BUYING games for your favourite old PlayStation consoles is about to get a lot harder.
That’s because Sony is closing down its PlayStation Store for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation Portable this summer.
It means anyone wanting to buy games for their retro systems online will have to do so before official marketplaces vanish worldwide.
Sony announced the controversial move on Monday in a post on its website.
“We are closing PlayStation Store on PlayStation 3 consoles on 2nd July 2021 and on PlayStation Vita devices on 27th August 2021,” the firm wrote.
“Additionally, the remaining purchase functionality for PSP will also retire on 2nd July 2021.”
PS3, Vita, and PSP owners will still be able to re-download and play any games they’ve already purchased through the PlayStation Store.
Users can also still redeem voucher codes for games and PlayStation Plus.
Once the deadlines pass, the only way to play new games on the systems will be through second-hand disks.
Owners will also lose access to the library of films and TV shows available to rent or buy through the PlayStation store.
Sony highlighted that players can download their owned content onto their PS3, PS Vita or PSP device by accessing the Download List on their device.
Those with funds locked in to their PlayStation Network account can request a refund from the Japanese gaming giant.
However, it’s also possible to spend those funds on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5 content.
You can read details on how to request a refund on Sony’s Q&A page.
The changes are part of Sony’s transition to its next-generation console, the PlayStation 5.
The company launched two versions of the PlayStation 5 in the US on November 12, and in the UK on November 19.
The full PS5 costs £449/$499, while a Digital Edition without a disc tray is priced at £359/$399.
They’re up against Microsoft’s Xbox Series X (£449) and Xbox Series S (£249), which hit shelves worldwide on November 10.
The PS5 launched with major exclusive games like Spider-Man Miles Morales and a revamped version of Dark Souls for players to enjoy.
Xbox gamers, on the other hand, have a new Halo title to look forward to later this year.
All four consoles have been sold out around the world for months, with stock seesawing in and out of availability.
PlayStation boss Jim Ryan recently offered hope to gamers who wanted a console.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Ryan admitted that stock levels would climb steadily month-on-month.
He added that from July onwards, it will be much easier to get a PS5.
“It will get better every month throughout 2021,” Ryan explained.
“The pace of the improvement in the supply chain will gather through the course of the year.
“So by the time we get to the second half of [2021], you’re going to be seeing really decent numbers indeed.”
In other news, Trending In The News’s favourite alternative to a games console is the Oculus Quest 2 VR headset.
Grab a VR headset and you’ll be able to play the legendary Beat Saber – like Guitar Hero, but with lightsabers.
And Dell’s Alienware R10 Ryzen Edition is a gaming PC powerhouse that crushes both the new consoles.
Are you still on the hunt for a PS5? Let us know in the comments!
