Sony Confirms Main PSN Services to Remain Free

Kris Erickson • May 31, 2010 • Comments ()

When the new paid PSN service is unveiled at this year's E3 event in Los Angeles, some folks might be worried that they will lose the basic multiplayer matchmaking functionality that they currently enjoy for free. Not so, says Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president Andrew House, who responded to fan questions in a recent Q&A. It sounds like the current features of the PSN will remain intact, while premium incentives will be added to the new service:

"I can assure you that the current PSN as you know it will remain a free service. It is something that our competitors don't offer and something that shows our loyalty to the PlayStation Community. However, Kaz Hirai stated a few months ago that we were looking at a premium service to sit alongside the current free service and that objective has not changed. You'll learn more about it very soon."

The question then arises: what tasty new features is Sony planning to include in the paid PSN service, and will they entice us to open our wallets? Earlier rumors suggest a game rental subscription plan is likely to make up the core of the offering, while other tidbits like free streaming music and interactive games will add icing to the cake. There will probably be some PSP tie-ins as well like the possibility of free PSP Minis for subscribers. The service is rumored to cost approximately $60 per year. Let us know what you'd like to see in a subscription PSN service in the comments below!