Sony has temporarily switched off some PlayStation Network features in a bid to ensure a smooth PlayStation 4 launch across Europe.

PlayStation Network chugged from all the demand when the machine launched in the US on November 15, and Sony is once again expecting a "record number" of players attempt to connect their new consoles to the service tonight.

The areas that will be disabled are the What's New and Content Information screens, with both features monitoring and tracking the activities of your friends. Online multiplayer, Trophies, video sharing, and livestreaming will all be available.

"Following the successful launch of PS4 in North America on the 15th November," wrote Sony on the PlayStation Blog, "we have seen an unprecedented influx of players onto PSN. When we launch in Europe on Friday, once again, we are expecting record sales and record numbers of people logging onto PSN at similar times, alongside the North American players already on PSN."

"We want to make sure that your online experience is positive. To help ensure that this happens, we have made the decision to switch off a couple of features for European customers on day one. These features will then be switched back on a few days later, once the intensity of launch day calms down."

The PlayStation 4 will launch across Europe tomorrow, November 15.