Sony one-ups Xbox One -- rewards PlayStation 4 buyers with free stuff
As the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One launch days approach, the news and rumors about the consoles have been coming fast and furious. In the BetaNews newsroom, some of us are very divided as to which console is better which has lead to heated debates. While I ordered Sony's console, my colleague Alan Buckingham ordered Microsoft's. Expect in-depth first impressions and reviews in the coming weeks.
Today, Sony announces something that will once again tip the scales in its favor -- free stuff. Yes, the company will be rewarding initial PlayStation 4 buyers with vouchers for free access to digital entertainment. Let's be honest, who doesn't love free things?
"The network now expands across a wide array of digital entertainment including incredible multi-player gameplay, availability of full games day and date, streaming movies and TV shows, and a premium cloud-based music service. We are excited to provide those of you in the US and Canada with a special promotional voucher in every PS4 box", says Eric Lempel, VP at Sony Network Entertainment.
Sony is providing the following free gifts:
- $10 Sony Entertainment Network wallet credit for PlayStation Store
- 30-day free PlayStation Plus membership trial
- 30-day free Music Unlimited service trial
Mr. Lempel further says, "out of the box, you can immediately experience everything PlayStation Plus for PS4 has to offer and have access to millions and millions of songs through Music Unlimited. The $10 credit can be used towards anything in the store including new PS4 launch titles, such as Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag, Battlefield 4, Call of Duty Ghosts, and Killzone Shadow Fall".
Sony lists this as being "available for a limited time only", but how limited is anyone's guess. However, it is a safe bet that anyone who pre-ordered the console or buys it on day-one, should get the voucher. The question becomes, will Microsoft play the "me too" game and offer free stuff to Xbox One buyers? One thing is for sure -- consumers are benefiting from the competition.