The Last of Us Part II Remastered's PC release on April 3, 2025, necessitates a PlayStation Network (PSN) account, sparking controversy among potential players. This requirement, also present in previous PC ports of PlayStation exclusives, forces users to create or link a PSN account, regardless of the game's single-player nature.

While Sony's move to bring acclaimed titles like The Last of Us Part II to PC is welcomed, the PSN requirement is a contentious issue. The Steam page explicitly states this requirement, allowing players to link existing PSN accounts. Past negative reactions to similar requirements, notably with Helldivers 2 (where Sony ultimately removed the requirement), highlight the potential backlash.

While a PSN account is free and linking is relatively straightforward, the process adds an extra step for players eager to begin playing. Furthermore, PSN's unavailability in certain regions presents a significant barrier for some fans. This restriction contradicts the accessibility often associated with the Last of Us franchise, potentially alienating a segment of the PC gaming community. The rationale behind the requirement, possibly to encourage PSN adoption, remains a questionable business decision given past negative user feedback.