PlayStation Plus first free game for January 2026 reportedly leaked

Leaker bibil‑kun (via Dealabs) says Need For Speed Unbound is the first PlayStation Plus Essential title for January 2026; PS5専用化とPS4終了が合わせて伝えられる。

A leak from Dealabs crediting user bibil‑kun indicates the first PlayStation Plus Essential free game for January 2026 is EA and Criterion's Need For Speed Unbound. The PlayStation Plus monthly lineup for January was due to be revealed later on December 31 around 11:30am ET; Dealabs and bibil‑kun are noted in the report for a long track record of correct PlayStation Plus leaks. What was leaked According to the shared listing, Need For Speed Unbound — the 2022 entry in the series — is the first free PS Plus Essential title for January. The game has a 77 critic score on Metacritic and a user score of 5.9, per the report. The leak also notes the title is PS5‑only. Why this change matters PlayStation previously announced that, starting January 2026, the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games and Game Catalog benefits will focus on PS5 titles as player usage shifted toward PS5. The January lineup is therefore the first full month reflecting that PS5‑focused approach and marks the end of new PS4 additions to the Essential monthly lineup. How PS4 owners can still add PS5 titles Per the report, PS4 players who want to add PS5 PlayStation Plus games can still do so via the PlayStation App or by signing into their account on the PlayStation Store website from a mobile device or computer. Suggestions You may want to wait for the official reveal (scheduled for December 31 around 11:30am ET) to see the full January lineup, check whether Need For Speed Unbound fits your interests given its critic and user scores, and if you’re on PS4 consider using the PlayStation App or website to add PS5 PS Plus titles to your library.