Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

On March 21, 2022, reports said Sony had banned more than 7,000 PlayStation Network accounts in India. The reported crackdown was aimed at commercial schemes that rented or resold accounts loaded with digital games—not a confirmed blanket ban on 7,000 consoles or every person who had ever used game sharing.

The figure came through Indian reporting that cited MySmartPrice and gaming journalist Rishi Alwani. Sony’s public confirmation of the exact number was not identified, so it should be treated as a reported figure rather than an independently verified corporate announcement.

What the 2022 report said

The available report described a crackdown on PSN accounts used by sellers to provide temporary or transferred access to digital-game libraries. The accounts, rather than consoles, were the primary subject of the reported enforcement.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Some customers reportedly said they could no longer connect to PSN or play multiplayer after the accounts were disabled. That is user-reported fallout; it does not establish that Sony permanently console-banned every affected customer.

#1 Best Overall
Elebase USB to USB C Adapter for iPhone 18 Pro Max,USBC Car Charger Adapter
  • Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
  • Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
  • Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
  • Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
  • 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.

The report also described sellers operating through online marketplaces and later through WhatsApp and Telegram channels. Those references are historical context, not a current or complete list of places where such offers may appear.

Read the available March 21, 2022 report.

How the account-rental model worked

  1. A seller created or controlled a PSN account.
  2. The account was loaded with one or more purchased games.
  3. The seller rented or sold login access to a customer.
  4. The customer downloaded games or used the account’s library.
  5. The same credentials could then be supplied to additional customers.

Repeated logins, use across multiple devices, unusual geographic activity, or other patterns inconsistent with personal ownership could make a commercially circulated account distinguishable from an account used by one household. The available sources do not provide Sony’s specific detection rules.

Why customers bought access

Historical coverage said a PS4 or PS5 game could cost roughly ₹3,000, while a shared account offered access to several games for much less than buying each title. That figure described the economics reported in 2022 and should not be read as a current India price.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #2
Anker USB-C Hub, 5-in-1 USB Hub for Laptops, 4K HDMI Multiport Adapter
  • 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
  • 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
  • Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
  • 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
  • For buyers: a low upfront cost and a larger apparent library.
  • For sellers: the ability to reuse one account with multiple customers.
  • For Sony and publishers: unauthorized access could bypass normal account-based sales, subscriptions, and add-on purchases, although claims about financial impact remain analysis rather than a published Sony measurement.

Retailers were reported to have seen more legitimate game purchases and PlayStation Plus top-ups after the bans. That was anecdotal retailer reporting, not a Sony-verified sales study.

What PlayStation’s rules say

PlayStation’s India legal material prohibits sharing, buying, selling, renting, sublicensing, trading, or transferring accounts or account details, and it prohibits commercial use of the service. See the PlayStation India terms and the India software usage terms. Sony’s legal documents also reserve the ability to suspend or restrict accounts for violations; comparable current wording appears in its US terms of service.

That makes commercial account rental or resale a terms-of-service issue. The available reporting does not establish a criminal prosecution or court judgment, so describing the sellers as criminals would go beyond the evidence.

Rank #3
Sale
Anker USB C Hub, 7in1 Multi-Port USB Adapter, 4K@60Hz USBC to HDMI Splitter
  • Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
  • Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
  • Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
  • Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
  • What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.

Commercial rental is not the same as Console Sharing and Offline Play

Sony provides an official Console Sharing and Offline Play feature for legitimate use on a user’s own console. On Sony India’s current support page, the path is:

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Settings → Users and Accounts → Other → Console Sharing and Offline Play → Enable

The feature is not permission to sell credentials, rent an account to strangers, or transfer ownership of an account. A household using the built-in feature is materially different from a reseller circulating one account among paying customers, although Sony’s enforcement decision can depend on the facts of an individual case. See Sony India’s support instructions.

Rank #4
Sale
UGREEN USB to USB C Adapter Combo 4-Pack, 10Gbps USB C Converter Space Gray
  • Dual Converters, Infinite Potential:Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
  • Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
  • Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
  • Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
  • Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft

What buyers risk when they use a cheap PSN account

Risk What it can mean
Account suspension The rented or purchased account may become unusable on PSN.
Lost game access Games obtained through somebody else’s account may stop working when that account is suspended, recovered, or access is revoked.
Online disruption Users reported losing online access or multiplayer functionality, but the available report does not prove a universal or permanent console ban.
Account recovery by the seller The original owner may change the password, activate another console, or reclaim the account.
Security and payment exposure Third-party credentials can expose reused passwords, personal information, or payment details.
Weak remedy Sony does not provide a dependable entitlement to compensate an unauthorized transaction with a reseller.

A game that works offline is not proof that the underlying license was legitimately acquired, and a seller’s claim that thousands of people use a service does not show that Sony permits it.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Safer ways to get games

  • Purchase digital games on your own PSN account.
  • Use official PlayStation Plus plans available in your region.
  • Buy physical discs and use legitimate second-hand markets.
  • Wait for official PlayStation Store discounts.
  • Use Console Sharing and Offline Play only as Sony intends.
  • Use authorized retailers for prepaid cards, games, and subscriptions.

These options avoid making a stranger the owner and recovery point for your game licenses. No option should be described as the universally cheapest without current India-specific pricing.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

If you already bought or rented an account

  1. Stop entering payment details or personal information into the seller’s account.
  2. Sign out of the account supplied by the seller.
  3. If you reused its password on your own account, change that password immediately.
  4. Enable two-step verification or a passkey on your own PSN account.
  5. Remove saved payment methods from your legitimate account if its credentials may have been exposed.
  6. Contact official PlayStation support through the regional support route.
  7. Keep receipts, chat logs, seller details, and transaction records.
  8. Do not pay the same seller a second fee promising an “unban.”

Support may not restore access or refund an unauthorized purchase. Games obtained through the rented account may remain unavailable if that account is suspended or access is withdrawn.

Best Value
Anker USB C Hub, 5-in-1 USBC to HDMI Splitter with 4K Display
  • 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
  • Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
  • Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
  • HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
  • What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.

What remains unconfirmed

  • Sony’s official confirmation of the exact “more than 7,000” figure.
  • How many of the accounts belonged to sellers, customers, or other participants.
  • How many consoles, if any, received a separate console-level restriction.
  • Whether all reported account bans were permanent.
  • Whether every customer who used one of these services was banned.

The report therefore should not be rewritten as “Sony permanently banned 7,000 consoles,” “all buyers were guilty of fraud,” or “every form of game sharing was banned.”

The accurate takeaway

The March 2022 story is best understood as a reported Indian crackdown on commercial PSN account rental and resale. More than 7,000 accounts was the reported figure, attributed through secondary coverage to MySmartPrice and Rishi Alwani; Sony’s exact-number confirmation was not identified. PlayStation’s terms prohibit commercial account transfers, while its official console-sharing feature is intended for legitimate personal use. Buying access from an unauthorized seller offered short-term savings but exposed customers to suspension, lost licenses, account theft, and uncertain support.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.