Sony Compensates PlayStation Users For Christmas Voucher Glitch With Free Credit

Pedro Alvarez

4 min read

Post on May 02, 2025

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The PlayStation Christmas Voucher Glitch Explained

Over the Christmas period, many PlayStation users encountered a frustrating glitch when attempting to redeem their PlayStation Store vouchers. This impacted both physical and digital vouchers, causing significant inconvenience for those looking to purchase games, DLC, or other digital content during the holiday season. The problem manifested in several ways, including:

• Error Codes: Users reported encountering a variety of error codes when trying to redeem their vouchers, preventing successful transactions. Common error messages included (but weren't limited to) "NW-31487-9" and "80710016".
• Inability to Redeem: Many users simply found their vouchers were completely unredeemable, regardless of the code's validity or the voucher type.
• System Errors: Some users experienced complete PlayStation Network (PSN) outages or temporary service disruptions while attempting voucher redemption.

Specific examples from online forums and news articles describe users waiting in long queues to purchase games only to be met with a failed redemption, resulting in missed purchases and significant frustration.

• Timeframe: The glitch primarily affected users between December 20th and December 27th, 2023 (adjust dates if necessary).
• Affected Regions: While the exact scope is unclear, reports suggest the glitch affected users globally, though specific regional variations might have occurred.
• Voucher Types: Both physical and digital PlayStation Store vouchers were affected by the glitch.

Sony's Response: Free Credit Compensation

In response to the widespread issues, Sony issued an official statement acknowledging the PlayStation Christmas voucher glitch and announcing compensation for affected users. They stated that all users who experienced issues redeeming their vouchers during the affected period will receive free PlayStation Store credit as compensation.

The amount of free credit awarded varies depending on the value of the affected voucher. While the exact amounts have not been publicly disclosed, it is reported to be equal to or greater than the value of the unusable voucher.

• Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible for compensation, users generally needed to have purchased a PlayStation Store voucher during the affected period and experienced a failure to redeem. Proof of purchase may be necessary in some cases, though Sony's automatic compensation process has primarily addressed this.
• Method of Compensation: The compensation is being automatically credited to eligible users' PlayStation Network accounts. There is no need for a manual claim in most cases.
• Deadlines: While there were no official deadlines stated by Sony, it's recommended that users check their PSN accounts regularly to ensure the credit has been applied. Any issues should be reported to PlayStation support.

How to Claim Your Free PlayStation Credit

Most users have received automatic compensation. If you haven't received your free PlayStation credit, follow these steps:

1. Check your PlayStation account: Log in to your PlayStation Network account on your console or via the PlayStation website.
2. Check your wallet: Navigate to your wallet section and check your balance. The credited funds should appear there.
3. Contact PlayStation support: If you still haven't received your credit after checking, contact PlayStation Support through their official website for assistance. Provide them with your voucher purchase details and any error codes you encountered.
4. Relevant Help Articles: Refer to the official PlayStation support site for further troubleshooting steps and FAQs regarding the voucher glitch and compensation. (insert official link here if available)

Preventing Future Voucher Issues

While this glitch was unexpected, there are steps you can take to minimize similar problems in the future:

• Redeem promptly: Redeem your vouchers as soon as possible after purchase to avoid potential system issues or delays.
• Double-check codes: Carefully verify the voucher code for accuracy before attempting to redeem it. Correct entry is crucial for successful redemption.
• Keep records: Maintain records of your voucher purchases and redemption attempts, including transaction details, dates, and error messages if applicable.

Conclusion:

Sony's compensation for the PlayStation Christmas voucher glitch demonstrates their commitment to customer satisfaction. While the glitch caused significant inconvenience to many players, their swift and effective response in issuing free credit ensures affected users receive their rightfully owed credit. Remember to check your account and claim your free PlayStation credit if you were impacted.

Call to Action: Were you affected by the PlayStation Christmas voucher glitch? Claim your free credit now and share your experience in the comments below! Don't miss out on this opportunity to receive compensation for the inconvenience caused by the PlayStation voucher error. Learn more about similar PlayStation news and updates by subscribing to our newsletter!