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PlayStation Network Name History: Has It Always Been Called PSN?

Yes. Since its launch on **November 11, 2006** (with the PS3), Sony's online service has always been officially named **"PlayStation Network" (PSN)**.

Common Misconceptions

Term	Reality
Sony Online Entertainment (SOE)	Separate division (EQ, PlanetSide, DCUO). Managed PSN early on but not the brand name.
PlayStation Store	The storefront within PSN, not the network itself.
PlayStation Plus	Premium subscription tier (launched 2010), not the network.
PlayStation Now	Cloud streaming service (2014), merged into PS Plus Premium (2022).
Sony Entertainment Network (SEN)	Brief umbrella account brand (2012–2015) for PSN, Music, Video. PSN name persisted.

What Has Changed

2010: PlayStation Plus launches (free games, cloud saves, discounts).
2013: PS4 launches; PSN becomes paid for multiplayer (PS Plus required).
2016: "PlayStation Network" rebranded visually alongside "PlayStation" script logo.
2022: PS Plus restructured into Essential / Extra / Premium tiers.

Bottom line: The network itself has always been **PlayStation Network**. Only the *account umbrella* (SEN) and *subscription tiers* have shifted.

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