Need for Speed Unbound can be the highlight of PS Plus

Sony is set to kick off the PS Plus Essential catalog in 2026 with the title Need for Speed Unbound. According to information released by the informant billbil-kun, known for the accuracy in leaking service details, the racing game from Criterion Games will be available for redemption starting on January 6th. Originally released in 2022, the title stands out technically for merging realistic environments with stylized visual effects in cel shading, providing a unique aesthetic identity to the franchise. The gameplay focuses on events in Lakeshore City, where users participate in street races and police pursuits based on a risk and reward system through bets.

The inclusion of a high-budget title like Need for Speed Unbound in the basic level of the service is a positive point for Sony's subscription infrastructure. The game offers a robust vehicle customization system and a campaign structured in cycles of day and night, ensuring longevity to the content offered. For players who have not yet explored the title, the January offer represents a technical opportunity to access a modern arcade simulator at no additional cost to the monthly subscription. Official confirmation from Sony is expected in the next few hours of December 31, 2025.

However, the catalog selection strategy is subject to severe criticism. It is regrettable that Sony chooses to recycle a game that was previously available in the Extra and Deluxe levels in February 2024. For long-time subscribers, the offer may be interpreted as a lack of investment in new content, as a considerable portion of the base has already had access to the game or even completed its objectives nearly two years ago. This practice of reusing titles between different levels of the service demonstrates a stagnation in software curation, reducing the perceived value of the Essential subscription for veteran users.