Sony to Shut Down PlayStation 3, PSP, and PS Vita Stores Starting in July

Sony has officially announced its plans to close the PlayStation 3, PSP, and PS Vita stores. Following the closures, players will be unable to purchase digital copies and DLC from the respective marketplaces. The closures will begin on July 2nd, 2021 for the PlayStation 3 and PSP, while the PS Vita store will be inactive on August 27th, 2021.

News of the potential closures began surfacing last week when TheGamer reported that Sony had plans to begin closing its digital marketplace for the console and handheld. Now, on a page highlighting discontinued PlayStation apps and services, the news has been confirmed by Sony itself.

In addition to confirming that the storefronts would indeed be closing, Sony outlined that players will still be able to download and re-install any purchased content following the closures. Sony states that players can “re-download and play previously purchased game titles”. Additionally, users can “access previously purchased video/media content”.

Players will also be able to redeem PlayStation Plus vouchers and access PlayStation Plus titles as long as they continue to subscribe to the service. Cross-buy content will also be available to purchase following the closure through the PlayStation Store. Any funds remaining in a user’s PSN Wallet will remain attached to the PSN account and can be used toward PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 purchases. Sony will provide refunds for the balance in their PSN Wallet for those who request it.

The PlayStation 3 launched in 2006, while the PSP launched in 2005. The PS Vita, the last PlayStation handheld, debuted in 2011. Each device faired in its own respect. It seems as though the end of an era is coming to older PlayStation hardware. However, those keen to add to their catalogue of PlayStation 3, PSP, and PS Vita digital collections may want to begin purchasing desired titles before the closures begin.