History of PlayStation Store in Timeline
PlayStation Store is a digital distribution service available through the PlayStation Network. It serves users of PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 consoles, providing a platform to purchase and download games and other digital content directly to their devices.
November 11, 2006: PlayStation Store Launched on PlayStation 3
On November 11, 2006, the PlayStation Store was launched within the PlayStation 3. There were four different versions of the store: Asia, Europe, Japan and North America.
April 15, 2008: Redesigned PlayStation Store Launched
On April 15, 2008, a redesigned version of the PlayStation Store was launched via a firmware update, based on user feedback. The new design was OS-based, allowing for quicker information processing compared to the previous web-based design.
October 2008: PlayStation Store Supported on PlayStation Portable
In October 2008, PlayStation Store was supported on PlayStation Portable starting with the 5.00 firmware update.
November 2011: Sony Reduces Account Usage Limit on Consoles
In November 2011, Sony reduced the number of consoles on which a single PlayStation Store account could be used from five to two.
December 17, 2011: PlayStation Store Launched on PlayStation Vita
On December 17, 2011, the PlayStation Store was launched on the PlayStation Vita and is accessible via an icon on the LiveArea.
September 2012: PlayStation Store Redesign Announced
In September 2012, a major redesign of the PlayStation Store was announced, featuring a revised navigation structure and a new search system to integrate game and video content, making it easier for users to find content.
October 22, 2012: New PlayStation Store Design Launched in Europe
On October 22, 2012, the redesigned PlayStation Store was launched in Europe. However, the interface was later reverted to the old design in the United Kingdom due to performance issues.
November 2, 2012: PlayStation Store Redesign Released in North America
On November 2, 2012, the redesigned PlayStation Store was released in North America, following its earlier launch in Europe.
January 2013: PlayStation Store Made Available via Web Browsers
In January 2013, the PlayStation Store was made available via web browsers, allowing users to purchase content for PS3, PS4, PS Vita, and PSP via the online store.
November 15, 2013: PlayStation 4's PlayStation Store Released in North America
On November 15, 2013, the PlayStation 4's PlayStation Store was released in North America, along with the console. The PS4 version used a similar design to the PS3 storefront.
October 2015: "Wishlist" Option Added
In October 2015, a "Wishlist" option was added to the PlayStation Store.
March 31, 2016: Native PlayStation Store Front Closed on PSP
On March 31, 2016, the native PlayStation Store front on PSP was closed, but in-app purchases remained available after the store closed.
December 2016: All Vita Games Available for Digital Download
As of December 2016, all Vita games were made available to be downloaded digitally on the PlayStation Network via the storefront.
April 2019: Sony Removes Third-Party Vendor Sales of Game Redemption Codes
In April 2019, Sony removed the feature allowing third-party vendors, such as Amazon and Wal-Mart, to sell video game redemption codes for PlayStation Store. After this change, third-party vendors could only sell virtual currency for PlayStation Store.
May 2020: PlayStation Store Suspended in China
In May 2020, the PlayStation Store was indefinitely suspended in China due to security reasons.
October 15, 2020: Removal of PS3, PSP, and PS Vita Content from Web Store
On October 15, 2020, Sony announced that users would no longer be able to browse, purchase, and download PS3, PSP, and PS Vita content, and PS4 avatars, themes, and applications via the desktop and mobile versions of PlayStation Store, in anticipation of the launch of the PlayStation 5.
November 12, 2020: PlayStation 5's PlayStation Store Released in Select Regions
On November 12, 2020, the PlayStation 5's PlayStation Store was released along with the console in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.
November 19, 2020: PlayStation 5's PlayStation Store Released Globally
On November 19, 2020, the PlayStation 5's PlayStation Store was released in the rest of the world (excluding China), a week after its North American and Japan launch.
March 2, 2021: Sony Announces End to Movie and TV Show Sales/Rentals
On March 2, 2021, Sony announced that it would discontinue offering movie and TV show purchases and rentals through the PlayStation Store, effective August 31, 2021.
April 19, 2021: Sony Reverses Decision to Close PS3 and Vita Stores
On April 19, 2021, Sony announced they had reversed their decision to close the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita stores, leaving them available for the foreseeable future due to negative feedback. However, the PSP store was still planned to close on July 2, 2021.
May 2021: Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Sony over PlayStation Store Monopoly
In May 2021, a class-action lawsuit was filed alleging that Sony's removal of third-party sales for PlayStation Store violated antitrust laws due to Sony maintaining a monopoly. A second class-action lawsuit was also filed the same month alleging consumer overcharging.
July 2, 2021: PSP Store Closure Altered to App Disablement
On July 2, 2021, Sony altered their plans for the PSP store closure, choosing to disable the PlayStation Store app on the system instead. This allowed PSP digital games to remain available for purchase on other systems.
August 2021: Planned Closure of PS3, PSP, and PS Vita Storefronts
In August 2021, Sony had initially planned to close down the storefronts for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Vita games, before reversing the decision for PS3 and Vita. The planned closure drew criticism due to concerns about game preservation.
August 31, 2021: PlayStation Store Discontinues Movie and TV Show Sales/Rentals
On August 31, 2021, Sony discontinued offering movie and TV show purchases and rentals through the PlayStation Store, as announced earlier in March.
March 9, 2022: PlayStation Store Operations Suspended in Russia
On March 9, 2022, PlayStation announced the suspension of PlayStation Store operations in Russia in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Mentioned in this timeline
PlayStation is a video gaming brand owned by Sony Interactive...
Ukraine is a large country in Eastern Europe second only...
Sony Group Corporation is a Japanese multinational conglomerate with headquarters...
New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific...
Japan is an East Asian island country in the Pacific...
China officially the People's Republic of China PRC is an...
Trending
8 minutes ago Jon Hamm attends Chanel's Tribeca Festival Artists Dinner with Lively and De Niro.
8 minutes ago Nakashima faces Zverev in Stuttgart; Zverev reacts to grass-court win.
1 hour ago Nate Burleson Launches LionBlood Vodka with Valentine Distilling; Gayle King's Outfit Choice
9 minutes ago Elise Mertens secures wins at Queen's, advances to last 4 at s-Hertogenbosch.
1 hour ago Billy Idol Reflects on Near-Fatal Overdose and Recent Documentary Premiere in NYC.
1 hour ago Sebastian Maniscalco Discusses His Parenting Style: No-Nonsense and 'Half-Psychotic'
Popular
The Boeing Dreamliner is an American wide-body airliner developed by...
Greta Thunberg is a Swedish climate activist who gained international...
Thomas Douglas Homan is an American law enforcement officer and...
Cristiano Ronaldo often called CR is a Portuguese professional footballer...
Gavin Newsom is an American politician and businessman currently serving...
Playboi Carti born Jordan Terrell Carter is an American rapper...