PlayStation Now: 5 Questions You Need To Ask About Sony's New Streaming Sevice

The 2014 International CES is currently taking place in Las Vegas, and dozens of tech giants, brands and companies are demonstrating innovative new products and services. Yesterday, Sony Computer Entertainment President and Group CEO Andrew House announced a new online service for its latest console – PlayStation Now. The service is Sony’s latest attempt at making the PlayStation and Sony network more accessible to gamers. The next-gen PS4, which launched on Nov. 15 last year, sold 4.2 million units worldwide by Dec. 28 and 1 million systems within the first 24 hours of its release, breaking new records for the multimedia conglomerate. As Sony continues to work on the upcoming service, here are five questions that gamers are asking.

1. When will PlayStation Now be available?

Sony plans to release PlayStation Now sometime during summer 2014 in the US, but wasn’t able to confirm a timeframe for the service’s European debut. “When it comes to broadband provision, Europe is a considerably more complex region, with a huge number of different providers and varying connection speeds from country to country. In short, we need a little more time to ensure a smooth and successful roll-out," Sony stated in a recent blog post.

2. Will there be different tier options for PlayStation Now, or will I have to purchase the entire service?

Users will have the option to buy chosen titles on an individual basis or pay for a subscription that will enable them to peruse a wide range of classic and new games. PlayStation Now’s repertoire will include older PS3 and PS2 games and upcoming PS4 titles.

3. Can I only use PlayStation Now on my PlayStation 4?

No. PlayStation Now will be available on the PlayStation 4, PS Vita, various tablets and some televisions, starting with Sony’s 2014 BRAVIA TV models. House feels that PlayStation Now will “introduce the world of PlayStation to a world of non-console owners, smartphones, TVs and other devices,” adding that you’ll eventually be able to “play your favorite PlayStation 3 games on a tablet.”

4. Where will the games and data be stored?

PlayStation Now’s online data will be hosted in the cloud, allowing players to take games and information with them. Players will have to log into their Sony Entertainment Network accounts on any compatible device to gain access to their purchased games and saved progress.

5. Which games will be available when PlayStation Now launches?

Understandably, the number of games immediately ready for release on PlayStation Now will be limited. House did confirm that Naughty Dog’s 2013 zombie survival adventure “The Last of Us” and Quantic Dream’s action-adventure drama “Beyond: Two Souls” are already available to play without a PlayStation 3 at CES this week to demonstrate PlayStation Now. “ SCE Santa Monica Studio’s action-adventure game “God of War: Ascension” is also currently available to play via PlayStation Now on the PS Vita and BRAVIA televisions.

We’ll know more about PlayStation Now as Sony continues to develop the service. Hopefully, the company’s timeframe estimate is correct and we’ll be able to experience PlayStation Now this summer. Will you purchase the service? What abilities are you looking forward to? Leave a comment below.

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