PlayStation to close PS3 and PS Vita game stores

Following its decision to end physical game discs by 2028, PlayStation has now announced plans to shut down its digital game stores for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita.

- "After nearly two decades of supporting the PS3 console generation, we wanted to let you know we will be closing the PlayStation Store on PS3, as well as on PS Vita," said Sid Shuman, Senior Director, Sony Interactive Entertainment Content Communications.

- "We know this news may be disappointing to PS3 and PS Vita players who hold a special place in their hearts for this generation of gaming. PS3 and PS Vita represent an important era in our PlayStation history, so this was not an easy decision for us to make."


PlayStation has tried before
Shuman said the decision was not an easy one, but PlayStation had already attempted to close the stores in mid-2021. After facing significant backlash from users, the company reversed course, admitting that it had "made the wrong decision".

This time, however, the decision appears to be final. The PS3 and PS Vita stores will begin shutting down between August and late 2026 in Latin America and the Middle East, followed by all other regions in July 2027.

After that, new purchases will no longer be possible but previously purchased content can still be downloaded "for the foreseeable future", according to Sony. Does that mean 3 years? 5 years? It is unclear.


A terrible week for PlayStation
The announcement feels remarkably tone-deaf after what has already been a terrible week for PlayStation – or rather, for PlayStation users.

PlayStation has just erased 551 film titles from users' libraries without refunds, compensation or even an apology, and your purchased PS5 games are subject to the same terms. Yesterday, Sony followed up by announcing that physical PlayStation game discs will end in 2028.

Announcing the closure of the PS3 and PS Vita stores immediately after all of this is baffling. The company is essentially acknowledging that you cannot rely on PlayStation to preserve access to your "purchased" digital games.

In the Netherlands, a "monopolistic" PlayStation is facing a class action lawsuit for allegedly charging on average 47% higher prices for games in its digital store.

Also read: Steam admits that you don't own "purchased" games