PlayStation Now

When Sony's PlayStation Now was first announced, many gamers balked at the high prices Sony was asking to rent a single game. Still, the idea of being able to play PlayStation 3 games over the Internet had promise and things started looking a little better for the streaming service once the PlayStation Now subscription service was launched. The monthly price of $19.99 still seemed a little steep to some, but it was definitely a move in the right direction, and Sony promised the service would gain more value as more games were added to the catalog.

Yesterday, Sony announced an update to PS Now that will see the subscription service gaining some big name games as well as new supported devices. The most prominent titles added to the catalog are Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception and Ninja Gaiden: Sigma. Other new titles include Super Stardust HD, Hustle Kings and Dead or Alive 5 Ultimate.

The blog posted on PlayStation.com also announced that the service is now accessible on 2015 Sony Blu-ray Players in the United States and select 2014 Sony TVs in the U.S. and Canada. A full list of supported devices has been posted to the PS Now FAQ.

PS Now offers more than 200 games for individual rental, but the subscription service is still limited to more than 100 PlayStation 3 games. New PlayStation 4 owners will now have an easier time finding the service, as the app will be installed by default as of System Software Update 2.50.

The expansion to Blu-ray and some Sony televisions seems to indicate that Sony is still trying to go after more casual gamers like they are with the PlayStation TV. One has to wonder, though, how many people who own a Sony Blu-ray player or TV but don't own a PlayStation 3 or 4 will be interested in taking the time needed to set this service up on their device.

For example, PlayStation Now users will still need a PlayStation 3 controller if they want to use the service. As a result, it seems more likely that core gamers might take advantage of this by setting up their Blu-ray player in a bedroom or a different area from where they keep their PlayStation 4.

It would also be nice to see Sony do something about the current price point. The company offers a 3 month deal for $44.99, which isn't bad. Perhaps more gamers would jump on-board if Sony announced a yearly plan with additional savings like it offers with PlayStation Plus. E3 2015 isn't too far away, so here's hoping Sony has a revamped business plan ready to unveil.

PlayStation Now is available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4 and select Sony Blu-ray players and televisions.

Source: PlayStation Blog (via Gamespot)