Interview/Hiring Process
I applied online with both a resume and cover letter. Playstation is interestingly slow at getting back after the initial resume drop, however, I think this is because they have an application period and wait until after that period of a few weeks/months is over before reviewing all the candidates. If you apply right when their internships get posted, don't be surprised if you hear back in a month. I was contacted in mid-April after applying in March.
After the resume drop, Playstation moves fast. I was contacted by a university recruiter from Playstation, and set up an interview that week. The first interview with the recruiter was less of an interview and more of an information session where they explained the program, requirements, and work activity. The recruiter did throw in a few questions to gauge interest, however, such as "why are you interested in Playstation?" and "do you have a passion for video games?"
The second and final interview was with the head of one of the UX teams. I had the initial recruiter-interview on a Friday, and the second interview occurred the following Monday. It was not a particularly grueling or stressful interview, and it included standard questions reviewing my resume and past experience as well as questions about my interest in Playstation and gaming. The first few minutes of the interview were informal, and we discussed some of my recent classes/school experience. The interviewer seemed genuinely interest in what I was doing at the time, and after the first few minutes of introductions and small talk we moved to more formal questions about the position (e.g. "What does UX research mean?", "Tell me about your experimental research experience").
As discussed previously, Playstation moves fast after the initial resume drop. I was contacted the next day by the same university recruiter from the first interview and I was offered the position.
General Tips:
If you're interested in Playstation, makes sure you're up-to-speed on their products and that you show a passion for gaming. Don't just say "I like videogames" or "I own a Playstation"; show them that games are a true passion and not just a leisure activity for you. Secondly, if you're applying for a UX research internship or UX research position in general, be sure to emphasize past experimental research experience. Playstation's UX team is very attuned to knowledge/experience with testing, experimentation, and lab work.