What Is Online Console Multiplayer? | Playing Together Over The Internet

Online console multiplayer lets you play games with other people over the internet using an Xbox or PlayStation, often requiring a paid subscription like Xbox Game Pass Core or PlayStation Plus.

At its core, online console multiplayer means connecting your home gaming console to the internet to play with or against other players in real time. On modern systems, this isn’t always free. Whether you need to pay depends on the console you own and the specific game you’re playing. Here’s how it works on the two major platforms.

How Xbox Handles Online Multiplayer

On Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, online console multiplayer access is tied to a subscription called Xbox Game Pass Core. Microsoft has confirmed that “Xbox Live Gold is now Xbox Game Pass Core,” meaning existing members kept their online multiplayer access after the service transitioned on September 14, 2023.

Game Pass Core includes online console multiplayer and access to over 25 high-quality console games. The subscription works across both current and previous Xbox console generations. To get started, join Game Pass Core, then use your console to play supported online games with friends.

PlayStation Plus And Multiplayer Access

PlayStation Plus is a paid subscription service that provides access to games, online multiplayer, and exclusive content. Sony states that online multiplayer is included with all PlayStation Plus memberships, and members can access the online modes of over 1,600 games.

The service comes in three membership plans, with PlayStation Plus Essential priced at $9.99 per month on the U.S. store. Selecting a plan is straightforward: from the Games home screen, choose the PlayStation Plus icon and follow the on-screen subscription steps. PlayStation notes that automatic renewal is used for ongoing access unless you change it.

The Big Exception: Free-To-Play Games

For most purchased disc or downloaded games, a paid subscription is required for online play. But free-to-play games get special treatment.

Microsoft says multiplayer access for free-to-play games is open to every Xbox player, not just subscribers. On PlayStation, most free-to-play games such as Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Call of Duty: Warzone do not require a membership either. This means you can play these titles online without paying for either subscription service. Sony does note that some games have different requirements, so checking the store listing for online play details is wise before you buy.

Do You Actually Need A Subscription?

The answer depends on your console and the game. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

• Xbox with Game Pass Core: Required for online multiplayer in most paid games.
• Xbox free-to-play games: No subscription required for online access.
• PlayStation with PS Plus Essential: Required for online multiplayer in most paid games.
• PlayStation free-to-play games: Most do not require PS Plus for online play.

Subscription requirements apply to most paid console games, but not universally across every title. The Xbox Game Pass benefits are tied to Xbox consoles, and PS Plus online multiplayer applies to PS5 and PS4 games on your account. If you want to jump into online play regularly, a subscription is usually a necessary expense.

If you’re still deciding which console fits your multiplayer habits, see our roundup of the best consoles for online gaming to compare your options before committing.