Is the PS3 still good in 2024?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Yes, the PlayStation 3 is absolutely still a worthwhile console to play and enjoy in 2024 for several compelling reasons. Despite being over 15 years old at this point, Sony‘s third home console has aged gracefully and has a lot to offer modern gamers.

Huge Library of Exclusive Hits That Hold Up

The PS3 was home to tons of high-quality exclusive games that stand the test of time and are just as enjoyable today. Franchises like Uncharted, The Last of Us, God of War, and Metal Gear Solid had installments on PS3 that are considered among the best in those series. The PS3 pioneered story-driven cinematic games that laid the groundwork for the industry today. Other exclusives like the Ratchet & Clank Future series, Demon‘s Souls, Valkyria Chronicles, and more make the PS3 a must-own system for its exclusives library.

Cheap Games Both Physically and Digitally

Thanks to the PS3 being a last-gen system, you can build an amazing game collection on the cheap, both physically and digitally. Used PS3 games can routinely be found for only a few dollars at retailers. And the PS3 digital game store still has regular sales where you can get digital classics for under $10. So you can amass a library of acclaimed PS3 games without breaking the bank.

PS3 Store Remains Active

A big advantage of the PS3 in 2024 is that the PlayStation Store remains active, so you can add new digital games to your collection. This preserves the ability to buy and play both original digital releases and PS2 Classics re-released for digital purchase. The store won‘t remain open forever, so now is a good time to pick up digital PS3 games while you still can.

Inexpensive to Acquire

On the hardware side, acquiring a used PS3 is very affordable in 2024. You can routinely find fully functional used PS3 Slim or Super Slim models on sites like eBay for under $100. Replacement controllers and accessories are also abundant and cheap. So the low cost of entry to get into PS3 gaming makes it really appealing.

Backwards Compatibility

A major selling point of the PS3 was its backwards compatibility with the vast PlayStation 1 and 2 game libraries. This allows access to thousands of classic PS1 and PS2 titles right out of the box. The value proposition is incredible when you factor in the enormous back catalogue you can experience.

HD Collections and Remasters

The PS3 saw the introduction of HD remasters of PS2 games like God of War, Shadow of the Colossus, and more that revitalized the visuals in high-definition. These stand as the definitive versions of many PS2 masterpieces and they look incredible displayed in HD on modern TVs thanks to the PS3‘s updated hardware.

Solid Media Features

With its built-in Blu-ray drive, wi-fi connectivity, streaming apps, and multimedia capabilities, the PS3 is still a capable media hub in your entertainment center. You can play Blu-ray movies, access Netflix and other streaming apps, play music, and more. This increases the value you get out of a PS3.

Great for Nostalgia

Revisiting PS3 games evokes nostalgia for the 2000s gaming era and lets you relive formative gaming memories. For those who experienced the PS3 generation firsthand, playing PS3 titles again delivers that nostalgic magic that makes gaming so special. There are likely many classics you‘ve forgotten or missed the first time around that are worth replaying.

Active Homebrew Community

If you want to get into modding your PS3, there is a thriving homebrew community that has made the PS3 one of the most malleable consoles. Homebrew allows playing retro emulators, running backups, and installing mods to enhance games. This extends what you can do with the system.

Aged Well Graphically

While not on par with modern consoles, the PS3‘s graphics have aged remarkably well thanks to its advanced Cell processor and libraries of fantastic games with art direction that shines in HD. Many late-gen PS3 games still look gorgeous on an HDTV, so visuals are not a drawback.

With its expansive library filled with exclusive hits, cheap game prices, active online store, inexpensive hardware, robust media capabilities, and dedicated homebrew community, the PS3 absolutely still delivers immense value and enjoyment in 2024 that makes it worth buying or revisiting. For gaming and nostalgia, the PS3 stands the test of time.

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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