Question: What Is the PlayStation Network (PSN)?

Answer:

The PlayStation Network (PSN) is an online gaming and media content distribution service. Sony created PSN that supports its PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation Portable (PSP) devices networked to the Internet.

Using the PlayStation Network

The PlayStation Network can be reached via the Internet through either:

• the console of a Sony PS3 or PSP device, or

• a browser pointed to one of PSN's Web sites (such us.playstation.com/psn)

Subscribers to PSN provide their preferred email address and pick a unique online identifier. Logging into the network as a subscriber allows a person to join multiplayer games and track their statistics. This basic service is free.
PSN includes a Store that sells online games and videos. Purchases can be made through standard credit cards or through a PlayStation Network Card. This card is not a network adapter but simply a prepaid charge card.

PlayStation Plus

Plus is an extension of PSN that offers more games and service to those paying an additional subscription fee.