Sony has announced the impending closure of the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita globally, set for next year. This decision means gamers will soon lose access to a range of classic PS1 games, which can be quite expensive if sought in physical form.
Closure Timeline
The shutdown will occur in phases, beginning in August 2026 in Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Other Latin American countries and additional regions in the Middle East will see the service cease by the end of 2026, while the global closure is slated for July 2027.
Impact on Gamers
For gamers who wish to retain some of the rare and nostalgic PS1 titles, it’s advisable to make purchases as soon as possible. As a precaution against the store's closure, approximately 20 games have been highlighted as must-buys, according to a compilation by detikINET from Gamerant.
Reasons for the Closure
According to Sid Shuman, Senior Director of Content Communications at Sony Interactive Entertainment, the PS3 and PS Vita have become incapable of supporting modern trading systems, including the latest payment standards. This has led to the difficult decision to shut down the PlayStation Store on these platforms.
Future Focus
Once the store closes, players will no longer be able to purchase digital games for the PS3 and PS Vita. However, any titles that have already been purchased will still be available for download. Shuman emphasized that the team will be redirecting their efforts toward enhancing the gaming experience across newer PlayStation devices, resulting in a shift of many staff members to focus on this initiative.
Source: https://inet.detik.com/games-news/d-8565513/daftar-game-ps1-terlangka-wajib-dibeli-sebelum-playstation-store-ditutup
