Could Sony be considering the unthinkable: charging for their now-free Playstation Network? It appears that way, according to a slide-show presentation at one of Sony's latest “Media/Investor Conferences.”

On slide 39 of the presentation, it mentions that a subscription service could be making its way to the PSN. Shortly after this bit of news was reported by VG247, SCE provided some direct quotes from bossman Kaz Hirai. “SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral and PlayStation Network,” he said.

Hirai also mentioned the fact that we could see a premium content side to the PSN. “Especially in the online area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services.”