Sony confirms full PSN restoration by end of this week

Sony has announced that PlayStation Network, including PlayStation Store and the services it offers, will be fully restored by the end of this week.

Following a partial return of features earlier this month, including online play, the restoration will see the Store back online, as well as In-Game Commerce and being able to redeem vouchers and codes - meaning those still to enter online access codes for Mortal Kombat and DiRT 3 can finally do so.

Full functionality for Qriocity and MediaGo will also be restored.

Sony had previously said that it planned to get PSN fully back online by today, May 31.

The return of those services will apply in most regions, with Japan, Hong Kong and South Korea being the exceptions. PSN partially returned in Asia only this past Saturday.

Sony has told Reuters the delay for the Store's return in Japan was because it needed to comply with instructions on information security from the Japanese government. It refused to clarify further the delay in South Korea and Hong Kong.

"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 SCE president and executive VP of Sony corp, Kaz Hirai.

"We appreciate the patience and support shown during this time."

PSN went down on April 19 due to an external intrusion. Sony confirmed that personal data was compromised, but said there was no evidence of credit card details being stolen.

A partial return to most regions bar Asia arrived on the weekend of May 14.

It was thought the PS Store would return last week, but that did not materalise. Sony is due to hold maintenance for PSN this evening.

To compensate users affected by the downtime, Sony will allow PSN users to download a choice of two PS3 and two PSP titles for free.

Users will also get free PlayStation Plus subs.