PlayStation Plus announced for PlayStation Network

SCEA has announced today that PlayStation Plus, its new premium service for PlayStation Network, will launch on June 29th, 2010. The package will provide the PlayStation Network’s existing free services along with additional features. Those who don’t want to pay won’t be affected. They can still game online free of charge.

A one-year membership for PlayStation Plus is $49.99. The benefits include full game trails for PlayStation Network games, free downloadable games, special content, and more.

• Full game trial*3 – Members will have access to full versions of designated PS3® and PlayStation Network titles including PS one® Archives (PS one® Classics). The titles on offer will be available for download on PlayStation Store for a stated period and change every month. Members will be able to play the full version of the game for a designated period and even after the trial period expires, users will be able to continue playing the game by purchasing the game on-line*4.
• Games – Member will be able to play the full version of designated PS3 downloadable and PlayStation Network titles including PS one Archives (PS one Classics) and minis*5 with no limit of time as long as membership is effective. These games will become available exclusively for PlayStation Plus members at no extra cost.
• Special content – Content such as avatars and custom themes many of which are exclusive will become available for PlayStation Plus members at no extra cost.
• Discounts – Members will have access to exclusive discounts on designated PS3 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) titles. Titles will vary every month on PlayStation Store.
• Early access – Members will have early access to designated new game beta trials, game demos and video content prior to public distribution.
• Automatic content downloads and updates – PS3 will automatically download and install designated game demos and game updates and also download the system software update data*6. PS3 will automatically start up at a designated time to download content and will turn off after the download has completed.

PlayStation 3 firmware version 3.40 will release on June 22nd, which is required for those who decide to purchase PlayStation Plus. There’s no word on what other features this firmware will provide.