Sony announces that their game streaming service PlayStation Now launches Samsung smart TVs – the service will be available on select devices for those who reside in the US, and Canada.
Even thought you won’t need a Sony console to play certain PlayStation games, you will need a DualShock 4 controller – fair bargain if you ask me.
The company announced last December that non-Sony devices will be able to support PlayStation Now, and that Samsung was their prime candidate – it makes them the first foreigners that support PlayStation Now.
At the current moment, PlayStation Now offers for streaming over 100 PS3 titles. At launch, the game streaming service featured the possibility of players renting certain games from their vast library, but now, gamers can acquire a monthly subscription for $19.99. Think of PlayStation Now as Netflix, but for games.
“Currently there are over 350 PS3 games available for individual rental and over 100 PS3 games available inside the subscription catalog. Games span a variety of genres, from action to RPG and everything in-between, offering something for everyone.” Sony said.
The catch is, if you wish to rent a specific game, you’ll need to cough up $1 a day for those games that aren’t listed in the initial bargain – you can rent them up to 90 days.
OnLive was a pioneer in the industry, and the sole challenger, but they were acquired by Sony earlier this year – rumours have it, that Sony wanted their patents. Read our very own article if you want to know more about Sony’s acquisition.
Samsung TV’s will support standard features like trophies, online multiplayer, and of course, one key piece of the puzzle, cloud-based game saves.
PlayStation Now made its début on Sony’s PS4, and in May it was made available for the PS3 also. If you don’t own a Samsung, or a Sony smart TV, you can use the game streaming services if you own a Vita, a PlayStation TV, or select Sony Blu-Ray players.
At the current moment it is unknown if Sony will add more companies to the list, or if they will form a tight alliance with Samsung.
The news has been well received by gamers, but some ask an interesting question – How about PC’s and Mac’s Sony? When will you show some love for us?
If Sony decides to move forward with their PlayStation Now service, meaning offering support for PC’s and Mac’s, they will most likely dominate the market. There is no challenger to the throne, and Sony can have its way, and that’s not such a good thing. Competition strives innovation.