PlayStation Store gets revamp

By Emma Boyes, GameSpot UK
Posted Mar 31, 2008 9:52 am PT

New look for online store coming mid-April; new design, interface, and navigation; no new content for two weeks whilst work is underway.

The new front page.

Sony Computer Entertainments Europe and America have made official a redesign of the PlayStation Network's PlayStation Store. The new-look site will go live in approximately two weeks. Unfortunately, though work is underway on the new-and-improved store experience, the old one won't be receiving its traditional weekly update.

There will be no more weekly content updates before the relaunch of the new store in mid-April (from today in Europe, from April 3 in North America), although games and content that have already been uploaded--including Gran Turismo 5 Prologue in Europe--will continue to be available. Presumably, the new store will be up and running in time for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue's scheduled US release date of April 17.

The revamp of the PlayStation Store comes after the results of an SCEE customer survey last year in which users criticised the navigation and interface. Both will be getting an overhaul, along with "more scope for categorisation," and a new design.

Once the store reopens for business proper, gamers will be prompted to download a new firmware update to their PlayStation 3 systems that will enable them to access the new PlayStation Store.

380 Comments

First to Last
Latest

prev next

desolation00
Posted May 7, 2008 8:21 pm PT

Heh, could have had most of the opinions they're acting on now well before they launched. Alot of the problems they are fixing are similar to those already fixed by many online store sites. Granted the differences do make it a bit apple-orange of a comparison.
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
novicegamplagrl
Posted Apr 15, 2008 2:48 pm PT

Need more PSOne & PS2 games, period.
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
H-Quills
Posted Apr 13, 2008 5:51 pm PT

what needs to happen is a gta4 demo at the launch of the new store. but im just a dreamer
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
xcr33px
Posted Apr 11, 2008 8:25 pm PT

Looks great sony
keep it up!
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
kalkhaja
Posted Apr 10, 2008 12:23 pm PT

yes -GAZA- , unfortunately we have to wait another 10 days for the map packs (and the GOTY for that metter)...thats what i heard
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
maggamuffin
Posted Apr 3, 2008 9:06 pm PT

It still doesn't seem that fully featured in terms of the choices that are there and actually I think the old store seems like it leads you to see things that you might not otherwise and in terms of the new store it seems you'll be searching with text to the point that you need to already know the name of the game you're intending to buy before you buy it and with the number of great old games that might be missed I wish they would stay with the old set up frankly. Maybe I'm alone in this opinion though.
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 1 users agree
maggamuffin
Posted Apr 3, 2008 9:01 pm PT

yes gaza indeed it does
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
-GAZA-
Posted Apr 2, 2008 3:16 pm PT

If the PSN is down for two weeks does that mean we can't get the new COD4 map pack that comes out this week?
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
Agermemnon
Posted Apr 2, 2008 2:59 pm PT

@Loucetios no thats wrong , Sony put a message in that news text thing saying what has happened and if you can't re log in using your password then you were a victim and stuff ?
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
eViL_kA
Posted Apr 2, 2008 9:38 am PT

dmish82:
"Gotta love 360fanboytrolls who have to justify their $50/yr service by bashing the free PSN. It's quite comical to me. You pay your $50 to play against people online. I'll play for free why thank you."

Yeah, it is funny and sad.
I can play online for free on my PSP, DS, PS3, PS2, Wii, & PC.

What i'm wondering is, if MS had online play free and all those "superior xboxLive features" were $50 a year, would people still pay the fee?
- Login to rate this comment
- 2 of 3 users agree
pourya_ahmadian
Posted Apr 2, 2008 8:46 am PT

it is nothing in front of GREAT XBL;
- Login to rate this comment
- 3 of 7 users agree
airsoftmanic
Posted Apr 2, 2008 1:31 am PT

from what ive seen so far (only played my PS3 once or twice since i got it...too much mass effect) the site is really hard to use at the moment. took me a few minutes to realise that the shop is where you have to look for demos then there wasnt any real good demos to play other than resistance and AC4. hopefully MGS4 demo will be released at some point between here and its full game release.
as for the UI, looks the same in terms of styling and looks a bit easier to navigate. hmm, i might go make a rant about the lack of demos for new games. ta ta.
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
DanC1989
Posted Apr 2, 2008 1:23 am PT

Hmmm...looks interesting, as long as it's faster.

And more regular CONTENT for EUROPE.
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
girlpowerz
Posted Apr 2, 2008 1:00 am PT

Seriously, what are lemmings doing here? It pains you to see that the PS3 is doing better, doesn't it? You can't stand the PS3 doing better than your system.

