Does PS3 still have online in 2024?

The short answer is yes, absolutely! PlayStation 3 owners can still take full advantage of online features like multiplayer gaming, the PlayStation Store, and social networking in 2024. Read on as a fellow PS3 gamer shows you everything still working and risks going forward.

PSN and Online Multiplayer – Still Kicking After All These Years

The backbone enabling PS3‘s continued online presence is the PlayStation Network (PSN). I periodically check the PSN status page and I‘m pleased to report all services show green "online" indicators in 2024 on PS3. This allows features like:

• Online multiplayer gaming
• Messaging with friends or recent players
• Viewing user profiles and earned trophies
• Accessing the PlayStation Store

So as long as a PS3 game‘s servers continue running (more on this later), I can compete or cooperate online just like the glory days when I first played these titles!

While many popular franchises like Call of Duty and Battlefield axed PS3 support long ago, I found some pleasant surprises still going strong in 2024 when researching this article, including:

According to Reddit and forum chatter, these games still maintain online communities thanks to their developers keeping servers humming or racers setting up player-run servers. I personally tested Gran Turismo 6 last week, and instantly found an 8-player match! If you have favorite titles, dig into their 2023 status – you may be happily surprised like me!

PlayStation Store Still Offering Digital PS3 Games

Back when Sony announced intentions to shutter the PS Store on PS3 and Vita, I was distraught. Fast forward to today, and I‘m thrilled the company reversed course to keep offering digital games to this day!

The selection focuses more on indie games versus big-budget titles these days, but browsing last week I counted over 100 new-to-me games published in 2022 alone. Some recent highlights:

As you can see, support continues! My backlog runneth over – especially when considering the entire PS1, PS2, PSP, and PS3 libraries ready for download. And according to Sony financials, millions of dollars are still changing hands here annually.

I don‘t know about you, but having instant on-demand access to classics like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy VII, and Marvel vs. Capcom for portable gaming on my Vita gives me endless joy!

The PS3 Game Hardware Market Also Still Kicking in 2024

While we love our digital libraries, collecting physical PS3 releases can also be rewarding! The good news here – yes, buying and selling used PS3 games is definitely still a thing in 2024. The after-market game trading ecosystem continues thriving both online and in classic stores like GameStop.

In fact, according to PriceCharting.com, nearly 300 previously released PS3 game titles increased in resale value during 2022! As our nostalgia grows and units dwindle, coveted games like NCAA Football 14 and Skate 3 command more and more dough these days from avid collectors.

So don‘t throw away old gaming gems just yet – they could fund your next console purchase if preserved carefully! Whether buying, selling, or keeping forever, the PS3 after-market offers treasures awaiting engaged owners.

What Does the Future Hold for the PlayStation 3 Online?

I hope reading this guide relieved any concerns about PS3 online capability in 2024! However, thinking longer term, risk certainly exists of losing future access. No technology lasts forever, and game servers get shut down as their companies focus on newer projects. We felt that scare with the almost-closure of PS Store.

While I don‘t anticipate near-term disruption in the existing PS3 online offerings, my advice is enjoy them actively now if you own the console! Replay your backlog, re-download your old purchases, dive into PSN‘s indie selection – don‘t let this access go to waste!

For the latest PS3 news and analysis like this, remember to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me on Twitter (@PS3sStillKickin). Let‘s continue supporting our beloved consoles as long as possible! Game on, friends!

About the Author: Mike is a lifelong gaming enthusiast who bought his PS3 at launch in 2006. When not working or spending time with family, you can find him racing, shooting, and questing online just like the system‘s heyday.