PlayStation Plus program adds warranty discount perk

Earlier this year, Sony launched two new initiatives: the PlayStation Plus subscription service and the PlayStation Protection Plan extended warranty. Now the electronics giant is tying the two together, offering members of the former program a discount on the latter.

As a new perk of the PlayStation Plus plan, subscribers will be able to sign up for a two-year extended warranty for the same price as a normal one-year plan, $45. Gamers who want the two-year extension but aren't part of PlayStation Plus will still have to pay the standard $60 price. Additionally, users can now sign up for the warranty plans through the PlayStation Network; previously they had to call a toll-free number during extended business hours.

Only systems that are still in their standard one-year limited warranty period are eligible for the extended plans. Both protection extensions go into effect after the free one-year warranty expires, and they cover the same types of damage, including shipping and repair charges. Full terms and conditions of the plan are available through Sony's Web site.