft and a publisher have made a deal for. The games also come and go, just like TV shows and movies do on Netflix.
But, Microsoft is also a very large game publisher themselves and all their new games are always there, from day one. Their catalogue is also about to get much bigger with their acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
How to play games using Xbox Game Pass
If you’re on an Xbox or PC, you can simply download the games to your hard drive and keep playing them as long as they remain on Game Pass.
But, Game Pass also offers cloud gaming – where you simply stream the game to your device. This way, you can play them right away without downloading. Plus, it makes them available on Android and iOS devices, as long as you have an Xbox controller connected.
So what games are there? You can view everything Game Pass has to offer here, which is over 400 games and counting. However, fewer games are available with cloud gaming capability.
If there’s a game you want to own, you can purchase the digital version and get up to 20% off. This is only available for select games.
One point to note – EA games are not available to all Game Pass subscribers, you’ll need the right plan to access them (details below).
Cost of Xbox Game Pass
There are actually 3 levels of service – 2 for Xbox consoles and one for PCs.
Full details are here for you to view. Here’s the summary:
Which of these plans is right for you depends on what you want. But, if you want Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold, you’ll want the Ultimate plan, as it will offer you the best value. If you also want access to EA games, you’ll need either the Ultimate or the PC plans.
If you’re interested in cloud gaming, that’s only available with Ultimate.
It’s also the best place to start, as you can try it out for one month for just $1.
One great tip for saving some extra money on any of these services is to wait for some of the larger annual sales that happen every year (Boxing Day, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, etc.) and to look for some savings on the digital codes mentioned above. Big box stores like Best Buy, and even Microsoft’s online store, will often offer these types of discounts.
Sony Playstation Now and Plus
Sony offers a pair of different services for PlayStation gamers – PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now.
Both of these services are somewhat similar to what Microsoft offers.
1. PlayStation Plus
- Price: $5.84 – $11.99
- What it offers: Multiplayer gaming, discounts on digital games, free older games
- Compatible Systems: PS3, PS4, PS5
PlayStation Plus is the platform for Sony gamers to play online multiplayer. In the past, online multiplayer gaming was free, but since the launch of the PS4 it is now a paid service.
There are a few more things included besides just multiplayer gaming. You’ll get access to discounts on a variety of games, which usually stack with event sales and flash deals. This combination can make purchasing games very affordable for PlayStation Plus subscribers if you time it right.
There are also PlayStation Plus exclusive themes, and profile avatars available in the store to make you stand out from the crowd or spruce up your homescreen. Some of these are free to PlayStation Plus subscribers, while others are exclusives you can purchase.
Occasionally, you can also find exclusive video content (courtesy of Sony Entertainment) including trailers and bonus content for upcoming movies or shows (Such as FXX’s Archer or Sony’s upcoming Uncharted Movie).
Though, it should be noted that quality video content is pretty rare, and you may not even notice when these pieces of content become available without checking in at the PlayStation Digital Store on a regular basis.
Monthly free PlayStation games
There are also free games that get added every month, and as long as you’re a PlayStation Plus member, you’ll continue to get access to them. While this format has been adopted by Microsoft as well, PlayStation Plus has been giving away free games monthly since around 2010.
Since you can always have access to games claimed through your PlayStation Plus membership, longtime subscribers reap the benefits the most, having access to a wide range of older games on PS5, PS4, and even PS3 (where previously claimed PlayStation Plus games are still downloadable for the time being).
Here are the games added this month.
Just note: this part of the program is not available for new customers on PS3 consoles, but if you previously had PlayStation Plus in the PS3 era, and continue that membership on a new console, your old PS3 will still let you download your claimed PS3 PS+ games for the time being.
Sony has cut off most online support for the PS3 system at this point, so it’s pretty likely this feature will eventually end, but for longtime subscribers (especially those with an expanded PS3 HDD), it’s a nice touch.
Sony PlayStation Plus pricing
As for pricing? Sony has 3 tiers for you to consider.
The longer you subscribe, the less you’ll pay. You can also get digital codes from retailers and check to see if there are any sales – here’s Amazon’s page for PlayStation Plus codes.
2. PlayStation Now
- Price: $6.67 – $12.99
- What it offers: Game subscription
- Compatible Systems: PS4, PS5, PC
While Microsoft followed Sony when it came to giving away free games to their monthly online subscribers, Sony is now following the lead of Microsoft with PlayStation Now, their own version of the Xbox Game Pass.
You’ll be able to stream hundreds of games from PS2, PS3, and PS4, as well as have the ability to download over 300 PS4 games to play on your console.
At this time, newer games aren’t available on the system – you’ll be relegated to playing older games through the service. While it’s a bit disappointing that newer games aren’t included, Sony’s library of high quality exclusive games from years past is very expansive, giving you plenty of content to sink your teeth into.
The PlayStation 2 in particular had a massive library with many of the PS2 games available through PlayStation Now being available on PS4, PS5, and PC for the first time. So, there’s plenty to love here for older gamers.
