Updated 7/19: Sony has updated the PlayStation Network status page to indicate that all services have been restored. There are some still some users reporting issues here and there, but it appears as though the PSN outage problem has been mostly resolved.
Original story follows.
It appears as though the PlayStation Network is experiencing a major outage on July 19. It's unclear exactly how widespread the problem is, but it's enough that Sony has updated the service status for the PlayStation Network to specify the features that are currently having problems.
Both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 users are experiencing PlayStation Network issues, with thousands of reports filed on the Down Detector website. Reported problems include an inability to sign in with one's PSN account, as well as create a new account. Users are also reporting issues launching any apps on their PlayStation consoles, with game streaming impacted in particular. Game streaming is one of the major features of the new PS Plus subscription tiers, with users able to stream a variety of PS3 games through the service, so this may be especially frustrating for fans who signed up for the priciest tier.
PlayStation has also acknowledged that there are ongoing problems with the PlayStation Store on both PS4 and PS5. This has made it difficult for users to purchase new content, download stuff they already own, or even simply browse the store. However, it seems as though the PlayStation Store's search function is still working, and users are also able to redeem vouchers. They just won't be able to download anything after redeeming the vouchers for the time being.
According to the PSN support page, these PlayStation Store problems started around 12:30pm CT. No timetable has been given for when PS4 and PS5 users can expect the issues to be resolved, but we will update this article as soon as the problems have been fixed.
These PSN problems come hot on the heels of Sony announcing the controversial decision to end its 1 on 1 support through its Ask PlayStation Twitter. PSN going down and generally having issues right after Sony announced plans to end that particular form of customer service may make the decision that much more controversial. In any case, PSN rarely stays down for any significant period of time, so hopefully it doesn't take long for the problems to be resolved.
Source: Down Detector, PlayStation
