PS4 Vs. Xbox One: Sony Didn't Think 'EA Access' Was A Good Value

Earlier this week, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) launched its beta for EA Access, a subscription service for the Xbox One that will give players the ability to play a number of titles from developer and publisher Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA). On Thursday, Sony released the beta version of PlayStation Now, a similar service for its eighth-generation PlayStation 4.

In a recent interview with Game Informer, a Sony (NYSE: SNE) spokesperson explained why the Japanese company decided not to take advantage of the EA Access feature.

“We evaluated the EA Access subscription offering and decided that it does not bring the kind of value PlayStation customers have come to expect,” the spokesperson said.

“PlayStation Plus memberships are up more than 200 percent since the launch of PlayStation 4, which shows that gamers are looking for memberships that offer a multitude of services, across various devices, for one low price. We don’t think asking our fans to pay an additional $5 a month for this EA-specific program represents good value to the PlayStation gamer.”

EA Access, which is currently in beta, will be available for $5 per month or $30 per year. Subscribers will have unlimited access to titles like “FIFA 14,” “Madden NFL 25,” “Peggle 2” and “Battlefield 4.” Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) also promises subscribers that more games will be available soon, and titles will be updated regularly.

Additionally, Xbox One users will score a 10 percent discount on all EA games, downloadable content and in-game currency. EA also promises users access to early trials for this year’s lineup of EA sports titles like “Madden,” “NHL,” “NBA Live” and “FIFA.” Players will also be able to play “Dragon Age: Inquisition” five days before the game goes public.

Last week, Microsoft reported that its Xbox One sales were up 14 percent in its fiscal fourth quarter, according to a quarter-end report on July 22. The Redmond, Washington, multimedia brand said it shipped 1.1 million Xbox One and Xbox 360 consoles to retailers during the period, which ended June 30.

Will "EA Access" persuade more users to buy the Xbox One? Leave a comment below.