Sony interactive entertainment announced that it will remove credit card, debit card and PayPal payment methods from PS3 and PS Vita stores on October 27, 2021. After that date, customers will only be able to add funds on the aforementioned platforms with PlayStation Store gift cards. The company has also ensured that direct payments with PayPal, credit cards and debit cards will still be available on PS4, PS5, PC and mobile storefronts.

This change will apply to all regions of the world, but it will have an additional consequence in Japan. Purchases of titles with a CERO Z rating on digital platforms in Japan, including the PS3 and Vita, require a credit card to verify the customer’s age. The Japanese support page has confirmed that purchasing age-restricted games on platforms will no longer be possible after this update. However, existing owners of those titles will still be able to download the games and purchase their respective DLC.

Sony Interactive Entertainment originally planned to close PS3, PS Vita and PSP stores between July and August 2021. However, it withdrew from the decision after massive user feedback. The PS3 and Vita stores have remained open for the foreseeable future. Only the PSP store closed as planned in July 2021.