PS5 users will reportedly be locked out of digital games purchased after March, 2026, if they cannot connect to PlayStation Network servers to restore licenses within 30 days.
Recent testing conducted by content creator Hikikomori Media suggests that PS5 owners will face new restrictions when accessing purchased digital games if they remain offline for an extended period. According to his findings, any title purchased digitally after March, 2026 requires a connection to PlayStation Network (PSN) at least once every 30 days to remain playable.
The testing process involved two titles, Wild Arms 4 (a PS2 classic) and Vampire Crawlers, which were released on April 21, 2026. Both games were purchased digitally without an active PlayStation Plus subscription. After confirming both games worked while online, the content creator removed the PS5’s CMOS battery during a livestream. This step effectively reset the system’s internal clock, simulating a scenario where the console could not verify time through PSN servers. Once the console was reassembled and kept offline, both newly purchased games immediately became inaccessible.
In contrast, games purchased before March, 2026, continued to launch without issue during the test, indicating that the restriction isn’t retroactive. However, it remains unclear whether older titles would also face lockouts after prolonged offline periods, as further testing is needed.
According to the content creator, the 30-day timer isn’t present on the PS5’s game information screen, though it still operates in the background. The license timer is visible on the PS4, however.
Dependence on server verification introduces multiple points of failure, including temporary internet outages, server downtime, or long-term service shutdowns. The CMOS battery situation highlights another concerning scenario, where the console not being able to verify the correct time will block access to purchased digital content.
The content creator argued that this approach echoes past controversies, particularly the backlash surrounding always-online requirements during the early reveal of the Xbox One. It also adds to concerns about digital ownership, as players appear increasingly dependent on platform holders to maintain access to their libraries.
