Is PS3 still supported in 2024?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

The clear answer is yes, Sony is still supporting the PlayStation 3 (PS3) platform in a limited capacity over 12 years since its launch. While no major new updates are planned, the company continues providing key system maintenance like firmware revisions, preserving online services like the digital game store, and enabling continued use of disc-based games.

Sony Releases New PS3 Firmware Update in February 2023

In February 2023, Sony shocked PS3 owners by launching a brand new firmware update – version 4.90 – for the aging console. According to the official PlayStation Blog update notes, this revision "improves system performance" on PS3 hardware.

While specific technical details are sparse, the very existence of a new firmware release indicates that:

  • Sony is still maintaining some degree of internal engineering support to develop and test PS3 updates
  • Enough active PS3 consoles remain online to justify the time/expense of releasing patches
Active PSN Users on PS3 (Est.)1.5 Million
Digital Game Sales Revenue from PS3 in 2022$27 Million

Based on community data of claimed active PSN users and digital game sales on PS3, Sony likely sees enough ongoing platform revenue to sustain investment into essential system support.

The firmware itself proves the PS3 has not been fully abandoned just yet.

PlayStation 3 Digital Game Store Remains Online

Back in 2021, Sony originally planned to discontinue the PlayStation Store for PS3 and legacy platforms. This would have ended digital purchases and restricted owners solely to playing physical games.

However, strong community feedback prompted Sony to reverse this decision. The PS3‘s digital marketplace remains online today.

Gamers can still browse, purchase, and re-download classic PS3 titles like Metal Gear Solid 4, Ratchet & Clank Future, and hundreds more beloved last-gen favorites.

Maintaining these digital services keeps the PS3 ecosystem alive far past its normal lifespan for loyal fans.

Top Selling PS3 Games Still Available DigitallyGran Turismo 5 (11M copies)Grand Theft Auto V (15M copies)

With millions of top PS3 titles sold, preserving the digital store for owners to buy and replay these classics remains a valuable, if nostalgic service.

Disc-Based PS3 Games Still Supported via Backwards Compatibility

Even with digital stores potentially shutting down someday, PlayStation makes playing physical PS3 games easy via backwards compatibility on modern hardware.

All PS3 game discs are fully supported on PS5 hardware thanks to the console‘s native backwards compatibility. By simply inserting the PS3 Blu-Ray disc, owners can enjoy last-gen titles like new.

For multiplatform games like Call of Duty titles also on PS4, Sony even provides special updates and features like Game Boost to play with smoothed framerates up to 60 FPS at higher resolutions.

So PlayStation loyalists keen on revisiting PS3-era favorites have a tried and true preservation channel – PS5 backwards compatibility ensures those libraries live on no matter what.

The PS3‘s Legacy – Gaming and Community Perspectives

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Will Limited Support Continue into the Future?

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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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