Summary

  • PS3 surprise update enhances system performance and allows users access to Blu-ray discs on the legacy console.
  • PS3 continues to be supported with software updates for enhancing system performance and ensuring security measures.
  • PS3 Plus Premium subscribers can enjoy a selection of PS3 games along with classic PS1, PS2, and PSP games.

Sony Interactive Entertainment releases a surprise update for the PS3, which is required for users wanting to use Blu-ray discs on the legacy console. Despite being discontinued in 2016, the PS3 occasionally receives software updates to protect users playing games on the console and accessing the PlayStation Store with a PlayStation Network account.

Although the PS3 had an infamous launch in 2006, the console picked up sales momentum during its later years and surpassed lifetime sales of the Xbox 360. Nearly 18 years later, the legacy of the PS3 is upheld with the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription service, which offers a monthly selection of PS3 games to stream on PS4 and PS5. Alongside PS3 games, PS Plus Premium subscribers gain access to classic PS1, PS2, and PSP games as well. Some PS3 games are now available to play natively on the later consoles as remasters, such as Batman: Arkham City and The Last of Us.

The version 49.1 system firmware update is available now on PS3 consoles, with a minimum of 200 MB of free space required to download and install the update. The update improves overall system performance and stability while ensuring a secure experience with a PlayStation Network account. What's more, the update provides a renewed Blu-ray player encryption key, which allows the PS3's disc drive to play Blu-ray discs. Sony recommends that PS3 users update to the latest version of the system firmware in order to renew this encryption key and continue using the console as intended. Version 49.1 likely enforces protection against PS3 system software exploits as well.

PS3 February 2024 Update Patch Notes and Required Storage Space

A white PlayStation logo set against a blue background.
A white PlayStation logo set against a blue background.
  • Version 4.91
    • This system software update improves system performance.

  • Free storage space required: 200 MB

PS3 owners running out of storage space on their hard drive may also update the console by downloading the firmware update via web browser and moving the file to a USB drive formatted as FAT32. The file should be saved as "PS3UPDAT.PUP" to ensure the console recognizes the update once the USB drive is inserted into the port. A similar method is applicable when downloading and installing PS5 system software updates.

Millions of active PS3 users were still playing in 2023, so it's clear that the legacy console is still valued by a lot of gamers around the world. The PS3 is highly unlikely to ever receive new features, but Sony's upkeep on the console ensures players can revisit their favorite PS3 games with online play.

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playstation-3-sony-console-game-platform
PS3
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Brand
Sony
Original Release Date
November 17, 2006
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The PlayStation 3 was Sony's console for the seventh generation. Debuting in 2006 and discontinued in 2016 in North America, the PS3 had a rough launch but picked up steam during its twilight years. Along with the bulky launch model, Sony also released Slim and Super Slim versions of the PS3.

Checkbox: control the expandable behavior of the extra info
Hardware Versions
PS3
Original MSRP (USD)
20 GB: $499.99; 60 GB: $599.99; Slim: $299; Super Slim: $270
Weight
Launch: 11 LBS; Slim: 7.1 LBS; Super Slim: 4.6 LBS
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