After a few weeks of speculation and unofficial statements, Playstation has confirmed that PSN ID changes are coming. For years, players have wanted to change that embarrassing gamertag they made years back and, finally, that wish is coming true.
In a tweet released today by Playstation, they confirmed that testing is to start soon. A complete rollout is scheduled for early 2019.
This new feature will be a part of the Playstation Preview Program for the select users who registered to be a beta tester in the program. However, the details of this feature released today by Playstation have suggested that this feature is exclusive to the Playstation 4. Any players who haven't caught up to the next-gen console won't have the option to change their PSN name. But if you're stuck with an old, embarrassing gamertag, check out this hilarious reddit thread to read some are definitely worse.
Name changes will also come with a cost - eventually. The first change is free with any additional change at $9.99 USD. For Playstation Plus players, additional changes will be $4.99 USD. According to the statement by Playstation, changes are available through the settings menu.
Another feature of this change is choosing to display both your new and old PSN ID. The purpose of this is so that 'friends can recognise you' when online. Once you choose whether to display your old ID or not, this can't be changed.
Playstation has stated that this feature is compatible with PS4 games originally published after April 1, 2018. A majority of the 'most-played games released before this date will also be compatible. However, they have claimed that not all games and applications on the PS4, PS3 and PS Vita systems are guaranteed to support the change. Some occasional issues and errors may occur in the early stages of this change being introduced.
If issues encountered by an ID change get in the way, you can change back at any time. Playstation have said that this should resolve most errors caused by changing PSN ID.
Playstation have said that they will release a full list of games released after April 1st, 2018, for reference for those eager to partake in this feature. Beta testing is just around the corner, so stay tuned to find out when this feature will be made available.
Elizabeth Kirby 
