Sony might keep the PS3 and Vita shop stay alive, but that doesn’t mean it will be easy to shop. My city noticed that Sony turned off the credit card, debit card and paypal store payment for the older console on October 27. Since then, you have to load your virtual wallet (via the web or another console) or rely on a gift card – you can’t buy a game directly.
The company does not explain the decision in notifications to customers. We have asked for Sony’s comments.
Whatever the reason, the reduction of payment options sends a signal that is not too smooth: Sony will really, you really want to stop buying games for older consoles and switch to PS4 or PS5. It was not surprising when the PS3 was 15 years old and had an aging store infrastructure to match, but it wasn’t too convincing if you depended on the PS3 or Vita to play the classic game.