Sony promises (almost) complete PSN restoration by week's end

Sony today announced that it will fully restore all PlayStation Network (PSN) services in the Americas, Europe/PAL territories, and Asia (excluding Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea) by the end of this week. The company will also resume Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for the PlayStation 3, the PlayStation Portable, Vaio, and other PCs.

The first phase of PSN and Qriocity restoration began on May 15, 2011 in the Americas and Europe/PAL territories, followed by Asian countries and regions on May 28, 2011. Sony only brought partial services back online: users were able to access to some of the services such as online game play, account management, friend lists, and chat functionality. Sony is hoping for a full restoration of PSN as well as part of Qriocity services with the following promises:

• Full functionality on PlayStation Store
• In-game commerce
• Ability to redeem vouchers and codes
• Full functionality on Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity for PS3, PSP, Vaio, and other PCs
• Full functionality on Media Go

Sony's users will be able to purchase and download games and video content from the PlayStation Store on PS3 or PSP. In addition, consumers will have full access to Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity through PS3, PSP, VAIO, and other PCs.

"We have been conducting additional testing and further security verification of our commerce functions in order to bring the PlayStation Network completely back online so that our fans can again enjoy the first class entertainment experience they have come to love," said Kazuo Hirai, Executive Deputy President, Sony Corporation. "We appreciate the patience and support shown during this time."

Sony will be offering customers a Welcome Back package of services and premium content to all registered PSN and Qriocity account owners. Details of this program are based on region, but you can read more about it here: Sony explains 'Welcome Back' program, free games revealed.

Sony's restoration work is still not over. Details for Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea as well as the remaining services on Qriocity (Video on Demand and Music Unlimited for a variety of network-enabled Sony devices) will be announced later.