PSN Could be in for a Name Change This Week

The PlayStation Network may be in for a name change this week, leaving behind the PSN and taking on the SEN, Sony Entertainment Network. This was supposedly emailed to Neogaf user Psycotik, although at this point the email is still unverified. The idea of dropping the name "PlayStation Network" has sparked the theory that Sony may plan to drop the PlayStation name in future consoles, although that would seem backward with the fact that the Vita is not yet out in the west and definitely belongs to the PlayStation family.

"Dear Psyko_2000,

On February 8, 2012, your “PlayStation®Network account” will be renamed a “Sony Entertainment Network account” or a “SEN account” in conjunction with Sony Computer Entertainment’s PlayStation®3 system software and PlayStation®Vita system software updates. (Note, this change will not be applied to the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system at this time.)

For general purposes, this account change is a change in name only. Your username or password will not change, nor are we asking you to change them. In accordance with this transition, some necessary naming changes will be made to the TOS and Privacy Policy.

This transition is based on Sony’s goal to enhance its unique digital entertainment offering. As a series of these activities Sony started last September, PlayStation®Network will be aligned with “Sony Entertainment Network.” This helps us get closer to our goal of establishing a global comprehensive network platform of services across games, movies, music and more, all accessible from one convenient account.

Thank you for your continued loyalty and support during this transition.

Sincerely,
The Sony Entertainment Network Team"

Luckily, we won't have to wait long to find out whether this is true or not, the email specifically names February 8th, although nothing is confirmed on Sony's end. How many people do you think will be up in arms on the internet, complaining that the only reason they bought a PS3 was for the combination of letters that makes up PSN? Probably as many as who believe they could get free things out of doing so.

The PSN launched alongside the console in early November 2006.