PlayStation Plus and Nintendo Switch Online each have their ups and downs, but they share at least one important trait: They’re a waste of money if you’re not actively using them.
Even so, tech companies can rake in a ton of money on idle subscriptions, simply because users don’t cancel auto-renewal options. Following an investigation by a UK government body, Sony and Nintendo will now have to be more transparent with their users about auto-renewals — and may refuse to take payments altogether, if the subscriptions go unused.
If Sony finds that a PS Plus account has been sitting idle, the company will contact the user and let them know how to cancel the subscription.
Sony will actually go one step further for PS Plus subscriptions. The company will monitor whether gamers actually use their PS Plus subscriptions, whether it’s to play online or download complimentary games. If Sony finds that a PS Plus account has been sitting idle, the company will contact the user and let them know how to cancel the subscription. Even more remarkable: If a user doesn’t cancel the subscription, but still doesn’t use PS Plus for anything, Sony will eventually stop accepting money for it.
Since Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony all complied with the CMA inquiries and directives, a CMA spokesman has declared the investigation over. If you live in the UK, you can now rest just a little bit easier about spending your money on Microsoft, Sony or Nintendo online subscriptions.
However, just because the three manufacturers made these changes in the UK, it doesn’t mean that the rest of the world is about to follow suit. The CMA has limited authority outside of the UK, and its directives don’t apply to other major markets, such as east Asia or North America. Still, taking a pro-customer stance could help the console manufacturers build some goodwill, and that’s a good thing when your consoles are perpetually in short supply.
