Sony has announced the upcoming closure of the PlayStation Store for PS3 and PS Vita, scheduled to take place globally in the upcoming years. This decision means that gamers will soon lose access to a treasure trove of classic PS1 games, many of which can be quite expensive if sought after in physical form.
Closure Timeline and Impact
The closure is set to occur in stages, beginning in August 2026 for regions like Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Other Latin American countries and select areas in the Middle East will follow suit by the end of that year, with a complete global shutdown expected by July 2027.
Sid Shuman, Senior Director of Content Communications at Sony Interactive Entertainment, expressed that this decision was not taken lightly. He acknowledged the emotional connection many players have with the PS3 and PS Vita, citing that these platforms represent a significant era in PlayStation's history.
Why the Closure?
According to Shuman, the PS3 and PS Vita can no longer support modern trading systems, including the latest payment standards. This limitation has led to the difficult decision to shut down the PlayStation Store on these devices. Shuman emphasized the need for the company to focus its resources on delivering gaming experiences across newer PlayStation platforms.
Time to Buy Rare PS1 Games
For those who cherish classic PS1 titles and wish to keep them in their digital library, now is the time to act. It is advisable for players to purchase these rare games before the store's closure. A curated list has been compiled, highlighting around 20 essential PS1 games that are worth acquiring.
Accessing Existing Purchases
Once the PlayStation Store closes, players will no longer be able to purchase digital games for the PS3 and PS Vita. However, any games that have already been purchased will remain available for download. This means that while new acquisitions will not be possible, existing libraries will not be lost.
As Sony shifts its focus to enhancing the gaming experience on newer devices, many employees are being redirected to ensure that this transition is seamless for the gaming community. It’s a pivotal moment for fans of the franchise, as they navigate the end of an era for these beloved consoles.
Source: https://inet.detik.com/games-news/d-8565513/daftar-game-ps1-terlangka-wajib-dibeli-sebelum-playstation-store-ditutup
