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Sony Makes It Harder to Buy PS3 and Vita Games (But You Still Have Options)

In October 2021, Sony limited your options for buying digital PlayStation 3 and PS Vita games. Here's what changed and how to get around it.

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While Sony's PlayStation 3 console launched back in 2006, its digital storefront is still available after Sony backtracked on a decision to close it in 2021. However, in October 2021, the company announced an additional limitation for buying digital games on both the PS3 and PlayStation Vita.

Let's see how it's becoming harder to buy old PlayStation games, and what options you still have.

Sony Limits Purchasing Options for PS3 and Vita

In an email to users, Sony explained that starting on October 27, 2021, you can no longer purchase digital content on the PS3 or PS Vita store using a credit card, debit card, or PayPal. This includes adding a set amount of credit to your wallet for future purchases, as well as funding the cost of a purchase directly.

Sony said that it's making this change "to enhance online payment security for all PS3 and PS Vita owners." While aging infrastructure may be part of the reason, it's also likely that the company wants to slowly wean PS3 and Vita users off the digital storefront. Keeping a service online for a shrinking number users is costly.

The decision to take PS3 and Vita games off the web version of the PlayStation Store was another step in this direction. Now, you can only buy PS3 or Vita games using the Store app on the respective console.

How to Buy Digital Games on PS3 and PS Vita Now

Thankfully, you still have options for buying digital games on these older systems. The two methods are buying PlayStation Store gift cards or adding credit to your wallet using a PS4, PS5, or the web.

If you have a credit card, you can simply add the necessary funds to your wallet using the website or a newer PS console. Otherwise, PS Store gift cards are available digitally from Amazon, as well as in stores like Target and Walmart.

To top up your PS balance, visit the PlayStation Store on the web, then click your profile icon at the top-right and choose Payment Management. There, you'll see a prompt to Add Funds, as well as adding a new payment method if needed.

Follow our guide to adding funds to your PlayStation account for full details.

PS3 and Vita Games Are Still Available

While it requires a few extra steps, you can still buy digital PlayStation 3 and PS Vita games after this change. And of course, physical games aren't affected by this, so consider shopping for used copies of PS3 discs or PS Vita game cards too.

Physical Games vs. Digital Games: Which Are Best to Buy?

Are physical or digital games are more suitable for you? Here are the pros and cons of both to help you decide.