The PlayStation Network is back! Sony began the process of restoring PSN functionality at 5 PM Pacific Time starting with the following services:
- Online play
- Third party services like Netflix, Hulu, Vudu and MLB.TV
- PlayStation Home
- Friends List and Chat
- Trophies
As part of the restoration, PS3 owners will have to download the new 3.61 firmware. This update will require all PSN users to create a new password as well. Services are being turned back on on a state-by-state basis. Sony has started with the northeastern states and California and the PlayStation.Blog is tracking the system restoration progress. Sony also released a special message from CEO Kaz Hirai, which can be viewed above.
So the PSN outage is finally over! Time to celebrate by buying that game I’ve always wanted… oh, right… the PlayStation Store will be restored “as soon as possible.” Still, it’s great to have online play back.
