The next-gen era is very much underway, with more and more people managing to get their hands on a PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series.
Sony are reacting with an announcement today that they will shut down the PlayStation Store for PS3, PSP and PS Vita games this year.
In an email sent to PlayStation customers, Sony confirmed they would stop new purchases of PS3 and PSP games on the PlayStation Store from July 2nd, and new purchases of PS Vita games from August 27th.
Digitally bought games for each of those consoles will still be playable and downloadable after those dates, but if you have your eye on any PS3 classics, you’ll have to make sure to buy them before the start of July before they’re gone from the PS Store forever.
It also appears that gamers will still be able to redeem codes and vouchers for games from the three consoles after the closure dates, meaning that all they will not be able to do is purchase new games.
The email said that the move to shut down the store for older consoles was part of a push to focus resources on the PS5 and PS4 and to allow Sony to “enhance the customer experience even further.”
Several classic PS3 games have been remastered for the PS4, such as The Last Of Us and God Of War. Those games, as well as any that are released on the PlayStation Now streaming service, will also be available to play on the PS5, given the console is backwards compatible with PS4 games.
The decision to close the PlayStation Store for PS3, PSP and PS Vita is a sad moment that symbolically marks the end of the consoles’ lifespans – but if the era of the PS5 is anywhere near as good, then we’re in for a treat.
Editorial credit: Tom Whitehead / Shutterstock.com
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