PlayStation owners can now change their PSN Online ID. If, like me, you thought that your name was clever or witty a few years ago and now are embarrassed at the mere sight of it—let alone anyone actually calling you by it—then the name change feature is probably for you.
The name change feature is live now in the US, with a Europe release to drop tomorrow.
“We’re excited to announce that the online ID change feature on PSN is officially launching to all PlayStation 4 owners later today. You’ll also be able to change your online ID via a web browser, and that feature will also be available starting today. Thanks to all of you who participated in the beta preview program back in October/November and who gave us your feedback!” said Sid Shurman, Director of Social Media in a PlayStation US blog post.
You can change your online D on both the PS4 or in a web browser, just follow these simple steps:
PlayStation 4:
Step 1: From your PS4 go to [Settings].
Step 2: Select [Account Management] > [Account Information] > [Profile] > [Online ID].
Step 3: Enter an Online ID of your choice or choose from one of the suggestions.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the change.
Web browser:
Step 1: Sign in to your PlayStation Network account and select PSN Profile in the menu.
Step 2: Select the Edit button that’s next to your Online ID.
Step 3: Enter an Online ID of your choice or choose from one of the suggestions.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the change.
The first change of name will be free of charge, with any subsequent changes costing £7.99/€9.99/ $9.99 USD / CAD. Like most things on the PSN Store, PlayStation Plus members will receive a nice discount on any changes after the first, with the feature costing members £3.99/€4.99/$4.99 USD/ CAD.
Interestingly, changing your Online ID will not free up your name for other players to use, but will instead save it for you to revert back to at any time for free. You will also be given an option to display your old ID next to your new ID in your profile for 30 days, which is obviously useful for friends who might be unaware of your name change.
The feature hasn’t launched without a hitch, however, with a warning coming from PlayStation that certain older games may not be compatible with your change of name.
“All PS4 games originally published on or after April 1, 2018 have been developed to support the online ID change feature. However, since they have not all been specifically tested with the feature, we cannot guarantee that they will support it.”
PlayStation has taken the time to compile a list of games that may have potential problems. Gamers have been advised to check the list before deciding on whether or not to make a name change. You can view the list here.
Despite these potential problems, I’ll be changing my ID ASAP!
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