“Oh boy, golly gee, mother and father! Thanks so much for getting me this new [Insert Console]. I can’t wait to play all day!” And then little Timmy plugged in his brand new games machine and found out that it’s basically useless today because both Xbox Live and PlayStation Network have been taken down in some capacity.
See, little Timmy forgot about the group known as Lizard Squad, saddled with a heart three sizes too small and living up in a cave above Whoville. Lizard Squad is claiming responsibility for the deed on Twitter, which would mean this is an actual targeted DDOS attack instead of the usual “down for Christmas” woes.
Even so, it’s not like this is wholly unexpected. Holiday console gaming has been a problem for years now, thanks to the influx of new consoles trying to sign on and download updates for the first time.
Xbox One users can jump over to the Xbox Live Service Status page to check on availability as the day progresses. As of the time of writing, Xbox Live Core Services is listed as “limited,” with sign-in functionality under stress.
PlayStation Network status can be monitored at this site, and it’s currently showing a much more dour “Offline.”
As for the PC? Well, it’s still working fine, so head over to Steam and blow some money in the ongoing Steam Holiday Sale. South Park: The Stick of Truth is only $14 and Legend of Grimrock II is $17, among other daily deals.