PlayStation Plus subscribers may soon find themselves playing a major racing game. According to a new report, Need For Speed Unbound is expected to headline the PS Plus Essential lineup for January, 2026.
The information comes from reliable insider Billbil-kun, who shared the leak on Dealabs, the same source that accurately revealed October’s lineup featuring Alan Wake 2 and November’s lineup featuring Stray. While Sony has yet to make an official announcement, Need For Speed Unbound will be available for all PS Plus tiers i.e. Essential, Extra, and Premium, and can be claimed from January 6 to February 3, 2026.
If Billbil-kun’s report proves accurate, Need For Speed will be one of the most prominent PS Plus Essential offerings in recent months, appealing to players looking for a high-profile arcade racer. January, 2026, is also expected to be a transition point for the service. Sony Interactive Entertainment previously confirmed that from the start of 2026, PS4 titles would no longer be guaranteed additions to either the monthly Essential games or the Extra catalog. Instead, PS4 games will only appear on an occasional basis, indicating a stronger focus on current-generation hardware moving forward. In that context, Need for Speed Unbound being a PS5-only title aligns with the console maker’s stated plans.
Released in December, 2022, Need for Speed Unbound is the most recent mainline entry in Electronic Arts’ long-running racing franchise. Developed by Criterion Games, the title stands out for its bold visual identity, blending realistic car models with graffiti-inspired effects and stylized animations. This street art aesthetic helps differentiate it from earlier entries and reinforces the game’s focus on underground street racing culture. Gameplay focuses on illegal street races, high-stakes bets, and intense police chases, all building toward qualification for “The Grand,” the game’s ultimate racing event. While reception at launch was mixed in some areas, many praised its visual flair and moment-to-moment racing.
