Sony Plans 2026 Stablecoin to Bring Crypto Payments to PlayStation

• Sony Bank is preparing a USD-pegged stablecoin for launch in 2026.
• The stablecoin is expected to be used for PlayStation games, subscriptions, and anime purchases.
• Sony is applying for a US banking license and partnering with Bastion to issue the stablecoin.
• The move supports Sony’s growing Web3 ecosystem under its new unit, BlockBloom.
• Sony aims to reduce card payment fees and give users more flexible digital payment options.

Sony is getting ready to bring crypto payments directly into its global entertainment empire, with PlayStation positioned to be one of the biggest beneficiaries. According to a new report, Sony Bank plans to launch a US dollar-pegged stablecoin in 2026, allowing users to buy PlayStation games, subscriptions, anime content, and more using digital currency. This marks one of the largest moves by a mainstream entertainment company into blockchain-based payments.

Sony is currently applying for a US banking license to create a new subsidiary focused specifically on issuing stablecoins. This step shows that the company wants full legal approval to operate within the United States, which is Sony’s largest overseas market and accounts for around 30% of its external sales. By offering a stablecoin directly in the US, Sony hopes to reduce the fees it normally pays to credit card networks while giving customers a cheaper, faster, and more flexible payment method.

To build the stablecoin infrastructure, Sony Bank has partnered with Bastion, a US-based stablecoin issuer. Sony’s venture arm also invested in Bastion’s recent $14.6 million funding round, led by Coinbase Ventures. The partnership signals a serious commitment to entering the digital asset sector with strong regulatory compliance and technical backing.

This move fits into Sony’s broader shift toward Web3 technology. In June, Sony Bank launched a new Web3 subsidiary called BlockBloom, which aims to blend NFTs, digital assets, fan engagement, and both virtual and physical experiences. Sony believes that blockchain technology will play a major role in future financial services, including crypto wallets, NFT storage, and digital asset trading. By launching a stablecoin, Sony is positioning itself at the center of this digital shift while strengthening the connection between its entertainment platforms and emerging blockchain-powered ecosystems.

Sony Financial Group, recently spun off and listed separately on the Tokyo Stock Exchange, is also sharpening its focus. The spin-off allows the financial arm to act more independently and pursue digital finance opportunities without being tied to the broader Sony corporate structure. A stablecoin launch in the US would be one of the company’s first major steps following the restructuring.

Sony has not yet commented publicly on the stablecoin project, but the plan highlights a clear direction: integrating digital currencies into mainstream entertainment, gaming, and financial services. If successful, Sony could become one of the first major global brands to bring crypto payments to millions of everyday consumers.

Final Thought

Sony’s upcoming stablecoin could mark a major shift in how users pay for digital entertainment. By combining blockchain innovation with its massive PlayStation ecosystem, Sony is positioning itself as a leader in Web3 adoption. If the 2026 launch goes ahead, crypto payments may soon become a normal part of gaming and digital content purchases for millions of users.