Recent rumors suggested that Sony was going to shut down the PlayStation Store on legacy platforms like the PlayStation 3, PSP, and PlayStation Vita. Unfortunately for PlayStation gamers, Sony has made the official announcement, confirming that the PlayStation Store on PS3, PSP, and PS Vita will be shutting down this summer. However, it's not going to be quite as bad as some were fearing.
Sony confirmed that the PlayStation Store shut down will take place on July 2, 2021 for PS3 and PSP. A month and a half later, the PlayStation Store for PS Vita will be shut down on August 27, 2021. There was some concern that this would mean players would be unable to re-download games they own, but it's now been confirmed that is not the case. Any previously purchased titles can be re-downloaded, and that includes video and media content as well. Vouchers for PlayStation gamers and PS Plus will still be redeemable as well. Players will be able to re-download owned games using the Download List on each device.
The PlayStation Store shut down means that PS3, PSP, and PS Vita gamers will no longer be able to make new purchases, so fans should make sure to buy whatever they're interested in while they still can. There are some classic PS1 exclusive games that are available for cheap on the PlayStation Store, but can cost hundreds of dollars if players have to purchase the physical versions instead.
Those that still have money tied to their PSN wallets but have not upgraded to PS4 or PS5 will want to make sure they spend the money. There won't be any refunds and the only way to spend that money after the PlayStation Store shutdown will be on a PS4 or PS5.
While it's still disappointing that the PlayStation Store is being shut down, at least it's not nearly as bad as it could've been. Based on previous digital storefront shut downs, there was some legitimate concern that fans would be unable to re-download content that they already purchased. And with new PlayStation consoles lacking backward compatibility with anything prior to the PS4, there was a worry that PlayStation gamers would be locked out of their PS3, PSP, and PS Vita digital libraries.
And it's also nice that fans have advanced warning so they can make any PS3, PSP, or PS Vita digital purchases that they want, and they don't have to worry about running out of space since they will still be able to re-download purchased content.
Source: PlayStation
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