SONY: PlayStation Plus announced

Sony has lifted the lid on PlayStation Plus, a new premium version of PlayStation Network that gives subscribers access to new content.

The service was announced during the company’s E3 press conference, and will cost $17.99 for three months or $49.99 for a full year. MCV reported last month Sony was likely to launch a premium PSN service.

Sony’s Jack Tretton said: In addition to current PSN features, subscribers will get exclusive features and content. They will receive hundreds of dollars worth of content every year.”

This will include early access to demos, exclusive beta invites, selected free PSN games, and automatic downloads that push anything from patches and firmware updates to full demos straight to the console.

While no specific date was given, Tretton promised it would be available later this month. When it launches, it will give subscribers a trial for InFamous and selected PSN minis.

During the first month, Plus subscribers will be able to download the full version of WipEout HD, PSN classic Rally Cross, avatars, map packs and more – as well as access to Qore, the PSN video game show.

Subscriptions are free for the first three months and all content downloaded are owned by consumers as long as they maintain their subscription.

Tretton added: PS3 owners will receive an unprecedented amount of content per month. Coming in 2010, content on PSN is stronger than it’s ever been.”