What year was the PlayStation Network launched?

The PlayStation Network was launched in 2006. Sony introduced the unified online service alongside the PlayStation 3, with the network officially launching in November 2006. It provided online multiplayer, account features, downloadable games, digital purchases, messaging, and other connected services.

Before PSN, the PlayStation 2 had online capabilities through individual games and network adapters, but there was no single, unified Sony service connecting users across the platform. Sony's goal for PSN was to make the PlayStation 3 a continuously connected entertainment system rather than an offline console.

The service debuted with the PS3 and later expanded to the PlayStation Portable, PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. PlayStation Store became a major part of the network, while PlayStation Plus later added subscription benefits such as online multiplayer access, games, and discounts. The year 2007 is a common mix-up because PSN expanded with additional features and regional availability after its initial launch, but the service itself began in 2006.