PlayStation Now Open Beta Launches Thursday For PS4 Users In US And Canada

Sony’s (NYSE:SNE) PlayStation Now service is about to get its real test as it enters its open beta phase. The game streaming service currently in development by Sony has been available to select users as a private beta since January. Starting Thursday, all PlayStation 4 owners in the U.S. and Canada will be able to test out the PlayStation Now service and play streaming games over the Internet.

According to Sony, PS4 users will begin to see PlayStation Now available through the built-in PlayStation Store. Users of the PS Now service will be able to rent the games available for various lengths of time, including four hours, seven days, 30 days and 90 days. Prices will also vary based on the game title, with some available to rent for prices as low as $1.99.

Coupled with a fast and stable broadband connection, PlayStation Now users will be able to enjoy a number of PlayStation Network and PS3 games through the service, with support for trophies, friend lists and leaderboards. In addition, PS4 owners using the PS Now service will be able to play online with other PS Now users or PlayStation 3 owners with physical or downloaded versions of the games available on PS Now.

Sony has also posted a video explaining the PS Now service for PS4, which can be viewed below.

Currently, over 100 titles are available for the PlayStation Now open beta, with more titles on the way. As the service is still in a beta state, Sony is asking users to provide feedback as it continues to refine PS Now.

Following the announcement of Electronic Arts’ (NASDAQ:EA) EA Access game subscription service on Wednesday, Sony followed suit, revealing that the PS Now service may see a subscription option appear in the near future.

“In addition, we’ve heard you loud and clear for an update on a PS Now subscription option and want to reassure you that we are working on it,” Sony said in its blog. “We think PS Now represents the next step toward the future of gaming and we’re excited to have the PlayStation Nation come along with us on the beginning of this journey.”