While Sony Interactive Entertainment had intended to shut down service to the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita digital PlayStation Stores earlier this year, the community’s reception led them to cease plans at least at this time. While this is a sigh of relief for many, including myself, who still regularly use both consoles to enjoy some great games from the era – this doesn’t mean that changes wouldn’t be implemented.
In an email sent out to users earlier today, Sony Interactive Entertainment confirmed that to “enhance online payment security for all PS3 and PS Vita owners”, from 27 October 2021, you will not be able to use any payment methods on either storefront. Except for PlayStation Store gift cards which bypasses any third-party payment system, you will not be able to use a credit/debit or Paypal account to add funds to your wallet.
However, this is not some way of softly shutting down the store, with Sony providing several methods still to get funds into your wallet on the platform – requiring the use of either a PS4, PS5 or PC to accomplish. The solution… load up your wallet on an actively developed-for platform, and it will be made available on the PS3 and PS Vita.
Instructions in the email can be found below:
How do you purchase digital content now?
Should you wish to buy digital content for your PS3 or PS Vita, you must first add sufficient funds to your wallet. You can add funds by redeeming a PlayStation Store gift card via your PS3 or PS Vita, or by using a credit or debit card, PayPal or other available payment method using a desktop or mobile device, or a PS4 or a PS5 console.
To add funds to your wallet using a credit card or debit card, PayPal or other available payment method:
1) Access PS Store via your desktop computer, mobile device, PS4 or PS5 console.
2) Use a credit or debit card, PayPal or other available payment method to add the minimum amount required to your wallet to cover the cost of the content you want to buy. You can also add funds to your wallet by redeeming a PlayStation Store gift card.
