Sony has recently announced the upcoming closure of the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita, set to take place globally next year. This decision means that gamers will soon lose digital access to numerous classic PS1 titles, many of which are costly to acquire physically.
Closure Timeline and Implications
The closure will occur gradually, starting in August 2026 for countries like Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Other Latin American nations, along with additional regions in the Middle East, will see the end of support by late 2026. The global shutdown is slated for July 2027.
Impact on Gamers
Sid Shuman, Senior Director of Content Communications at Sony Interactive Entertainment, acknowledged that this news could be disheartening for PS3 and PS Vita fans. These consoles represent a significant era in PlayStation history, making the closure a difficult choice for the company.
Important Purchases Before Closure
For players who wish to preserve their collection of rare and nostalgic PS1 games, it is advisable to make purchases as soon as possible. To assist with this, we have compiled a list of approximately 20 essential games that should be acquired before the PlayStation Store ceases operations.
Future Focus on Newer Platforms
According to Shuman, the PS3 and PS Vita systems can no longer support modern trading systems or up-to-date payment standards. This limitation is a key factor in the decision to shut down the PlayStation Store for these devices. Although players will be unable to purchase new digital titles for PS3 and PS Vita post-closure, they will still have access to games they have already bought and downloaded.
Shuman emphasized that the team will shift its focus to enhancing the gaming experience across newer PlayStation devices, redirecting many of its resources towards this goal.
Source: https://inet.detik.com/games-news/d-8565513/daftar-game-ps1-terlangka-wajib-dibeli-sebelum-playstation-store-ditutup