Go Sony! All you have to do is work on Home especially and in game xbl. And I know you'll make it happen.
- Login to rate this comment
- 2 of 2 users agree
jtthegame316
Posted Apr 1, 2008 9:56 pm PT

[This message was deleted at the request of a moderator or administrator]
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 3 users agree
sribz
Posted Apr 1, 2008 8:10 pm PT

i'm waiting for some socom, but i'm not downloading that. I can imagine socom on my 1080p tv.

hey, it's Loucetios, the PS3's one true savior and crusader.
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
Loucetios
Posted Apr 1, 2008 6:29 pm PT

Psikosis

The Store tjhat was Hacked was the Playstation Store for PC, which is for the Psp, the Playstation Portable, not the Ps3, they are 2 different stores,
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 2 users agree
Psikosis
Posted Apr 1, 2008 5:58 pm PT

After being hacked and losing account information, let's hope they update their sorry-@ss security. It'll be awhile before I shop there...
- Login to rate this comment
- 2 of 4 users agree
krakout31
Posted Apr 1, 2008 5:36 pm PT

and hey folks dont forget about little big planet too that look very interesting and fun
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 2 users agree
darkride66
Posted Apr 1, 2008 4:51 pm PT

09231991. What new updates to the 360? I haven't heard boo regarding 360 updates for some time now. It's only been a handful of months since Europe and Canada even got Video Marketplace, and so far it's been pretty sad. I'd love to have a reason to use my 360 again but other than the occasional game of Guitar Hero I haven't turned on my 360 since I finished Halo 3 for the second time. What new updates are coming?
- Login to rate this comment
- 3 of 3 users agree
09231991
Posted Apr 1, 2008 4:35 pm PT

Well, looks like Sony's finally understanding how the online world works. MS was definitely a great guide to this but when the new updates for the 360 become available, then the 360 will be a step or two ahead again. Come on Sony, you gotta catch up here!
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 4 users agree
dmish82
Posted Apr 1, 2008 2:44 pm PT

darkride66 You said it! The people running PSN are listening to the community and are making the changes we want. Within two months it will have all of the features Live has and more but for free and with less lag since it runs dedicated servers. And yes, PC users have been gaming online for years but leave it to MS to screw the consumer and make them pay.
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 2 users agree
darkride66
Posted Apr 1, 2008 2:38 pm PT

dmish82 said "You pay your $50 to play against people online. I'll play for free why thank you."
I agree. The PSN's friend managment lacks a few features but Sony has committed to improving this. In the meantime, all I want is to play against others online. 3 systems provide that. One makes you pay for it. For me, that's all there is to it. Sure I can afford the $50 a year, and paid it since launch, but as soon as there was an alternative with games I wanted to play online (thanks Warhawk/COD4), that's $50 I can use for a game, not for online play I've been getting for free on the PC for a decade.
- Login to rate this comment
- 3 of 3 users agree
dmish82
Posted Apr 1, 2008 2:24 pm PT

Gotta love 360fanboytrolls who have to justify their $50/yr service by bashing the free PSN. It's quite comical to me. You pay your $50 to play against people online. I'll play for free why thank you.
- Login to rate this comment
- 7 of 8 users agree
s3NoXeRs3
Posted Apr 1, 2008 2:08 pm PT

Im assumeing they put the demos under all games. Like 360 All games> demos, New Demos ect.
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
andyplatinum
Posted Apr 1, 2008 1:49 pm PT

Is it just me, or is there no demo menu on there?
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 0 users agree
thenephariouson
Posted Apr 1, 2008 1:21 pm PT

Loucetios,

A service Sony can only dream of coming close too!
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 4 users agree
AnthraxAngel
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:59 pm PT

It looks much better than how it looks at the moment like. Hope these next 2 weeks go quickly so the downloads can get back on track Love the free stuff
- Login to rate this comment
- 2 of 2 users agree
Loucetios
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:55 pm PT

Agermemnon

im getting tired of writing this over and over, The new Store, is SOFTWARE based, not WEB based like the old one, its a completely different format, which requires different coding, ask any programmer whats better, write a program in 2 different languages where one will no longer exsist, or, write it in one and have a delay before it can be seen? its common sense
- Login to rate this comment
- 2 of 3 users agree
twistedhades
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:52 pm PT

EVERYONE SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE 29.99 PSN DOWNLOAD OF WARHAWK ONLINE ITS GREAT N IT A LIMITED TIME OFFER
- Login to rate this comment
- 2 of 2 users agree
Agermemnon
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:41 pm PT

So while they apply some makeup we get no new content for two weeks ????????
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 2 users agree
Loucetios
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:36 pm PT

AM_DAVE

says the guy who has a xbox 360 icon and no PSN ID
- Login to rate this comment
- 7 of 8 users agree
00ooPolarisoo00
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:29 pm PT

sony revamping something? wow, never heard of such a thing...
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 7 users agree
aaronball
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:23 pm PT

I want home because other than the internet, I don't use the damn thing.
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 6 users agree
paulust2002
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:22 pm PT

somewhere said they'll be another suprise from sony, and its getting near for a home beta in the uk so maybe it's time, yeah it's , um, home time
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 1 users agree
AM_DAVE
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:15 pm PT

ptown58 ur soooo right i completly ageree!!
- Login to rate this comment
- 0 of 7 users agree
darkride66
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:13 pm PT

ptown58 said "come on Sony get it together, what is there another Pixel game."
I am looking forward to Home as well, but I have to ask, did you play any of the PixelJunk games? PixelJunk Monsters is fantastic, and I'm really looking forward to the expansion. Best $10 I've spent in a long time. Given the strength of this title I'm probably going to pick up PixelJunk Racers. Originally it didn't really interest me but I was so impressed with Monsters I think I'll give it a shot. At any rate, it's not like Sony's pulling people off games to update the PSN store.
- Login to rate this comment
- 3 of 3 users agree
ptown58
Posted Apr 1, 2008 12:03 pm PT

