PSN name change may lose your save files, DLC and Trophy progress

Sony is finally allowing PlayStation Network name changes so we no longer need to be burdened by a mistake from 2007. The feature is currently in beta for participating users, and comes with a serious warning that may cause you to think twice.

Sony warns that changing your PSN ID may result in losing save files, losing access to previously purchased DLC, losing Trophy progress, and parts of games may even stop working.

As reported on the ResetEra forums, PS4 beta users received the following disclaimer from Sony:

Important Information Before Changing your Online ID:

Not all games and applications for PS4™, PS3™, PS Vita, and other PlayStation® systems support the Online ID change feature. If you change your Online ID:

• You may lose access to content (including paid-for content) that you have acquired for your games, including content like add-ons and virtual currency.
• You may lose your progress within games, including game saved data, leaderboard data and progress toward trophies.
• Parts of your games and applications might not function properly, both online and offline.
• Your previous Online ID(s) may remain visible to you and other players in some places.

We don’t know if these are genuinely expected side effects or if Sony is just covering itself in-case there are unforeseen issues. It’s also possible that these problems could be ironed out in beta and not be an issue when the feature goes live for everyone. However, prior to announcing name changes, Sony had regularly stated it was impossible over the course of a decade.

Beta users also confirmed the first name change is free, but a second change in beta will cost €9.99 / £7.99, with a 50% discount for PlayStation Plus subscribers (we’ll update Australian pricing when it’s revealed). Beta users will be permitted to change back to their original name once during the preview period.