Massive PlayStation network outage disrupts gaming across PS5, PS4, and PS3 platforms

PlayStation users are experiencing a major outage affecting Sony’s PlayStation Network (PSN). Gamers are encountering issues when trying to load the system, which is impacting various consoles like the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PS Vita, and even older devices like the PlayStation 3.

Downdetector, a platform that monitors outages, observed a surge in reports around 6 AM IST, verifying the disruption. The PSN Service Status page officially notes, "You might have difficulty launching games, apps, or network features. We’re working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience." The status page further confirms that several services, such as account management, gaming, social functions, and the PlayStation Store, are facing difficulties on all platforms.

The disruption has affected the ability to access both multiplayer and single-player games that need online connectivity. Users on consoles like the PS5, PS4, PS Vita, and PS3 reported being unable to start games or apps due to errors, such as "PS5 error Code WS-116522-7," which is associated with a system software update failure. While offline games that don’t require an internet connection were still operational, those dependent on online services were stopped.

Sony has not yet disclosed any information about what caused the outage or when it will be resolved. Notably, this issue with the network surfaced just hours after Sony had fixed another bug related to PS5 home screen artwork, though it’s uncertain if the two problems are connected. In the meantime, a Twitter user suggested that PSN servers might have been hacked.