PlayStation should implement a system to free up inactive or recycled PSN usernames, including usernames from abandoned accounts and names that were freed up after users changed them. This would give new and existing users a better chance to get the usernames they actually want.
Thousands of desirable usernames are locked to:
Completely inactive accounts (no login/trophies for years)
Accounts that changed their username, but the old name stays locked and unusable
Currently, there's no system in place to reclaim those names, even though they are no longer actively used or shown.
PSN Username Reclaim System
1. Inactive Account Reclaim:
Free up usernames on accounts inactive for 5–10 years
Criteria: no logins, trophies, purchases, or PS+ activity
Send email notifications before releasing the username
2. Recycled Name Reclaim:
If a user changes their PSN ID, and their old name is not a legacy username, then:
That old username should become available again after a cooldown (e.g. 30–60 days)
Only if the name isn't in use on another account
Cooldown and Anti-Abuse Controls
Users can only change their username once every 1–2 weeks, to prevent abuse or name sniping
Optional waitlist or reservation system so users can be notified when a specific name becomes available
Optionally, Sony could charge a small PSN fee for claiming recycled names to prevent spam
This Is Needed:
Gives active users a fair shot at the name they want
Encourages identity and branding for content creators, streamers, and online friends
Xbox already implemented a similar system in 2016 with great results
It removes clutter and unlocks valuable digital real estate
Thoughts:
Letting unused and abandoned usernames sit forever isn't user-friendly — especially when new players and loyal customers are stuck with random numbers or underscores. This would be a win–win for the community and Sony.
Would love to hear what others think — and please upvote if this is something you want to see happen on PlayStation!
Thousands of desirable usernames are locked to:
Completely inactive accounts (no login/trophies for years)
Accounts that changed their username, but the old name stays locked and unusable
Currently, there's no system in place to reclaim those names, even though they are no longer actively used or shown.
PSN Username Reclaim System
1. Inactive Account Reclaim:
Free up usernames on accounts inactive for 5–10 years
Criteria: no logins, trophies, purchases, or PS+ activity
Send email notifications before releasing the username
2. Recycled Name Reclaim:
If a user changes their PSN ID, and their old name is not a legacy username, then:
That old username should become available again after a cooldown (e.g. 30–60 days)
Only if the name isn't in use on another account
Cooldown and Anti-Abuse Controls
Users can only change their username once every 1–2 weeks, to prevent abuse or name sniping
Optional waitlist or reservation system so users can be notified when a specific name becomes available
Optionally, Sony could charge a small PSN fee for claiming recycled names to prevent spam
This Is Needed:
Gives active users a fair shot at the name they want
Encourages identity and branding for content creators, streamers, and online friends
Xbox already implemented a similar system in 2016 with great results
It removes clutter and unlocks valuable digital real estate
Thoughts:
Letting unused and abandoned usernames sit forever isn't user-friendly — especially when new players and loyal customers are stuck with random numbers or underscores. This would be a win–win for the community and Sony.
Would love to hear what others think — and please upvote if this is something you want to see happen on PlayStation!
