PSN Gift Cards Are A Godsend Against Sony’s Region Limitations

We live in an era of technological revolution and innovation. Things that are possible today, had you told me all this 50 years ago, I would have called you a madman. The Internet has made our lives so vastly superior that it’s hard to even imagine the time before it. Video gaming is no exception; this beautiful medium has benefited immensely from “digital comfort.” 

Who would want to go out of their way to scour around for game discs when you could just buy the game with a single click? As much as I advocate physical games, even I admit that it’s a game-changer. Speaking of digital purchases, gift cards have made our lives a whole lot easier. You can make safe and easy purchases by buying something like Venmo gift cards on Eneba. And even you have to agree, PSN gift cards were a godsend.

PSN’s “Unsupported Region” Woes

Gift cards are indeed available for a wide variety of digital stores and services today, but why is it that I especially applaud the PSN gift cards? You’ll find the answer to that question very soon. Remember when PlayStation decided to release its exclusives, and you couldn’t play them even if you wanted to spend your money? Yeah, that’s part of the problem I wish to discuss today.

The reason PSN games on Steam would get region-locked is that they required a PSN account, and since Steam is available in a lot more regions than PSN, unfortunate gamers who resided in PSN’s unsupported regions got locked out of those games. Now, trace this problem back to the source. What about the gamers in those countries who want to buy a PS5, make an account, and buy games?

Region locking sucks. Ghost is a good game
byu/Nastorbator inpcmasterrace

Steam releases come a lot after; this problem is still there at the source. Since you’re in an unsupported region, your payment methods, like credit cards, won’t let you buy the games. What to do now? Can you do nothing but despair? What fault is it of yours if you want to enjoy games like everyone else? Does Sony not care about fans in those regions? Well, it may not care as much as to add region support, but fortunately, you can still comfortably and legally buy games.

Enter PSN Gift Cards

This is where gift cards come into play. The inherent purpose of gift cards is to “gift” to someone, and also a way to pay securely and safely without your credit card information, but for people who still like to pay with other payment methods, they may not be a revolutionary option. But for someone residing in a PSN unsupported country, they’re the savior and a godsend.

Gamers in these regions can create an account for a supported country, purchase a gift card in that region’s currency, and buy games on the PSN store easily. Sony itself isn’t against this approach, and it has been going on for years now. Countless gamers have been able to enjoy games they want to with the gift card approach, and it’s completely safe.

There are a few things you need to keep in mind, though. The most important thing is to ensure you purchase the gift card of the right currency and region. If you’ve created a USA PSN account, always buy US dollar gift cards. Double-check the currency against your region to ensure you don’t get an irredeemable card. Oh, and look out for the “free gift cards” sort of scams. I’d steer clear of it and purchase from a reputable vendor.

Petitioning Sony to extend PSN to my country
byu/Numerous-Buy-4368 inplaystation

Everyone Deserves To Play

I’ve always found the policy of region-locking to be problematic. Video gaming is a work of art, a beloved medium everyone needs to be able to enjoy. When countless gamers around the globe get locked out of the game because of unfair region locks, it pains my heart. I’ve always been vocal about this, and still criticize whenever it happens. A workaround should always exist.

Besides, what else can you do when you’re willing to buy the games legally, but Sony locks you out? Since piracy is out of the question for many, gift cards are a comfortable and safe source to buy your favorite games and be a part of the experience. We live in an era of freedom and equality; no one should be denied access to things they love. If your credit card isn’t directly accepted on PSN, gift cards are the way to go.

Unless Sony expands its region support like Steam has, gift cards will remain a solid option for gamers all around the world. I sincerely hope Sony considers this situation, but until then, PSN gift cards are your friend. Go and buy all the games you want, regardless of the region restrictions.