Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) has announced the PlayStation protection plan, an extended service offer for the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable systems. Under the new program, PS3 and PSP owners in the United States can purchase an extended service plan of one or two years that begins after the original one-year manufacturer's limited warranty expires.

"We have heard from consumers that they are interested in an extended service plan that's backed directly by SCEA and leverages our technical expertise. While both the PS3 and PSP systems are designed with future-proof technology and built for long lifecycles, we're looking forward to offering this service to consumers looking for added peace of mind,” said Glenn Nash, vice president of operations at SCEA.

PSP owners can also choose the Accidental Damage Plan, which adds coverage for cracked-screen damage in the event of an unexpected drop. The PlayStation Protection Plan offers peace of mind to consumers interested in enhanced coverage for a great value, along with the added security of knowing all services will be performed with the direct backing and support of SCEA as the original manufacturer.

With the PlayStation Protection Plan, consumers can extend the same coverage from the original manufacturer's one-year warranty for one or two additional years. The pricing includes all shipping charges and repairs, which are performed by PlayStation-trained service technicians using official parts at SCEA-authorized repair facilities. The PlayStation Protection Plan is available beginning in May 2010 and will be priced competitively:

• PS3 – 1-year extension ($44.99) or 2-year extension ($59.99);
• PSP – 1-year extension ($29.99) or 2-year extension ($39.99);
• PSP with Accidental Damage – 1-year extension ($39.99) or 2-year extension ($49.99).

The PlayStation Protection Plan is available to PS3 or PSP owners (both the PSP-3000 and PSPgo systems) who are still within their one-year limited manufacturer's warranty, as well as new purchasers. The PSP Accidental Damage Plan must be purchased within the first 30 days of owning a PSP system, and the plan is effective beginning on the purchase date.

Tags: Sony, Playstation, PSP