Do they need a subscription at all?
Each console has a paid membership, and the main thing it unlocks is online play. If the person plays paid games online with friends, they almost certainly need one. If they only play on their own, or only play free-to-play games like Fortnite, they don't.
| They mostly… | Do they need a membership? |
|---|---|
| Play single-player games on their own | No. A higher tier with a game library can still be a great gift. |
| Play free-to-play games (Fortnite, Apex Legends, Warzone) | No for online play on PlayStation and Xbox |
| Play paid games online (sports games, Mario Kart, Call of Duty) | Yes |
| Use voice and video chat on Switch 2 (GameChat) | Yes, since March 31, 2026 |
Memberships auto-renew, so many people already have one. Ask someone close to them before buying. If they do already have one, a gift code typically adds time to it, which is useful but not a surprise.
Nintendo Switch Online
This is the easiest subscription gift: it's inexpensive, it's required for online play on both Switch and Switch 2, and it includes a library of classic Nintendo games.
| Plan | Official US price (checked October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Individual, 12 months | $19.99 |
| Family, 12 months (up to 8 accounts) | $34.99 |
| Individual + Expansion Pack, 12 months | $49.99 |
| Family + Expansion Pack, 12 months | $79.99 |
Our pick: the Family plan if you're buying for a household, since it covers several Nintendo Accounts for not much more than one. The Expansion Pack adds more classic games and extras. It's a nice upgrade, but online play only needs the basic plan.
Note: Switch 2 bundles from Nintendo include three months of Switch Online, so a new Switch 2 owner may already be covered for a while.
PlayStation Plus
All three PlayStation Plus tiers include online multiplayer. The higher tiers add a catalog of games to download and play.
| Tier | What it adds | 12 months (official US price) |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | Online multiplayer, plus monthly games | $79.99 |
| Extra | Everything in Essential, plus a large game catalog | $134.99 |
| Premium | Everything in Extra, plus classic games and extras | $159.99 |
Our pick: Essential if they just need online play. Extra if they play a lot and would enjoy a library of games to try. Shorter terms are available too (1 month and 3 months) if you'd rather give a smaller gift.
See PlayStation Plus memberships
Xbox Game Pass
Game Pass has three console tiers, and all three include online multiplayer. The higher tiers add more games, including new releases on Ultimate.
| Tier | Monthly official US price (April 2026 pricing) |
|---|---|
| Essential | $9.99 |
| Premium | $14.99 |
| Ultimate | $22.99 |
| PC Game Pass (PC only, no console online play) | $13.99 |
Our pick: Ultimate if they play a lot of different games, Essential if they only need online play. Make sure you don't buy PC Game Pass for an Xbox console player.
See Xbox Game Pass memberships
Wondering whether a subscription beats just buying games? Our subscription vs. ownership guide does the math.
How to give one
- Buy a membership card or digital code from a major retailer, for the right platform and their account's country. Like gift cards, these are region-specific.
- Or give store credit they can put toward a membership. See gift card vs. physical game.
- Need it fast? Digital codes are usually emailed, which makes a membership a solid last-minute gift.
Back to the main gift guide.
Quick answers
Do you need PlayStation Plus to play online?
For most games, yes. PlayStation says a membership is required to play most games online, but most free-to-play games, such as Fortnite, Apex Legends and Call of Duty: Warzone, are exempt.
Which Xbox Game Pass tier includes online multiplayer?
Game Pass Essential, Premium and Ultimate all include online multiplayer on console. PC Game Pass does not cover console multiplayer. Free-to-play games don't need a membership.
Do you need Nintendo Switch Online to play online on Switch 2?
Yes. Online play on Switch and Switch 2 requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. It also covers GameChat on Switch 2 after March 31, 2026.
What if they already have a membership?
A gifted membership code usually extends the existing membership rather than replacing it, so it isn't wasted. It's just less exciting. Ask a parent or partner first if you can.
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