Originally posted by another user
A Playstation is a combination of hardware and software that ‘is functioning properly in accordance with SCEA guidelines’. The hardware is warranted to run free from defects for a year. The software and firmware (the operating system) only has to function in accordance with SCEA guidelines. This can change at any time and may be automatically changed, changed if the hardware is repaired or changed if a user-installed upgrade is accepted by the user. The purchaser has no right to expect any features provided by software or firmware to continue for the period within which the hardware remains functional.
SCEA reserve the right to destroy any data, content, functionality or usability automatically without warning the user. This may also happen with warnings and as a result of actions taken at the same time as any service or repair of hardware is undertaken.
SCEA do not warrantee that the PS3 will continue to play Blu-ray discs, play games online through the PSN, play new PS3 authorised software, play old PS3 authorised software or play any software without explicit authorisation from SCEA. Neither does SCEA warrantee that any authorised games or services, subscription or otherwise, will be available to the owner at any time after purchase.