Sony is About to Close Digital Store With PS3, PS Vita and PSP Games
Sony may block digital distribution for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Vita. If The Gamer's sources are to be believed, the company is expected to announce this later this month.
The launch of 9th-gen consoles is long behind us, although it's easy to forget that with the universal shortages of PlayStation 5, especially if you're one of those people who aren't even thinking about moving not from 8th gen but 7th. However, owners of the latter have other reasons to worry, at least according to a recent leak by TheGamer. TheGamer's verified sources claim that Sony is planning to shut down digital stores on PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Vita. In other words, owners of these devices will no longer be able to download games and add-ons. For PS3 and PSP, digital distribution will disappear on July 2, while PSV's storewill go dark on August 27.
As with any rumor, this one should be treated as unconfirmed until we have official information. An announcement is expected at the end of the month, so we won't be waiting long for a possible confirmation. However, if you've been thinking about picking up digital editions of games or downloading DLC on these platforms, you may want to consider doing so soon. The possible blocking of sales on these console will certainly cause the boxed editions of PS3, PSP, and PSV titles to skyrocket in price.
Such a move would not come as a complete surprise. Late, last year, Sony introduced a new version of the PlayStation Store, but along with that, it made it impossible to buy PS3, PSP, and PSV titles outside of those consoles. This was thought to be due to the development of new infrastructure with the company's latest two platforms in mind, namely the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The older devices have also long since been discontinued. We said goodbye to the newest of them (PSV) more than two years ago./p>
It may also have something to do with PlayStation Now, a game streaming service that gives access to many titles released on PS4, PS3 and PS2. While it debuted years ago, it is still unavailable in many places, including Central and Eastern European countries. Blocking digital purchases on the PlayStation 3 could encourage buyers to check out Sony's service. This is, however, just far-fetched speculation on what we've already stressed is still an unconfirmed rumor. Once again, we recommend treating these and other unofficial reports with caution.
