Recommended Free Tools
Sony announced in May 2024 that Helldivers 2 players on Steam would have to link their Steam accounts to PlayStation Network (PSN), then withdrew the scheduled change three days later. The plan never took effect on its announced timetable: Sony’s May 6 update said it “will not be moving forward.” That statement did not set out a permanent, universal policy for future play.
Why did Helldivers 2 require a PSN account?
Sony’s May 2, 2024 Steam announcement described account linking as a requirement that had been delayed. Linking had remained optional at launch because of technical issues, Sony said. Its stated rationale for bringing it back was player safety: account linking would help the company address griefing and abuse and give banned players a way to appeal. Sony’s announcement on Steam did not identify a named speaker.
What dates did Sony announce?
The dates below were part of the plan announced on May 2, 2024. Sony withdrew it on May 6, so they should not be read as dates on which the requirement actually took effect.
| Planned date | What Sony said would happen |
|---|---|
| May 6, 2024 | New Steam players would need to link a Steam account to PSN. |
| May 30, 2024 | Current Steam players would begin seeing a mandatory login prompt. |
| June 4, 2024 | Existing players would need to complete account linking. |
The dates and scope are from Sony’s Steam announcement; the same announcement was updated when Sony reversed course.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Did Sony reverse the PSN requirement?
Yes. On May 6, 2024, Sony updated its announcement to say the scheduled update “will not be moving forward.” It thanked players for their feedback and added, “We’re still learning what is best for PC players and your feedback has been invaluable.” The update canceled the announced change but did not provide a replacement schedule or make a detailed, permanent guarantee about every future policy. Read Sony’s updated statement on Steam.
Why was the change so contentious?
The plan would have required account linking from both new and existing Steam players, with a short timetable for existing players. The controversy also coincided with a disruption to access in some territories: Ars Technica reported that Helldivers 2 was delisted on Steam in 177 countries while Steam processed refund requests. That country count comes from Ars Technica’s contemporaneous report, not from Sony’s reversal statement. Ars Technica’s report on the delisting and return to sale.
Rank #2
- 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.
What else was happening with the game?
Sony Group Corporation’s FY2024 second-quarter investor supplement lists Helldivers 2 for PlayStation 5 and PC, with a release date of February 8, 2024. It also records combined PS5-and-PC sales of 12.0 million through May 5, 2024. That is a dated total across both platforms, not a current sales figure or a platform-by-platform breakdown. Sony Group Corporation’s investor supplement.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
- 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.
What should Steam players take away?
- Sony’s May 2024 announcement proposed linking Steam and PSN accounts, citing safety enforcement and appeals for banned players.
- Sony canceled the scheduled update on May 6, 2024, before the announced dates for existing players to start receiving prompts and complete linking.
- The cancellation statement itself did not define a permanent, all-time PSN policy. Present-day account requirements and regional Steam availability should be checked on current official game and platform pages rather than inferred from this 2024 reversal.
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.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
