So long, Xx_DaNkGaMeR_xX. It’s been swell, SwagLord6969. That’s right: after over a decade, Sony will finally allow players the ability to change their usernames on its online service.
The rumors had been swirling for months before PlayStation made it official on the blog yesterday. While Sony has planned the full rollout for some time in early 2019, select members of the PlayStation Preview Program will get access soon. The test program will run until November.
When the ID Change feature comes on stream for preview members, they’ll be able to change their username as often as they like. Only the first time will be free, however: from there on out it’s $10/£8 a pop. PS Plus subscribers can swap out their name for half that price each go.
Those that change their ID will have the option to display their old one. This will help folks on their friends list, but be warned: you can’t change this option once you’ve set it.
Another potential hurdle — if you’re concerned with those sorts of things — is game compatibility. Sony has confirmed all titles published after April 1, 2018, as well as “a large majority of the most-played PS4 games” prior to that date, will be fine. Other PS4 titles, as well as PS3 and Vita ones, may not fare so well.
Luckily, Sony will allow players that experience any issues to revert to their original username at no charge. Not only that, the company is working to get a comprehensive list available of all pre-April releases that do work with the ID change. Stay tuned for that full list prior to the general release of the feature.
See more articles on PlayStation and PlayStation Network.
