Sony ‘pulling PS Now retail cards’ ahead of expected launch of Game Pass rival

Sony has reportedly instructed UK retailers to pull PlayStation Now cards from sale.

The decision to discontinue PlayStation Now retail cards (via VentureBeat) follows a report that Sony plans to merge its game streaming service into fellow subscription offering PlayStation Plus.

It’s claimed that UK retailers will have to pull PS Now cards from store shelves by January 21.

An internal message from specialist UK retailer Game reportedly reads: “Stores have until the close of day Wednesday 19, January to remove all POS and ESD cards from all customer-facing areas and update their digital bays in line with this week’s upcoming commercial update….”

VGC has contacted Sony for comment on this report.

Details on an Xbox Game Pass competitor service reportedly being planned by PlayStation emerged last month.

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PlayStation will launch its Game Pass rival ‘next spring’, it’s claimed

Sony's new subscription service will reportedly offer a library of games including from past consoles

According to documents seen by Bloomberg, the new service is codenamed ‘Spartacus’ and will combine the current PlayStation Plus and PlayStation Now services, phasing out the branding of the latter. It’s expected to launch for PS4 and PS5 this spring and to be structured across three payment tiers.

The first tier will reportedly include existing PlayStation Plus benefits, such as online play and free monthly titles. The second will offer a large catalogue of games like Xbox Game Pass (although not first-party titles at launch). The third tier will add extended demos, game streaming and a library of classic PlayStation games.

January PlayStation Now games include Mortal Kombat 11, Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age, Fury Unleashed, Uturned, Super Time Force Ultra and Kerbal Space Program: Enhanced Edition.