PlayStation 3 users are finding that games are not downloading the latest updates, ahead of the PlayStation Store shutting down.
In October 2020, SIE announced the PlayStation Store on browser and mobile would no longer sell PlayStation 3, Portable, or Vita games; after the new browser store launched.
On March 29th, the old browser PlayStation Store was now effectively shut down; while users had got around the late October 2020 cut-off via region-specific URLs, the website began to redirect to the new store on March 27th. Among the 2000 digital-only games no longer being purchasable though those stores; 138 digital-only games will be lost; not being available physically or on other consoles.
Later on March 29th, Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) quietly confirmed the closing dates for the console stores as well; the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable console stores on July 2nd, followed by PlayStation Vita on August 27th. Several PlayStation Vita developers stated learned this at the same time as the general public; with some still working the morning of the announcement.
Now, members of PlayStation fan forum PSN Profiles have discovered some PlayStation 3 physical or digital games are refusing to update. Users are finding patches essential to play online and earn Trophies are refusing to prompt a download when the game is booted, or even when manually checked for updates.
What’s more, users are giving conflicting reports of what can and cannot update, such as Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations, and how different regions or formats are affected. Others have found work-arounds to force updates on these games.
At this time of writing the updated post on the front page features over 40 titles, though with unverified claims from other users that list grows to almost 50.
The games include Battlefield 4, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow, Dante’s Inferno, Dark Void, Dead Nation, Dungeon Siege III, Gran Turismo 5, Journey, Just Cause 2, SoulCalibur IV, Twisted Metal, and White Knight Chronicles International Edition. In addition, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All Star Battle‘s campaign and character DLC are no longer available on the PlayStation Store; but the 100% Platinum Trophy is still available.
While it is likely those buying a PlayStation 3 in the future will be unable to use online features once the servers are fully discontinued, it means even those buying them before the servers close will be unable to update games to their best condition before the curtain falls.
Those only interested in re-selling their old console would also find greater difficulty, making it more likely they will be destroyed or lost to the depths thrift stores or hard to find specialist stores.
