PSN is working again.

So last night I thought I would fire up the ole Playstation 3.  To my surprise I got a system update, shortly after that I had to reset my password.

Looks like the PSN is up and working!  Got a few multiplayer games in too!  Good job Sony.  Now give me what you guys promised you would.

According to a press release, the first services users can expect to return are: 

• Sign-in for PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords
• Restoration of online game-play across PS3 and PSP
• Playback rental video content, if within rental period, of PlayStation Network Video Delivery Service on PS3, PSP and MediaGo
• Music Unlimited powered by Qriocity, for current subscribers, on PS3 and PC
• Access to 3rd party services such as Netflix, Hulu, Vudu and MLB.tv
• 'Friends' category on PS3, including Friends List, Chat Functionality, Trophy Comparison, etc
  PlayStation Home

This phased restoration will be on a country by country basis beginning in the Americas, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and Middle East. No specific times for the PSN return were announced, but you can watch the U.S. state-by-state progress of the PSN's return on the PlayStation Blog's map. 

A new firmware update for the PS3 is available, as well. While it'll seem like it does nothing, Firmware 3.61 will force users to change their passwords when they return to the PSN for the first time.


"We strongly recommend that all PSN account holders with PS3s update their systems to prepare for when PlayStation Network is back online," said Eric Lempel, vice president of the Sony Network Entertainment, on the PlayStation Blog. "The release of this update is a critical step as we work to make PlayStation Network significantly more secure."

Your password can only be changed on your PS3 or a PS3 your account was activated on. If you try to use a system where your account isn't activated, an email will be sent to your registered email account.

"This e-mail will contain a link that will enable you to change your password," Lempel said. "In this email, click on the link and follow the instructions to change your password. Once you have changed your password you can sign-in to your account using your new password."

Amid the news of the PSN return, Sony Online Entertainment also turned its servers back on. Sony as a company stated that it has beefed up its security.

"The company has made considerable enhancements to the data security, including updating and adding advanced security technologies, additional software monitoring and penetration and vulnerability testing, and increased levels of encryption and additional firewalls," the statement said. "The company also added a variety of other measures to the network infrastructure including an early-warning system for unusual activity patterns that could signal an attempt to compromise the network."

Sony expects to have the services fully restored by the end of May 2011.