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Update 2: Sony’s just said that it turned off PSN for 30 minutes because of server overload:

“We’re currently experiencing an extremely heavy load of password resets, and so we recently had to turn off services for approximately 30 minutes to clear the queue,” wrote Patrick Seybold on the US PS Blog.

“As such, a large number of people are attempting to change their passwords at the same time, it’s taking longer than expected for all those emails to clear all of the ISPs.

If you’ve requested your password reset, please give it a bit of time to reach your email. Thanks for your patience as we work to get everyone back online.”

At least we know it’s not something major. Hang in there.

Update 1: Sony’s confirmed via Twitter that the U.S. has been restored fully, and that the UK and EU are almost done. Also, for gamers waiting on PSN reset emails, Sony said “some ISPs are processing them slower than others, but they are coming.” So be patient folks. The Middle East is also coming along good. The dust should settle by tomorrow.

Original Story: We said earlier that the next batch of updates on the U.S. Blog should be of Sony announcing the return of PSN, and just as requested, Sony’s announced that PSN is being turned on globally right now.

Go ahead, switch that PS3 green. It begins in the U.S. and Europe – that’s our local, folks.

“Thank you for your patience and encouragement over the last few weeks. As covered in the post from earlier today, you can now update the firmware on your PS3 and change your password. Kazuo Hirai just announced that we have begun the phased restoration by region of some of the services, starting with online multiplayer functionality,” said Patrick Seybold, Sr. Director, Corporate Communications & Social Media on the US PS Blog.

“Please note that these services will take a bit of time to be turned on and rolled out to the whole country. The process has begun and some states are being turned on now, so please be patient as we reach your city and state.

We’ll be updating the map below as service comes online in individual states. It will take several hours to restore PSN throughout the entire country, so please keep checking back for the latest updates. In the meantime, now’s a great time to get your PS3’s firmware updated and change your password, both of which are required to get online.”

First Phase Of Restoration Includes:

- Sign-in for PlayStation Network and Qriocity services, including the resetting of passwords.
- Restoration of online gameplay across PlayStation 3 and PSP.
- Playback rental video content, if within rental period, of PlayStation Store Video Store on PS3, PSP and Media Go.
- Q Music Unlimited, for current subscribers, on PS3 and PC.
- Access to third party services such as VidZone and MUBI.
- ‘Friends’ category on PS3, including Friends List, Chat Functionality, Trophy Comparison, etc.
PlayStation Home.”

It feels like Christmas around here. More updates incoming.

Notice: If your state is illuminated but your service has not yet been restored, please be patient – it can take a little while for the servers to populate fully.