Mysterious PS Store listing could signal replacement for PlayStation Stars loyalty program

Sony's recent decision to sunset the PlayStation Stars loyalty program in May 2025 left many gamers wondering what would come next. The program, which allowed players to earn points for their gaming achievements and redeem them for PS4/PS5 games or virtual collectibles, had become a valued part of the PlayStation ecosystem. Now, a mysterious new listing on the PlayStation Store has emerged that could signal Sony's plans for a replacement.

Wallet Credits listing seen on PS Store

The curious store page, discovered by eagle-eyed PlayStation users on Reddit, lists "Wallet Credits" as a new app available for wishlisting. Published by Sony Interactive Entertainment, the listing notably lacks a release date, adding to the intrigue surrounding its purpose. While the app could serve various functions, many in the PlayStation community are speculating that it might be Sony's answer to the void left by PlayStation Stars.

The timing is particularly noteworthy. Although PlayStation Stars will remain active until November 2026, Sony has already stopped accepting new sign-ups and point accumulation. This has left PlayStation users without a comparable loyalty program to Microsoft's popular Xbox Rewards system. Currently, the only way to earn benefits similar to Xbox Rewards on PlayStation is through the PlayStation credit card, which offers cashback on purchases.

Beyond simply replacing the loyalty program, Wallet Credits could address several longstanding frustrations within the PlayStation ecosystem. One of the most requested features by PlayStation users has been the ability to gift games or subscriptions to friends and family. Unlike competitors such as the Xbox Games Store and Steam, the PlayStation Store has never offered this capability. If Wallet Credits functions as a transferable credit system, it could finally provide this much-desired feature.

However, not all speculation points to an exciting new feature. Some Reddit users have noted that Sony recently sent out emails offering $5 in free PS Store credits to certain users, referring to these bonuses as "Wallet Credits" in the email text. This has led to speculation that the new app might simply be a rebranding or reorganization of the existing PS Store wallet system rather than a revolutionary new feature.

The PlayStation Store itself has faced criticism from users in recent years. Despite its popularity, many gamers find it less consumer-friendly than competing platforms. Issues include:

• Shovelware dominating search results, despite Sony's recent efforts to clean up the storefront
• Inconsistent regional pricing that can make games significantly more expensive in certain countries
• Variable discounts even for users in the same household
• A lack of alternatives for digital purchases, leading to non-competitive pricing

In October 2025, Sony did add a feature allowing users to compare the lowest sale price of a title over the past 30 days, which was a step in the right direction. However, many users feel the platform still has room for improvement.

A new loyalty program would certainly help improve PlayStation's relationship with its most dedicated customers. By offering rewards for continued engagement with the platform, Sony could encourage more repeat purchases and strengthen brand loyalty. This would be particularly important as the gaming industry becomes increasingly competitive, with subscription services and alternative storefronts gaining traction.

For now, the true purpose of Wallet Credits remains a mystery. PlayStation fans will undoubtedly be watching closely for any official announcements from Sony regarding this new addition to the PlayStation Store. Whether it's a revolutionary new loyalty program, a simple wallet reorganization, or something entirely different, the gaming community is eager to learn more about what Sony has planned for its dedicated player base.

As the gaming landscape continues to evolve, loyalty programs have become an increasingly important tool for platform holders to retain customers and encourage engagement. With Microsoft's Xbox Rewards program setting a high bar, Sony will need to deliver something compelling to keep PlayStation users satisfied and loyal to the platform.

The appearance of Wallet Credits on the PlayStation Store suggests that Sony is at least considering how to better reward its most dedicated players. Whether this will materialize as a full replacement for PlayStation Stars or serve a different purpose entirely remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: PlayStation users are ready for something new.