Premium version of PlayStation Network announced, will cost $49 per year

Sony has confirmed that from next month PlayStation 3 owners will have access to a premium paid-for version of the PlayStation Network. Known simply as PlayStation Plus, this will be an enhanced version of the free-to-use PlayStation Network, with extra goodies. Basically, it’s Sony’s answer to Xbox Live Gold.

Priced at $49 a year, or $18 per three months, the benefits of PlayStation Plus include:

– Exclusive in-game DLC and other content
– Free full games, changing each month
– Auto-patching feature, which will detect, download and install updates
– Early access to demos and betas

Note that those who don’t buy PlayStation Plus will still be able to play all games online for free. Sony deserves a hearty pat on the back for that, not least because Xbox 360 gamers require a Gold membership ($40 per year, thanks) to play online.

Those PlayStation Plus subscribers who sign up during July will receive Wipeout HD, a demo for inFamous, Fieldrunners, Age of Zombies, Rallycross, as well as assorted avatars and themes. Apparently, these freebies will vary from month to month.

[Via Joystiq]