Sony confirmed the end of a security service for the PlayStation 4 (PS4), Trend Micro, a tool that many console owners didn’t even know existed. This initiative by the Japanese company marks the closure of a feature remaining from the time when web browsing was a more prominent feature on consoles. The service will be permanently deactivated, following a schedule that culminates in August 2027.
Understand what the Trend Micro service for PlayStation consoles was
Trend Micro offered digital security features directly on PlayStation consoles. Initially, the tool was introduced on the PlayStation 3 and later adapted for the PS4. Its main objective was to protect users, especially children, by blocking access to websites considered inappropriate or dangerous. There was a specific version for adults, focused on preventing fraud and access to potentially malicious pages. The presence of this type of service reflects a period in which web browsers on consoles had a more widespread use.
Cost comparison and service discontinuation
The availability of Trend Micro on Sony consoles has shown notable differences over time. On PlayStation 3, the service was offered free of charge for a long period, consolidating itself as an affordable security option. However, on PlayStation 4, Sony chose to commercialize it, making it a paid product available for purchase through the PlayStation Store. Currently, before its total closure, the service could still be found in some digital stores, priced at US$19.99 on South American pages.
Users interested in purchasing Trend Micro will no longer have this option as of August 25, 2026. The complete deactivation of the “Trend Micro Kids Safety” and “Web Security” security services for PlayStation 4 is scheduled for:
- August 25, 2026:End of the possibility of purchasing or renewing the service on PlayStation Store.
- August 25, 2027:Permanent termination of all Trend Micro security services on PS4.
The closure of Trend Micro on PS4 is a milestone that highlights the evolving role of web browsers on gaming platforms. In previous generations, such as the PS3, internet browsing was seen as a differentiator and an important complement to the gaming experience. With the advancement of smartphones, tablets and other devices dedicated to browsing, the browser function on consoles has lost part of its relevance and attractiveness for the majority of users, who today access the internet through more efficient and portable means. This move by Sony reflects a reorientation towards the core features of consoles: games.
Implications for PlayStation 4 users
Trend Micro’s retirement will likely have a limited impact on the PlayStation 4 user base, given its low visibility and the existence of modern alternatives for online security. Most gamers already use other parental control and digital protection methods directly on their routers, mobile devices or computers. For those few who still depended on the service directly through the console, the deadline serves as a warning to look for new solutions before the complete end of support.
