PlayStation Online Services apparently down after latest update
It looks like PlayStation Plus online services were recently discontinued after the latest firmware update. The new firmware update for Sony’s next-gen console updates the system software from version 21.02-04.51.00 to 22.01-05.00. This new update includes new features on PS5 (as well as PS4), including the ability to create or join open and closed parties on both PS5 and PS4 consoles.
However, after the update was released, user complaints started popping up on the internet about how their PlayStation Plus subscriptions couldn’t be verified. You can check out some of the complaints below:
So I’m not the only one having this “Failed to verify PlayStation Plus subscription” s#%t issue? It’s boring if offline. Unable to see messages and other players. 😔 #EldenRing #ps4 pic.twitter.com/99pMocMZky
—ryelixir™ (@ryelixir) March 23, 2022
I updated my PS5 but now I can’t log into Overwatch because it says I’m not a PlayStation Plus member. Has anyone else had this issue and received any feedback? I’m in the EU 😃
— LFCZoe (@truecrimezoe) March 23, 2022
PSA: DO NOT UPDATE TO LATEST #PS5 SYSTEM SOFTWARE.
I’ve had issues with a number of games no longer recognizing that I’m connected to the PlayStation network, despite my PS5 screen confirming that I am. Able to provide assistance? @PlayStation @PlayStationUK
—William Ogle (@thetokenwogle) March 23, 2022
Indeed, it looks like the latest PlayStation 5 update is causing the last number of issues. Initially, the issue was thought to be exclusive to Elden Ring players. Since the maintenance period for this game has been extended by Bandai Namco and FromSoftware.
However, as of this writing, any PS5 that has the update installed cannot play games that require an online connection. This extends to games such as Gran Turismo 7, GTA Online, Call of Duty, and other games that require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play online. This means that you will not be able to play any games with online services at this time.
Of course, like any other problematic issue that plagues PlayStation titles, it extends far beyond a minor inconvenience. Why? Because it seems that PlayStation Plus subscriptions are not registered correctly after the problem was discovered. Several users have confirmed that their PlayStation Plus subscriptions are not recognized or have issues with several charges:
@PlayStation I have a problem that I need help with. Today I bought a Playstation Plus account online for 1 month and I was charged twice because for some strange reason the first account was not showing up on my console. Can you please investigate further?
—Engelbert Galea (@EngelbertGalea) March 5, 2022
So I woke up this morning with my debit card and playstation overdrafts. So I immediately check my transaction history and see that they charged me twice for Playstation Plus pic.twitter.com/gAU1FYqb4z
— David (@xFuetive) October 30, 2020
@AskPlayStation why is it telling me to have playstation plus to play games when i already have it? pic.twitter.com/Z1Z9SIsH0d
— Jay 😀 (@m0azc2) March 23, 2022
OH! @PlayStation What is happening here? You charged me twice for the P/Plus subscription. and two different prices? I’m poor, you know, and on a tight budget. I cancel now. you did this to me too last month. 🙁 pic.twitter.com/jfis4ZMmBJ
— Chasersgaming 🇺🇦 (@denchaser) February 28, 2022
As of this writing, PlayStation UK has acknowledged the issue so far. The company responded to a user’s complaints to say that the issue is currently being investigated.
Salvation! Thank you for contacting us. We are aware that some players are experiencing issues with PlayStation Plus functionality, we are investigating this immediately.
– Ask PlayStation UK (@AskPS_UK) March 23, 2022
Regarding PlayStation Plus issues? No word about possible refunds or help for other users who have been charged multiple times for their subscription has yet been made on any of PlayStation’s channels. However, we will update this story as it develops.
