PlayStation Plus Essential is being overhauled to drop the monthly PS4 game guarantee and prioritize native PS5 titles, giving subscribers access to next‑gen experiences like the upcoming boxing simulator Undisputed. The change pushes users toward the PS5 ecosystem, while PS4 owners will see fewer new freebies unless they upgrade or switch to the Premium tier.
New PlayStation Plus Essential Tier Overview
Shift from PS4 to PS5 Focus
The revised Essential tier will no longer promise a rotating selection of PS4 games each month. Instead, the service will highlight titles that run natively on the PS5, taking advantage of the console’s ultra‑fast SSD, ray‑tracing capabilities, and DualSense haptic feedback. This shift encourages migration to the newer hardware, which now exceeds 30 million units worldwide.
February 2026 Essential Catalog Spotlight
Undisputed Boxing Simulator as Flagship Title
The first confirmed game for the February lineup is Undisputed, a realistic boxing simulator built on Unreal Engine. Subscribers will receive the title at the start of February, marking a showcase of high‑quality, next‑generation gameplay within the Essential tier.
Impact on Players and Developers
What PS4 Owners Need to Know
- Future Essential benefits will be limited to the existing PS4 library.
- No new monthly PS4 titles will be added.
- Owners can continue accessing previously granted games, but fresh freebies will cease.
- Upgrading to PS5 or moving to the Premium tier is required for continued monthly releases.
Opportunities for PS5 Developers
- Increased visibility for games that fully utilize PS5 hardware.
- Prominent placement of titles like Undisputed can drive large subscriber engagement.
- Smaller studios may need to consider cross‑generation releases or alternative marketing channels.
What to Expect from the Upcoming Announcement
Sony will reveal the full February Essential lineup shortly before the month begins. While Undisputed is confirmed as the marquee title, the announcement may include additional next‑gen releases and established franchises, reinforcing the service’s new PS5‑centric direction.
