Many gamers considered campaigning Sony's decision to close down the digital stores for the PlayStation 3, PS Vita, and the PSP a massive success back in March. This was a change that certainly wasn't a part of Sony's roadmap, but due to the passionate backlash, to not reciprocate would have some dire consequences. Sony may currently be quiet on the front of what the fate of the PS3, Vita, and PSP stores will hold, it looks like there's an attempt to make access and purchases a little more of a hassle.

According to PlayStation's support messages page, they have an updated listing regarding the upcoming changes being made to how purchases will work across the PlayStation 3 and Vita platforms. 

"Starting 27th October, 2021, you can no longer use a credit or debit card, or a payment method such as PayPal, to buy digital content or add funds to your wallet when visiting PlayStation™Store on your PS3™ console or PS Vita system."

Funds can still be added with the use of PlayStation gift cards, and DLC can be purchased as well, so it may be an inconvenience, but the stores are still active. This doesn't come off as much of a surprise, as PlayStation would like to have those old storefronts closed down and place a greater focus on the future. The original plan was to migrate as much of an install base to the PS5 and distance themselves from the PlayStation 4 as quickly as possible. the pandemic and a shortage of chips have made acquiring the hardware very difficult.

These stores won't be around forever, and it'd be a little myopic to think Sony will try and keep these services available. Get while the getting is good, and perhaps hope that when the day comes and these deals for PSone Classics and exclusives still available on the console, like SIE Japan Studio's Rain, will be offered on modern hardware.