Well, it looks like our long international nightmare is finally over. Earlier today, a mandatory PlayStation 3 firmware update was pushed through to users. The update was ostensibly released to prepare users for the inevitable return of the PlayStation Network, and it seems that’s already happening! The news has been flying fast and furious, here’s what we were given to start with:
We have been working on a new PS3 system software update that requires all PSN users to change their password once PlayStation Network is restored. The update (v3.61) is mandatory and is available now.
If using a PS3, your password can only be changed on your own PS3 (or a PS3 on which your PSN account was activated), as an added layer of security. If you have never downloaded any content using your account on the system, an email will be sent to the registered sign-in ID (email address) associated with your account when you first attempt to sign-in to PSN. This e-mail will contain a link that will enable you to change your password. In this email, click on the link and follow the instructions to change your password. Once you have changed your password you can sign-in to your account using your new password.
We strongly recommend that all PSN account holders with PS3s update their systems to prepare for when PlayStation Network is back online. The release of this update is a critical step as we work to make PlayStation Network significantly more secure. Thank you for your continued support and patience.
Then, we were given a video by Sony’s Kaz Harai announcing the PSN’s return trip:
Finally, we were given a literal road map of PSN’s return. It isn’t everywhere in the country as of this writing, but service is expected to be up everywhere by this time tomorrow (excepting PlayStation Store and actual monetary transactions). Here’s Sony’s official word on that piece of news.
Please note that these services will take a bit of time to be turned on and rolled out to the whole country. The process has begun and some states are being turned on now, so please be patient as we reach your city and state. We’ll be updating the map below as service comes online in individual states. It will take several hours to restore PSN throughout the entire country, so please keep checking back for the latest updates. In the meantime, now’s a great time to get your PS3’s firmware updated, which is required to get online.
And finally, here’s the current progress of the restoration (last updated 9:04 pm PST)
I’ll be honest, I’m still not 100% certain that things are up to snuff yet, on the comments at the PlayStation Blog, it seems everyone who can sign in with a PlayStation Network ID is seeing their name show up as “jtender”
All I’ll say is, when the PSN comes back up in your neck of the woods, go ahead and do the whole password reset thing, then make damn sure your credit card information isn’t attached to your account anymore. Other than that, Game On, I suppose.