Launched in November 2006, PSN was originally conceived for the PlayStation video game consoles, but soon extended to encompass smartphones, tablets, Blu-ray players and high-definition televisions.

However, Sony provided no unified service for the system, so support for network features was specific to each game and third-party server, and there was no interoperability of cross-game presence.

[3] In March 2006, Sony officially introduced its unified online service, tentatively named "PlayStation Network Platform".

Following a security intrusion, the PlayStation Network had a temporary suspension of operation which began on April 20, 2011 and affected 77 million registered accounts.

[10] In July 2012, Sony Computer Entertainment announced that they had acquired video game streaming service Gaikai for $380 million.

In April 2024, Sony announced that it would begin to offer PSN features on PlayStation Studios-published games for Microsoft Windows, beginning with Ghost of Tsushima Director's Cut; the game will offer optional PSN integration, including an overlay with access to social features and Trophies.

On February 8, 2025, the PlayStation Network once again experienced a global outage that suspended all of its services for all users for several hours, making it the second such incident to occur within six months.

[25] Users have the option to disclose their real name aside their Online ID, add a personal description, exhibit a profile picture or avatar, and list all spoken languages.

[26] Trophies are in-game awards presented to gamers for hitting specific targets or reaching certain milestones, such as completing a difficult level or defeating a certain number of enemies.

[27] In an effort to discourage cheating in terms of how soon Trophies are awarded, the PlayStation Network requires consoles to maintain an accurate time and date setting before a digitally downloaded game can be started, which also extends to virtually all physically released software for the PS4 and certain physical games for the PS5.

If a console is unable to obtain an accurate date and time from PlayStation Network due to loss of connectivity and CMOS battery charge combined, games can be rendered unplayable on it, leading critics to decry this anti-cheat system as a form of always-on DRM and a threat to video game preservation upon discovery of this issue, known as the C-bomb,[28] several months after the PlayStation 5's launch, as Sony was contemplating an equally controversial decision to shut down the PlayStation Store for previously discontinued systems that used it.

[29][30][31] In late September 2021, Sony resolved the C-bomb issue for the PS4 with firmware update 9.0.0, so that an inability to obtain an accurate date and time from PSN would only disable time-stamping of Trophies instead of blocking startup of games.

Sony changed this practice in January 2025, committing to releasing the PSN requirement as only option and will work to remove the requirement from previously-released games, while offering an incentive to players to use a PSN account to register within the game, tracking trophies and friends, and to receive in-game rewards.

[36] PlayStation Plus (PS Plus) is a paid tiered subscription service that provides users with access to premium features.

Game Help can range from a nudge in the right direction, to a full video walkthrough which can be pinned to the side of the screen to refer to while playing.

New titles are announced every month, to be downloaded immediately or added to a library for later access, before being replaced by a new selection of games.

[46] The PlayStation Store is a digital media shop that offers a range of downloadable content both for purchase and available free of charge.

Users have immediate access to supported titles in their digital game library, even when they upgrade to the newest system.

Launched in June 2007, regular content includes game announcements, developer interviews and store updates.

[57] In June 2017, it was announced that Sony was launching the Emerging Filmmakers Program where members of the public can submit pitches for potential television series to be aired on PlayStation Network.

[58] A change to the PSN terms and conditions announced on September 15, 2011 required users to agree to give up their right (to join as a group in a class action) to sue Sony over any future security breach, without first trying to resolve legal issues with an arbitrator.

Another clause, which removed a user's right to trial by jury should the user opt out of the clause (by sending a letter to Sony), says: If the Class Action Waiver clause is found to be illegal or unenforceable, this entire Section 15 will be unenforceable, and the dispute will be decided by a court and you and the Sony Entity you have a dispute with each agree to waive in that instance, to the fullest extent allowed by law, any trial by jury.Sony guaranteed that a court of law in the respective country, in this case the US, would hold jurisdiction in regards to any rules or changes in the Sony PSN ToS:[61] These Terms of Service and all questions relating to the performance, interpretation, breach or enforcement of these Terms of Service, or the rights, obligations and liabilities of you and us under them are governed by the laws of the State of California.