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| Cars racing in NFS Unbound. |
It’s that time of the month again, PlayStation fans. Sony is set to officially pull back the curtain on the PlayStation Plus Essential lineup for January 2026 later today, Tuesday, December 31st. But in what’s become a familiar dance, a credible leak may have given us an early peek at one of the titles heading to our libraries—and it’s a recent entry from a major racing franchise.
According to a report from the well-known and typically reliable leaker Bilbill-Kun on Dealabs, Need for Speed Unbound is slated to be one of the free PS Plus games kicking off the new year. If true, this would mark the latest high-profile addition to the Essential tier, though it comes with a bit of complicated history.
A Leaker with a Proven Track Record
For those who follow the monthly PS Plus rumor mill, the name Bilbill-Kun carries weight. The leaker, active on the Dealabs platform, has accurately revealed the PS Plus game lineups ahead of schedule numerous times in the past. Their inside information has given players a reliable heads-up, making this latest claim worth paying attention to.
The leak was detailed in a recent Dealabs magazine article, which you can find here for a deeper dive into the source: PS Plus Essential : on vous révèle le premier jeu du mois de l'année 2026.
Need for Speed Unbound: A Contradictory Choice?
Released in 2022 by EA, Need for Speed Unbound is the most recent mainline installment in the iconic street racing series. It brought a bold, cel-shaded visual flair and a return to the underground racing scene that fans cherish. On paper, it’s a solid get for the Essential catalog.
However, there’s a catch that has some in the community scratching their heads. NFS Unbound was previously available as part of the much larger PS Plus Extra and Premium game catalogs. This means many subscribers who opted for those higher tiers have likely already downloaded, played, or even finished the game. For them, this offering might feel less like a fresh new gift and more like a rerun.
Adding to the peculiar timing is a massive ongoing discount on the PlayStation Store. The Need for Speed Unbound Ultimate Edition is currently slashed by 85%, bringing its price down to just $12.74. You can check out that staggering deal here: Need for Speed Unbound Ultimate Edition on PlayStation Store. While the base game being "free" with a PS Plus subscription is still a better financial deal, it does lessen the feeling of exclusive value for some.
Who Benefits from This Potential Addition?
Despite the caveats, this wouldn't be a disappointing addition for everyone. Players who have stuck solely with the PS Plus Essential tier and never dipped into Extra or Premium would be getting a modern, well-received racing game for no additional cost. Furthermore, anyone who missed it during its time in the larger catalog or has been on the fence about purchasing it now gets a perfect chance to hit the streets of Lakeshore City.
As always, it’s crucial to remember this is still a leak until confirmed. Bilbill-Kun has only hinted at one title so far. Sony is expected to reveal the full, official lineup of three PS Plus Essential games for January 2026 later today. Will Need for Speed Unbound be leading the pack, or is this a clever misdirection? Stay tuned for the official announcement to see how the new year’s gaming calendar begins.