Crucial step for PSN restoration

Sony has confirmed that PSN will this afternoon go down for maintenance "for several hours" in what it describes a "crucial step" in the return of the PlayStation Store.

It has also repeated its pledge to have full PSN services back online by the end of this week.

"Starting soon, the PlayStation Network will be inaccessible for several hours for maintenance," a statement confirmed.

"The server maintenance performed at this time represents a crucial step in the full restoration for PSN, including the PlayStation Store. During this maintenance period, users will be unable to sign in to PSN, though those that are already logged in should be able to remain online.

"Resumption of full PlayStation Network service is still on track for this week in most regions. Thank you once again for your patience as we work to return PSN to the highest level of service."

Sony has already committed itself to a PlayStation Store return this week, though it has already missed an ‘end of May’ deadline.