While PlayStation Stars is being phased out, it seems that Sony is already preparing a replacement PS5 fans. This isn't even a vague rumor or a leak from a dubious source, as a hint of the PS5's new reward system comes on a special page on the PlayStation Store.
For those who missed the boat on PlayStation Stars, it was a rewards system tied directly to the PlayStation app. Players gained levels by earning PlayStation Trophies and purchasing full games from the PS Store, and said levels provided benefits. At max level, players gained access to priority chats with PlayStation customer service and players could collect points for completing certain challenges. These tasks included downloading and playing new PS Plus games, beating games on harder difficulties, playing “mystery games” based on vague hints, and playing PlayStation exclusive games within the initial release window.
With their points, players could redeem a selection of full games, digital collectibles based on a huge range of video game franchises, or funds from the PlayStation Store wallet to buy whatever they wanted. Obviously, it's the latter option that has proven to be the most popular, with players regularly exchanging their earned points for “free” money whenever they get the chance. Many theorized that Sony, losing too much money on these free wallets, was to blame for the impending shutdown of PS Stars and before that the death of Sony Rewards. However, it now appears that this had nothing to do with the shutdown of PS Stars, as the wallet credits will seemingly return.
PlayStation Stars will be fully discontinued on November 2, 2026. Players can redeem their points until this end date, but can no longer earn new points or unlock any new digital collectibles, effectively ending the service on July 23, 2025.
PlayStation 5's new reward system could be based on wallets
Reddit user streetxrat94 deserves credit for pointing out the PlayStation Store page regarding this alleged reward system. The page features an image of a wallet with the words “wallet credit” and sacred symbols next to it, matching the PS Store's usual visual theme. There is an option to add credits to a wishlist and it's listed as “announced”, although there's no official word on when it will arrive or how to get wallet credit. The release date is also described as “to be determined”, but a safe guess would be near the end of 2026, when PS Stars will disappear entirely. Sony has said it will “evolve” its reward system and replace PS Stars with something, and this could be the first hint of that replacement.
This is obviously an interesting finding, especially when paired with several responses to a Reddit post. One user notes that it was found on the same day they received a message from Sony about PS Stars expiring, which adds to the idea that this appearance of the store page could be related to some tinkering with the rewards system on the back end. Another points out that based on the add-ons option, this “Wallet Credits” page appears to be considered an app. There's already an option to add funds to PlayStation Wallet, so a brand new app wouldn't make sense unless it was tied to something else, like earnable wallet funds. How these wallet credits could potentially be earned is anyone's guess, but there are a few things that make sense:
-
Players could automatically receive wallet funds after spending a certain amount of money in the PS Store, sort of like a cashback system.
-
Players could slowly build up wallet funds by earning PlayStation Trophies, making achievements more desirable.
-
Players could earn funds from the wallet by completing special tasks, surveys and so on created by Sony.
-
The wallets could be linked to PlayStation tournaments, a feature that many players are unaware of.
Regardless of which approach is taken, the idea of a new rewards system that could be introduced is exciting, especially since it will seemingly maintain the earnable wallet funds that so many players appreciate. While it was flawed (digital collectibles not being viewable on PS5 consoles and only through the mobile app was a big mistake), many appreciated PS Stars and would like to see a replacement. For now, gamers can wait patiently for confirmation from Sony, as there is nothing to miss out on other than this weird PlayStation Store page.
