PlayStation Network slowly comes back online, requires new firmware

After some 26 days, Sony’s finally announced that its hacked PlayStation Network is slowing seeing restored service in the U.S. in certain regions. To keep up to date on service restoration in your region, you can check out this constantly updated map here.

Before PS3 gamers can regain access to PSN, a new firmware update will need to be downloaded (3.61).Gamers will be required to change their password in order to activate the added security measures.

Restoration in the U.S. is a start, considering it has the largest number of PSN users worldwide, but Sony needs to get service back up in other territories as well. PSN’s return comes off Sony’s announcement that Sony Online Entertainment service is being restored as well.

So here’s the deal. Did you defect to Xbox Live? Do you still trust Sony? Click on past the break for the official announcement by Sony’s Kaz Hirai.