Sony is closing its PlayStation Store for PS3 in July and Vita in August

Sony is officially closing its PlayStation Store for PlayStation 3 on July 2, with the store for Vita devices closing on August 27. The shutdowns mean you will no longer be able to purchase digital copies of games or DLC for the PS3 and Vita. Sony is also removing the remaining purchase functionality for its PlayStation Portable (PSP) on July 2.

Fortunately, you will still be able to download and play previously purchased games, videos, and media. The only thing that’s changing, at least for now, is that you won’t be able to purchase PS3, PS Vita, or PSP digital games and videos. In-game purchases will also stop after stores close.

You will also still be able to purchase cross-purchase content after closings, which will allow you to access the PS3 and PS Vita / PSP versions of the games that come with cross-purchase support.

News of the closures surfaced last week from The player, and many were concerned that the shutdowns would prevent people from downloading games to their devices. Clearly it doesn’t, which is good news if you still own a PS3, PSP, or Vita and want to continue accessing your games. The only thing that really changes here is that you won’t be able to purchase new games and digital content unless the games support cross-buy.

Sony’s PS3 was originally launched in November 2006 and over 80 million units of the console have been sold in total. The Vita did not fare as well, with over 10 million units sold in total, but the PSP was successful with over 80 million sold in its 10 year life.