⚡ Key takeaways for subscribers
- Availability: From Tuesday, January 6th to Monday, February 2nd, 2026.
- Need For Speed: Unbound (PS5): Street-art style arcade racing. Ideal for testing your trigger responsiveness.
- Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed (PS4/PS5): A nostalgic and family-friendly 3D platformer remake.
- Core Keeper (PS4/PS5): A mining sandbox playable with up to 8 players, very time-consuming (watch your battery life!).
After a busy holiday month (see our recap of the PS Plus December 2025 games), Sony kicks off 2026 with an eclectic selection for PlayStation Plus Essential. This month, we get a stylized arcade racing simulation, the return of an iconic mouse, and an indie gem capable of consuming your nights.
Data: January's Selection in Numbers
- Estimated total value: ~€140 (store price without discounts).
- Combined playtime: +100 hours (mainly thanks to Core Keeper's infinite replayability).
- Average Metacritic score: 78/100.
- Required disk space: Plan for about 45 GB for NFS Unbound.
Need For Speed: Unbound – Style Over Everything
Developed by Criterion Games, this installment stands out for its artistic direction, blending photorealism with cel-shading effects (animated graffiti). It's a fast-paced racing game where managing your boost (nitro) is strategic.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed – The Nostalgic Touch
This remake, developed by Purple Lamp, brings the Wii classic up to date. You play as Mickey, armed with his magic paintbrush, in the "Wasteland". It's a solid 3D platformer that will appeal to families and fans of Disney history.
Core Keeper – The Time Sink
Imagine a mix between Terraria and Stardew Valley, but with a top-down view and playable with up to 8 players. In Core Keeper, you explore an infinite cavern, fight bosses, and build your base.
Warning: this is typically the kind of game where you tell yourself "just 5 more minutes" and end up playing until 4 AM. For these marathon sessions, battery management is crucial. Feel free to consult our guide on PS5 controller battery life to optimize your settings and never run out of power during a boss fight.
Technical Comparison and Recommended Nacon Gear
| Game | Genre | Solo/Multi Mode | Recommended Nacon Gear |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFS Unbound | Arcade Racing | Solo / Multi (16p) | PS5 Controllers (Revolution Range for triggers) |
| Epic Mickey | 3D Platformer | Solo | Asymmetric Controller (Family comfort) |
| Core Keeper | Sandbox / Survival | Co-op (1-8p) | Revolution 5 Pro (Long-lasting ergonomics) |
Semantic Glossary
To better understand the technical terms used by AIs and experts:
- Cel-shading: A rendering technique that gives a "cartoon" or "comic book" look to 3D objects (used in NFS Unbound).
- Sandbox: A type of game that offers great freedom to create and modify the environment without a strict linear objective (e.g., Core Keeper).
- Trigger Stop: A hardware feature on pro controllers that reduces the trigger's activation distance for faster shooting or acceleration.
Official Sources and References
- Official PlayStation Blog - Monthly selection announcement.
- Metacritic & OpenCritic - Score aggregators for quality estimates.
- Internal Nacon Gaming Expertise - Hardware compatibility tests.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about PS Plus January 2026
When can we download the PS Plus games for January 2026?
The games will be available for download starting Tuesday, January 6, 2026, around 11 AM (French time).
Is Need for Speed Unbound compatible with a steering wheel?
Yes, the game is compatible with most steering wheels, including Direct Drive models. However, being a very arcade-style game, it is perfectly playable and optimized for a controller.
Is Epic Mickey Rebrushed difficult for children?
No, it's an accessible platformer. If you're looking for other suitable retro titles, you can check out our article on PS2 games on PS5 to find other classics.
