History of PlayStation Store in Timeline

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PlayStation Store

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.

4 hours ago : Sony Removes Scam Games and Developers from PlayStation Store after Criticism.

Sony has started removing scam games and developers from the PlayStation Store. This action follows widespread criticism regarding the abundance of shovelware and low-quality titles that were present in the store.

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.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

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.

Sony Playstation Vita Wi-Fi 2000 Series with Silicone Joystick Covers and AC Adapter Cable (Piano Black) (Renewed)
Sony Playstation Vita Wi-Fi 2000 Series with Silicone Joystick Covers and AC Adapter Cable (Piano Black) (Renewed)

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.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

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.

Sony PlayStation 4 500GB Console (Renewed)
Sony PlayStation 4 500GB Console (Renewed)

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.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

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.

PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)

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.

PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)
PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)

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.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

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.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

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.