14 DAY TRIAL // Sony Computer Entertainment of America has announced that it plans to introduce new extended warranty plans for the PlayStation 3 home gaming console and the PlayStation Portable handheld. Gamers who are interested in getting another year of warranty for the PS3 beyond the initial one will need to pay 49.99 dollars, while those who are looking for a two-year extension will get a discount and pay 59.99.
The PlayStation Portable, including the Go version, will get a one-year extension for 29.99 dollars with an option for two years costing 39.99. Those who are prone to dropping their handheld, which can lead to the case or the screen cracking, can also opt for a warranty that covers these kinds of situations for 39.99.
Sony is saying that those users who are covered by the warranty will get their gaming devices repaired by technicians who have been licensed by the company and the fees also cover shipping costs. The plans will be introduced this months for all those who are buying the gaming platforms new or still have warranty protection for their first year from the date of sale.
It's not clear why Sony is making this move. The official line is that it shows the confidence the company has in its products and in their robustness but some might actually interpret it as a sign that it is expecting a bigger than usual number of defective PlayStation 3 home consoles and PSP handhelds to pop up in the coming months.
Glenn Nash, who is the vice president of operations at Sony Computer Entertainment of America, stated, “We have heard from consumers that they're interested in an extended service plan that's backed directly by SCEA and leverages our technical expertise. While both the PS3 and PSP systems are designed with future-proof technology and built for long lifecycles, we're looking forward to offering this service to consumers looking for added peace of mind.”