It was rumored last week that Sony would soon be implementing a way of changing your PSN ID. Kotaku revealed that some developers had been implementing the name change function in their games so we should expect it to hit the platform some time in the near future. Turns out those rumors were correct as Sid Shuman, social media director at SIEA has posted on the official PlayStation Blog about the upcoming change.
“We’re happy to announce that we will soon begin testing the long-awaited feature that will allow users to change their PlayStation Network Online ID from their PlayStation 4 system,” the post begins. “The PSN Online ID Change feature beta will be a part of the PlayStation Preview Program, and will become available to select users that have pre-registered as testers for previous PlayStation 4 system software betas.”
The post goes on to explain that during the preview, players can change their online ID as much as they’d like. The first time is completely free, but subsequent times will cost $9.99. If you’re a PlayStation Plus member though, it’ll cost half that - $4.99. During the preview program, you need to go to your profile settings to change your PSN ID. There’s also the option to show your previous PSN ID alongside your new one, so your PlayStation pals will be able to recognise you.
To sign up for the preview program, you’re going to want to head here and register as a tester for future PS4 system software betas. The blog post does mention that you had to already have been a part of this program - we’re unsure if it’s possible to sign-up now, but it’s worth a shot as the link is included in their official blog post.
The post concludes by explaining that this change is compatible with “PS4 games originally published after April 1, 2018, and a large majority of the most-played PS4 games that were released before this date.” Some users may experience errors on older games though, in which case you’ll need to revert back to your old ID. Before the feature officially launches, a list of compatible games will be published on PlayStation.com.
If you’re not involved with the preview program, the PSN ID change feature is scheduled to roll out to everyone in early 2019.
Header image courtesy of Alphr.
