At E3 last week we reported on Sony’s new premium PlayStation Plus service. Now that the dust has settled and we’ve finally been able to catch our breath, here’s clarification on the new service, plus news on the deals available and exactly what you’re going to get for your money.

PlayStation Plus is a subscription service package on PlayStation Network. In addition to the current free to use existing features and services, its aim is to bring value-added offerings including exclusive services and content on June 29, 2010, worldwide.

By accessing PlayStation Store via PS3, PlayStation Network users will be able to purchase membership*1 to PlayStation Plus, to gain an exclusive set of features and content. PlayStation Plus will be available in different subscription options of 30 days (Japan: 500 yen, Asia: HK$38), 90 days (North America: $17.99, Europe: €14.99) and 365 days (Japan: 5,000 yen, Asia: HK$233, North America: $49.99, Europe: €49.99).

PlayStation Plus features include*2:

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.

*1 PlayStation users can purchase PlayStation Plus membership through PlayStation Store on PS3 only. Users need to install PS3 system software version 3.40, which will be released on June 22nd, to enjoy PlayStation Plus.
*2 Content will vary by region.
*3 Expiration date will vary by content.
*4 Users will continue to enjoy games with previously saved data. Any trophies earned during the trial will also be unlocked.
*5 “minis” are not available in Japan.
*6 As the install requires users agreement, it will not be installed automatically.