Sony’s 2026 Strategy: Extra Hits the Ground Running While Premium Stalls

The Bottom Line: Sony is kicking off 2026 with a powerhouse lineup for PS Plus Extra, strategically using heavy hitters like Resident Evil Village and Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth to build hype for upcoming sequels. However, the Premium tier remains a hard sell, offering only a single legacy title that fails to justify its price point.

We’ve seen Sony’s subscription service ebb and flow over the years, but January’s "Extra" catalog is one of the most calculated drops in recent memory. It’s clear that Capcom and SEGA are using the service as a "warm-up" lap for their 2026 release schedules. If you haven’t cleared your backlog yet, you’re in trouble—this month’s additions are massive time sinks.

The "Tactical Deployment" of AAA Titles

We’ve tracked Capcom’s movements for two decades, and the inclusion of Resident Evil Village is a classic "bridge" move. By putting the Winters' finale in front of millions of subscribers now, they are ensuring the player base is primed for Resident Evil Requiem. It’s a win for the player, but make no mistake—this is marketing masquerading as a gift.

The same applies to Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth. As one of the largest RPGs in the series, it’s a bold addition. Our analysis suggests this is a move to get newcomers hooked on the Ichiban/Kiryu dynamic before Yakuza 3 Kiwami launches next month. If you haven't played the previous titles, the emotional beats might not land, but the sheer volume of "bonkers" side content makes it a must-download regardless.

Indie Variety and Tactical Niche

Beyond the headliners, the variety here is surprisingly robust:

• Darkest Dungeon 2: Unlike the first game’s claustrophobic estate management, the sequel is a punishing road trip. It’s a "love it or hate it" meta-shift, but the depth for theory-crafters is unmatched.
• The Exit 8: This is the kind of "eye-opening" indie we love to see. It’s short, atmospheric, and proves that PS Plus can still be a discovery platform for experimental gems.
• Expeditions: This isn't a racing game; it’s a puzzle game where the terrain is your enemy. It requires a level of patience that many "twitch" gamers might lack, but the QoL improvements over SnowRunner make it the best entry point for the genre.

The Premium Problem: A Lone Classic is Not Enough

Our biggest gripe remains the Premium tier. Ridge Racer is an undisputed PS1 icon—its drift mechanics and soundtrack defined an era of arcade racing. But as the only offering for Premium this month? That’s a tough pill to swallow.

Subscribers pay a significant markup for the "Classics" catalog, and getting a single title—no matter how legendary—feels like Sony is coasting. We’ve been calling for more consistency in the Premium tier since its inception. Until Sony starts packaging these classics with modern enhancements or providing a higher volume of legacy content, the "Extra" tier remains the clear value king.

Final Verdict

If you're an Extra subscriber, January 2026 is a massive win. You’re getting two of the best games of the last five years and a handful of high-quality indies. If you’re on Premium, you’re paying for the privilege of a single (albeit great) nostalgia trip. Our advice? Stay on Extra until Sony decides to take the Classics catalog seriously.