History of PlayStation Store in Timeline

The PlayStation Store is Sony's digital distribution platform for PlayStation consoles (PS3, PS Vita, PS4, and PS5). Accessible via the PlayStation Network, it allows users to purchase and download games, demos, add-ons, themes, and other digital content directly to their consoles. It provides a convenient way to access a wide variety of entertainment without requiring physical media. The PlayStation Store also offers video content and various apps. The store is a central hub for managing digital purchases and subscriptions related to the PlayStation ecosystem.

November 11, 2006: PlayStation Store Launch

On November 11, 2006, the PlayStation Store was launched within the PlayStation 3, featuring four different versions: Asia, Europe (including Oceania and the Middle East), Japan, and North America (including South America).

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

April 15, 2008: PlayStation Store Redesign Launch

On April 15, 2008, a redesigned version of the PlayStation Store was launched via a firmware update, following feedback from PlayStation Network users. The new design was OS-based, allowing for faster information processing compared to the previous web-based design.

October 2008: PlayStation Store Support on PSP

In October 2008, PlayStation Store was supported on PlayStation Portable starting with the 5.00 firmware update.

September 2009: Major Games Available for Purchase

In September 2009, Sony made major games available for purchase on the store. These titles were later dubbed "PSN Day 1 Digital".

November 2011: Reduction of Consoles per Account

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 Launch on PlayStation Vita

On December 17, 2011, the PlayStation Store was launched on the PlayStation Vita, 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)

Check it on Amazon

September 2012: PlayStation Store Redesign Announcement

In September 2012, a major redesign of the PlayStation Store was announced, including a revised navigation structure and a new search system. The redesign aimed to integrate game and video content for easier user access, featuring high-resolution artwork and animations.

October 22, 2012: PlayStation Store Redesign Launch in Europe

On October 22, 2012, the PlayStation Store redesign was launched in Europe. Shortly after its launch in the United Kingdom, the Store interface was reverted to the old design due to issues such as long load times and slow navigation, while other countries in Europe retained the new interface despite these issues.

November 2, 2012: PlayStation Store Redesign Launch in North America

On November 2, 2012, the PlayStation Store redesign was released in North America.

January 2013: PlayStation Store Available via Web Browsers

In January 2013, the PlayStation Store was made available via web browsers. Users can purchase content for the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, and PlayStation Portable via the online store, then download it (or put it in a download queue) via their respective devices.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

November 15, 2013: PlayStation 4 PlayStation Store Release

On November 15, 2013, the PlayStation 4's PlayStation Store was released along with the console in North America. The design and interface were similar to the PlayStation 3's storefront, but with a blue color scheme to match the console's theme.

Sony PlayStation 4 500GB Console (Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

October 2015: Wishlist Option Added

In October 2015, a "Wishlist" option was added to the PlayStation Store.

March 31, 2016: Closure of Native PSP PlayStation Store Front

On March 31, 2016, the native PlayStation Store front on PSP was closed, while in-app purchases remained available after the store closed.

December 2016: All Vita Games Available Digitally

As of December 2016, all Vita games were made available to be downloaded digitally on the PlayStation Network via the storefront, although not all games are released physically.

April 2019: Removal of Third-Party Video Game Redemption Code Sales

Prior to April 2019, Sony had allowed third-party vendors to sell video game redemption codes for the PlayStation Store. Sony removed this feature in April 2019, so third-party vendors can now only sell virtual currency for the PlayStation Store.

May 2020: PlayStation Store Suspension 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/Mobile 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, along with PS4 avatars, themes, and applications, via the desktop and mobile versions of the PlayStation Store in anticipation of the PlayStation 5 launch.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

November 12, 2020: PlayStation 5 PlayStation Store Release (North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea)

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)

Check it on Amazon

November 19, 2020: PlayStation 5 PlayStation Store Release (Rest of the World)

On November 19, 2020, the PlayStation 5's PlayStation Store was released along with the console in the rest of the world (excluding China).

PlayStation®5 Digital Edition (slim)

Check it on Amazon

March 2, 2021: Discontinuation of Movie and TV Show Purchases/Rentals Announced

On March 2, 2021, Sony announced that it would discontinue offering movie and TV show purchases and rentals through the PlayStation Store on August 31, 2021.

Loading Video...

April 19, 2021: Reversal of PS3 and Vita Store Closure Decision

On April 19, 2021, Sony announced that it reversed its decision to close the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita stores, leaving them available for the foreseeable future. The PSP store will still close as originally planned on July 2, 2021.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

May 2021: Class-Action Lawsuit Filed Against Sony

In May 2021, a class-action lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California alleging that because Sony maintains a monopoly on the PlayStation Store, the removal of third-party sales violated antitrust laws. A second class-action lawsuit was filed the same month alleging that Sony's decision to eliminate third-party sales has led to overcharging consumers by billions of dollars.

July 2, 2021: PSP Store Functionality Altered

On July 2, 2021, the day prior to the planned closure of the PSP store, Sony altered their plans and instead chose to simply disable the PlayStation Store app on the system, allowing PSP digital games to remain available for purchase on other systems.

August 2021: Original Plan for Closing PS3, PSP, and PS Vita Storefronts

In August 2021, Sony had originally planned to close down the storefronts for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Portable, and PlayStation Vita games. However, due to negative feedback, the plan to close the PS3 and Vita stores was reversed, while the PSP store closure was altered.

Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed)

Check it on Amazon

August 31, 2021: End of Movie and TV Show Purchases/Rentals

On August 31, 2021, Sony discontinued offering movie and TV show purchases and rentals through the PlayStation Store.

Loading Video...

March 9, 2022: PlayStation Store Operations Suspended in Russia

On March 9, 2022, PlayStation announced that it suspended operations of the PlayStation Store in Russia in response to the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.