Revamp ? come on Sony get it together, what is there another Pixel game wow or how about a Golf game. I own a ps3 and am getting bored with it so give us Home or something special please.
- Login to rate this comment
- 3 of 7 users agree
ztron370
Posted Apr 1, 2008 11:52 am PT

I'll do download whatever I have to as long as I don't have to pay,get it.
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 1 users agree
CMakaCreative
Posted Apr 1, 2008 11:45 am PT

Home will come when it comes. I'm looking forward to actual games that make the system worth owning/buying. Home does sound like a cool idea but I personally won't spend to much time in it. That thing will either be very addictive or very boring...we shall see.
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 2 users agree
rbop posted Apr 1, 2008 11:09 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)
rbop
Posted Apr 1, 2008 11:09 am PT (hide)

Why in the world does the service need to devoid of new content for TWO WEEKS. So they can upgrade the interface? Boo.
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 12 users agree
4Edds
Posted Apr 1, 2008 11:04 am PT

I'm getting uncomfortable with each passing month devoid of any HOME news. Has anyone heard any recent news regarding its developmental status and/or release date?
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 3 users agree
staley6565
Posted Apr 1, 2008 10:35 am PT

Say what you will about PS3, one of the things I like most about Sony recently is that whenever the fans say they want something, they start working on it and it gets done. I know people are complaining about in-game XMB, but Sony has said it IS going to happen, it'll just take time to develop. I know that I'm going to get flamed saying whatever competitor had it better in the first place etc., but for this being the first time around for Sony, it's cool to receive the attention about things we complain about that we don't really even pay for anyway.
- Login to rate this comment
- 11 of 14 users agree
RearEntry posted Apr 1, 2008 10:34 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)
RearEntry
Posted Apr 1, 2008 10:34 am PT (hide)

[This message was deleted at the request of a moderator or administrator]
- Login to rate this comment
- 3 of 17 users agree
mike62884
Posted Apr 1, 2008 10:28 am PT

The current PSN store is pretty inefficient. I mean, if you're trying to load multiple items in your cart, when you click "keep shopping" you're taken directly to the home page, this makes it difficult to quickly nab multiple items from the same page, such as Rock Band songs. I hope the new layout is more streamlined and faster than the current one. Xbox Live Marketplace, sad to say, is the best online console store, with Wii Shop at thrid for lack of download content, demos, and videos.
- Login to rate this comment
- 3 of 5 users agree
darkride66
Posted Apr 1, 2008 9:57 am PT

I just noticed something funny. My initial reaction to the new PSN store (and I think it looks good) was "Hey, that reminds me of the XBL store."
I realize now, looking at the picture, that the only similarities are text on the left, picture on the right, and other than that they have nothing in common. If that's why people are claiming that the PSN store revamp is copying XBL, really both stores are ripping off a table of contents I made for a university paper back in 92.
- Login to rate this comment
- 7 of 8 users agree
WR_Platinum
Posted Apr 1, 2008 9:56 am PT

Looks good, I'll try it out when I get the MGS4 bundle in June. >B)
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 1 users agree
Loucetios
Posted Apr 1, 2008 9:47 am PT

Tweep warhawk is $30 for 2 weeks now
- Login to rate this comment
- 3 of 3 users agree
360player_eq12
Posted Apr 1, 2008 9:45 am PT

i like the new look...the old psn layout didnt really bother me tho.
- Login to rate this comment
- 5 of 5 users agree
Tweep
Posted Apr 1, 2008 9:45 am PT

Shucks, didn't see the pound sign and thought they had lowered Warhawk to $19.99, oh well.
- Login to rate this comment
- 1 of 2 users agree

First to Last
Latest

prev next

Content you might like…

Hirai confident of eventual PS3 victory
SCE president tells BBC Sony's flagship console will outpace the Wii and Xbox 360 by the end of its 10-year life cycle.
- May 7, 2008
Metal Gear Solid 4 golden
Sony lays out '08, early '09 lineup
$599 MGS4 HLE bundle online-exclusive
Analyst: PS3, 360 due for price cuts

Users who looked at this article also looked at these content items.

Related Companies

SCEE

Hot Stories

Newsmakers

Q&A: Bizarre surveys Geometry Wars 2 aftermath

Stephen Cakebread and Craig Howard talk about pulling inspiration for the XBLA shooter from Spyro the Dragon and Brain Age, why they left out online play, and much more. Full Story
- Posted Aug 19, 2008 3:25 pm PT
- 30 Comments
Q&A: Epic's Capps raps about EA deal

Gears of War developer's president discusses partnering with Electronic Arts, dissects the publisher-developer relationship, and divulges the existence of another new IP. Full Story
- Posted Aug 15, 2008 4:11 pm PT
- 112 Comments