As for what games are currently available, this PlayStation page lists out the current games you can use with the service.
As for how much it costs? Here are your options. Like PlayStation Plus, the longer you sign-up, the cheaper the service is per month.
Unlike Game Pass however, it doesn’t include free multiplayer – you’ll still need to pay for that separately.
If you wanted both, the price you would pay is $12.51 per month on a yearly plan.
Nintendo Switch Online
Finally, we get to Ninentdo’s offering – Nintendo Switch online.
- Price: $2.08 – $5.33
- What it offers: Multiplayer gaming, access to older Nintendo games
- Compatible Systems: Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch Online offers a unique set of features.
There is of course, the standard online multiplayer access, to play all of your favourite Nintendo games with others.
But where it gets unique is you can play a large selection of Nintendo and Super Nintendo games on your Switch. Many of these games can even be played online with others.
Upgrade your membership with the expansion pack and you’ll get access to a lineup of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.
If you love retro gaming, this can be an excellent choice for you.
So the big question – how much does it cost?
Purchase standard membership for a year, and that’s only $2.08 per month to play online and access a long list of Nintendo and Super Nintendo games.
It’s quite an increase if you get the expansion pack at $5.33 per month, but it’s still less than what Sony and Microsoft want for their standard multiplayer access platforms.
Best credit cards to pay for your online gaming subscription
Want to play games online? You’re going to need a credit card to pay for them.
Luckily, these services count as recurring bills, which means there are quite a few credit cards that would earn you bonus rewards on your purchases.
Here are some of your top options.
| Credit Card | Rewards On Recurring Bills | Annual Fee, Income Requirements | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard | 5 points per $1 spent | * $120 * $80K personal/$150K household |
Learn More |
| Scotia Momentum Visa Infinite | 4% cash back | * $120 * $60K personal/$100K household |
Learn More |
| Tangerine Mastercard | 2% cash back | * $0 * $12K personal |
Learn More |
1. Best credit card for recurring bills
×4 Award winner 
GC: $125 + $25
4x Award winner
$150 GC Boost + Up to 30,000 bonus points + birthday bonus worth up to 15k points.*
To earn flexible rewards for your gaming services, look no further than the
Here’s what you’ll earn on your purchases:
- 5 points for every $1 spent on restaurants, groceries, and select recurring bills (up to $50,000 spent annually per category)
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
Redeemed for travel through MBNA Rewards, where each point is worth 1 cent, and it’s a return of up to 5% on your purchases.
Or you can redeem them for cash instead. The cash value of each MBNA Rewards World Elite point is 0.83 cents, for a return of up to 4.15%.
It’s an excellent return on recurring bills, for an annual fee of $120.
2. Best cash back credit card for recurring bills
GC: $20
For simple cash back, you’ll want the
- 4% cash back on groceries and recurring bill payments
- 2% cash back on gas and transit
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
That’s a lot of cash back on both your recurring bills and grocery purchases, and a big reason why it’s one of the best cash back credit cards in Canada. And all this cash back is for an annual fee of $120.
3. Best no fee credit card for recurring bills
×1 Award winner GC: $125
1x Award winner
If you would just prefer a no fee credit card, the
You’ll get to choose up to 3 categories in which to earn 2% cash back, with one of those choices being recurring bills.
You’ll get to choose 2 of those categories if you apply your rewards as a monthly statement credit, and 3 if they get deposited into a Tangerine Savings account.
You’ll earn 0.5% cash back on all other purchases.
If you want a few extra perks, you can opt for the
×1 Award winner GC: $125 1x Award winner
Which online gaming subscription is best?
All the major video game companies have terrific online services, but which one is best?
It really depends on what you want and what games you want to play. Each of these systems has its own merits.
But, if we were to choose, we would select Xbox Game Pass. You’ll get access to major blockbuster titles on day one, for a low monthly fee, and you may never have to shell out $80+ for a new game again.
We’ll also give an honourable mention to Nintendo Switch Online. It’s got the lowest price, and gives you access to a suite of retro games, in case you’re feeling nostalgic about the old days, or want to show your kids what gaming was like back in the day.
What about you? Which of these subscriptions do you like the best?
Let us know in the comments below.
FAQ
What does Microsoft offer for gaming services?
Microsoft offers 2 gaming services – Xbox Live Gold, which is their base subscription for online multiplayer, and Xbox Game Pass, a game subscription service, where you pay a flat fee for all the games you can play.
What gaming services are available to PlayStation owners?
PlayStation gamers have 2 services – PlayStation Plus is available to access online multiplayer gaming, and PlayStation Now is a game subscription service with access to older games.
What gaming services does Nintendo offer?
Nintendo offers Nintendo Switch Online. It offers online multiplayer gaming, plus access to a collection of Nintendo and Super Nintendo games. There’s also an expansion pack you can access for an increased fee, which gets you access to some select Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.
What is the best credit card to pay for gaming subscriptions?
The best credit card to pay for gaming subscriptions is the MBNA Rewards World Elite Mastercard, which offers a return of up to 5% on recurring bill payments.
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