PS4 Can Play Netflix “Out of the Box” at Launch, No PS Plus Required

October 31, 2013

Ready to move on to next-gen, but don’t want to leave your Netflix addiction behind? You don’t have to.

A user on Reddit has confirmed through Netflix support that not only will an app for the service be available at PS4 launch, but it will be usable without a PS Plus subscription.

In contrast, Xbox One will require an Xbox Live subscription in order to access apps such as Netflix. While Xbox Live is popular, a recent poll showed that only 50% of Xbox Live users pay for a Gold subscription. This move is certain to leave many future Xbox One owners with very options when not subscribed.

Sony isn’t completely innocent, though. Its latest PS4 FAQ revealed that the device won’t support CD playback, MP3s, or other music options in order to push users to subscribe to Sony’s Music Unlimited service.

The PS4’s launch library is quite soft, so applications such as Netflix could be a driving force for keeping people invested in the device. Ensuring that those invested have little to no reason to go back to previous generation hardware will be a very important point if the PS4 wants to be successful early on.

Although Jonathan Leack began covering the gaming industry in 2009, his earliest roots date back to 2004 when he wrote his first of many reviews to come. Equipped with a B.S. in Computer Information Systems and several information technology certifications, he provides a unique perspective that is technological and business conscious. Having acquired the role of Executive Editor in 2016, his mission is to make GameRevolution a gaming site that thoughtfully considers the consumer perspective, and has a knowledgeable presence of PC gaming, console, hardware, and eSports coverage.