PlayStation Network (PSN) and Qriocity Welcome Back Package

The hacking of Sony's online services have not only been an embarrassment for the venerable Japanese electronics giant, but a major inconvenience for its customers. In an attempt to make up for more than a month of disabled online services Sony is offering a "Welcome Back!" or as they've dubbed it the "North American PlayStation Network and Qriocity Customer Appreciation Program." As the title implies, the welcome back package differs from region to region.

While we all wish that the PlayStation Network, Qriocity, and Sony's websites had never been hacked, and we hope that this is a security lesson learned for the cloud-obsessed corporate world, the "Welcome Back!" package is pretty generous. Once the networks are back online, I'm sure a good number of us are going to thoroughly enjoy getting back to using our Sony devices again.

Below you'll find a complete list of everything Sony has announced thus far to be included in the PSN/Qriocity "Welcome Back" package. All of the items are free, and will hopefully ease the pain and hesitation customers may feel as they dip their toes back into the pool of Sony's online services. PSN users will most likely be able to download the package starting May 24th.

North American PlayStation Network (PSN) and Qriocity Customer Appreciation Program Details and Contents Two free PS3 games. They must be selected from the following list, and they must be downloaded within 30 days of the PlayStation Store going live. The free PS3 games have no expiration date.

• Dead Nation
• inFAMOUS
• LittleBigPlanet
• Super Stardust HD
• Wipeout HD + Fury Expansion Pack

Two free PSP games. Much like the PS3 games, the two free PSP games must come from the list below. They also have the same 30 day post-PlayStation Store revival limit, and are yours to keep once downloaded.

• LittleBigPlanet (PSP)
• ModNation Racers
• Pursuit Force
• Killzone Liberation

100 Free PlayStation Home Virtual Items. If you have been missing PlayStation home, you'll be excited to know that you'll be getting not only 100 new unspecified virtual items to show off, but also a new Home Mansion personal Space and a new game, "Oobag's Alien Casino" will be released. 30 Days PlayStation Plus trial. If you aren't a PlayStation plus subscriber, you'll get a month of the service for free. PS+ is quite a good value, so this will be a nice introduction for many people.

60 Days PlayStation Plus extension. If you already have subscribed to PlayStation Plus, you will receive an automatic two month extension of your subscription.

Free movie rentals. Though the details are fuzzy, PlayStation Network (PSN) users will be able to rent "On Us" movies for one yet-to-be-announced weekend. Most likely this will be a weekend of free rentals for any Sony Pictures movie, but details are still forthcoming.

30 days & lost time for Music Unlimited. If you have subscribed to Music Unlimited, either basic or premium, you will not only be given make-up time for the days you lost, but an additional month extension to your subscription.

It should be noted that while the PSN/Qriocity "Welcome Back!" package is robust, much of it will not be available until the PlayStation Store is back online.