Sony confirmed the reports overnight that several PlayStation Stores including the PS3, PlayStation Vita and PSP stores will all be closed later this year.
The PlayStation 3 and PSP stores will close on July 2nd whilst the PlayStation Vita store will close on August 27th.
From these dates onwards, you will not be able to buy any games from these stores, or any downloadable content for games from these platforms.
It’s important to note that you’ll still be able to download and play previously purchased games and also re-download any games that you’ve got through PlayStation Plus.
This is a big deal for several PlayStation titles and indie titles that are only available on these platforms and not playable on PS4/PS5. It may not be as big of a deal internationally where PlayStation Now is available and these games are able to be played through this service, but this is not available in Australia.
PlayStation’s full post on the matter can be found below:
We are closing PlayStation Store on PlayStation 3 consoles on 2nd July 2021 and on PlayStation Vita devices on 27th August 2021. Additionally, the remaining purchase functionality for PSP™ (PlayStation Portable) will also retire on 2nd July 2021.
What features can I use after the closure of PlayStation™Store and purchase functionality on PS3, PS Vita and PSP devices?
Features you will still be able to access:
- You will still be able to re-download and play previously purchased game titles.
- You will still be able to access previously purchased video/media content.
- You will still be able to redeem game and PlayStation Plus vouchers.
- You will still be able to re-download and play claimed game titles through PlayStation Plus as long as you remain a member of the service.
Features you will lose access to:
- You will no longer be able to purchase PS3, PS Vita and PSP digital content, including games and video content.
- You will no longer be able to make in-game purchases through games on PS3, PS Vita and PSP.
- You will no longer be able to redeem PSN wallet fund vouchers (e.g. gift cards) on PS3, PS Vita or PSP devices once PlayStation Store and purchase functionality for these devices close. Your PSN wallet funds will remain in your PSN account, but you will only be able to use your wallet funds to purchase PS4 and PS5 products on PlayStation Store on the web, PlayStation App or on PS4 and PS5 consoles.
