PlayStation Plus is entering a new era in January 2026 — and Sony has confirmed that this month marks the biggest shakeup in the service in years. The official announcement, scheduled for December 31, 2025, will introduce the first lineup built around the company’s new PS5-first strategy.
This major change signals the end of guaranteed PS4 support in monthly lineups. Sony is clearly aligning PlayStation Plus with the future of its platform, while gradually moving away from the previous cross-generation approach that supported both PS4 and PS5 equally.
January 2026 PS Plus Announcement: Dates and What to Expect
Sony will officially reveal the PlayStation Plus January 2026 lineup on December 31, 2025. While the final list of titles remains unconfirmed, expectations are strongly leaning toward PS5-focused games and newer AAA releases.
Subscribers will be able to start claiming their free titles beginning January 6, 2026. Based on recent months, players should expect a lineup similar in quality to games like LEGO Horizon Adventures and The Outlast Trials, with an emphasis on modern, feature-rich PS5 experiences.
Why PS4 Games Are Being Phased Out
Sony has officially confirmed that PS4 games will no longer be guaranteed each month beginning January 2026. Instead, PS4 titles will appear only intermittently, depending on licensing opportunities and lineup strategy.
The company explained that the majority of active subscribers are now playing on PS5 and primarily redeeming PS5 titles. This transition reflects Sony’s goal to focus resources on next-generation gaming rather than splitting attention across two consoles.
Quick Look: Key Dates and Changes
| Update / Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Announcement | December 31, 2025 |
| Games Available | January 6, 2026 |
| Strategy Shift | PS5 becomes the primary focus |
| PS4 Monthly Games | Now occasional only |
| Affected Tiers | Essential, Extra, and Premium |
What Happens to Games Leaving PlayStation Plus?
Just like every month, some titles will leave the PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium catalogs. Multiple games will exit on January 20, 2026, meaning players will lose access unless they purchase them.
Sony usually highlights upcoming removals ahead of time, giving subscribers a chance to finish remaining content or buy discounted copies before access expires. If you’ve been meaning to play something that’s leaving, January will be your last chance.
Will Extra and Premium Games Be Announced Too?
The January announcement will address all tiers of PlayStation Plus — Essential, Extra, and Premium — but details may roll out across several days. Historically, Sony reveals Essential games first, then follows up with Extra and Premium additions later.
This staggered approach keeps anticipation high and allows the company to spotlight classic titles, trials, and catalog updates individually for maximum visibility.
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