Sony has confirmed that PS5 and PS4 consoles are experiencing an issue with digital games expiring after 30 days without an internet connection. Usuários reported that newly purchased titles display an expiration timer, raising concerns about the preservation of digital purchases. The company has not yet released an official statement, but support agents began responding to the matter on social media with contradictory information.
The problem gained significant repercussion just this week, despite having emerged at the end of March. Testes carried out by content creators confirmed that when the console’s CMOS battery is removed — simulating the passage of time — games with an expiration date cannot be launched offline. The error message displayed is clear: “Não is able to use this content. Unable to connect to the server to verify your license.”
Confirmação’s impact on both generations
Inicialmente there was doubt whether the PS5 would be affected, as the console does not display a visual warning about an expiration date in its game information, unlike the PS4. A video from Spawn Wave resolved the issue by testing four titles on the Pro PS5: two games purchased digitally in the last few days, one purchased about a month ago, and a physical game. Quando the console lost date synchronization (CMOS battery removed), the two most recent games failed to load. Tests show that the system automatically restores access when reconnecting to the internet.
The question now is to understand the real cause of the problem. Duas hypotheses circulate among experts:
- Novo DRM system implemented after March 2026 update
- Unintentional Bug that emerged during vulnerability patch
- Verificação license that resets when connecting to the internet
- Possível fails to implement authentication system
- Impacto limited to newly purchased software
Mensagens support contradictions leave users in doubt
Declarações from Sony customer service posted on social media offers little clarity. Algumas responses suggest that the 30-day verification is intentional and was incorporated after the March update. Outras responses are vague or inconclusive. The situation is complicated by the fact that some of these agents are automated chatbots, not always equipped to explain complex technical issues.
The lack of an official statement from Sony fuels speculation. The company was contacted by press outlets but has not yet responded with a clear position. Esse’s silence is particularly concerning because it raises questions about data preservation: if the CMOS battery fails in an old console and Sony were to disable its servers in the future, digital purchases would become permanently inaccessible.
Precedente alarming with PS3 and PS Vita
Este is not the first incident of its kind. In 2022, PlayStation 3 and PS Vita faced a similar issue when they required connecting to PSN to check dates and times after replacing the CMOS battery. The game preservation community has denounced the risk of making titles unplayable. Sony fixed the bug in firmware version 9.00, allowing older consoles to work offline. The fact that an analogous problem arises now raises questions about quality control.
The CMOS battery stores date and time information, allowing the console to authenticate trophy data and set time zones. It is a component with a limited lifespan, but relatively easy to replace. What concerns experts is whether Sony implemented an online verification dependency that should not exist on a home console.
Incerteza on intent sparks online debate
Relatos on Reddit point out that some users have seen the timer disappear from their games in the last few hours. The @DoesItPlay account, which tests software offline, said it had received anonymous information suggesting that the problem was unintentional. Segundo this source, Sony would have accidentally broken something when fixing a vulnerability and did not consider the confusing interface as a priority.
Especialistas in digital preservation urge calm, but with justified skepticism. Reports are too inconsistent to indicate expected functioning — some users experience the error, others do not. The issue appears to only affect newly purchased software, mainly on PS4. Não has confirmed that licenses will be permanently revoked if the user does not check in within 30 days, although this possibility has been speculated.
The community awaits an official position from Sony. Até there, consumers who have recently purchased digital titles are advised to keep their consoles connected to the internet regularly.