PlayStation 3 was launched by Sony back in late 2006 in Japan and then to the rest of the world a little later. It was a major improvement over its predecessor, the PlayStation 2. And in late 2013, it was succeeded by the PlayStation 4.
As of 2023, the PS3 console is almost retro now. Meaning, given that there are no updates or new games for it, it is soon to join the party of retro consoles like PS2 and N64. However, at the last moment, Sony saved the PlayStation 3 from going retro by rolling out yet another system update for it!
As such, one cannot help but wonder what could this new update is about. Is Sony up to something new this time? Is PS3 going to see new games? Or does this update mean bad news for the age-old console? Well, it’s time to find out!
Details About the Latest PS3 Update
Sony released the latest PlayStation 3 System Software update on February 28, 2023. Known as Update 4.90, this latest update improves upon your console’s current system performance. Other than that, there is nothing major to showcase in this system software update.
Note that the update requires a minimum of 200 MB of storage space.
Check your current update
However, before you proceed further with Update 4.90, know that it is not mandatory to download and install it. If your system software’s current version is 4.55 or later, you can safely skip this update.
To check your current system software version, go to > Settings > System Settings > System Software.
Here, you will find the current version of your PS3’s current system software.
How to Update
If you plan to update your PlayStation 3 with the latest Update 4.90, head over to the official site. There you will find instructions for downloading and installing the latest system software update for your console. Also, it is important to download the update via the official website. Not doing so would potentially harm your PlayStation 3 console.
- As per the official website, “Do not perform updates using any data other than the official update data provided by Sony Interactive Entertainment over a network or on disc media, and do not perform updates by methods other than those described in the product documentation or in this site. If an update is performed using data from another source, by another method, or with a PS3 system that has been altered or modified in any way, the PS3 system may not operate properly and may not be able to install the official update data. Any of these actions may void the PS3 system warranty and affect your ability to obtain warranty services and repair services from Sony Interactive Entertainment.”
When you visit the website, you will see that you can download the update on a PC as well as the PS3 console itself. As such, the steps to follow are different in each scenario.
- Download Using the Internet Connection
This step involves your PlayStation 3 console. The steps are fairly straightforward. Head over to Settings > System Update. There, click on “Update via Internet”.
Now, your update process will begin and all you need to do is to follow the on-screen instructions.
- Download Using a Computer
This step involves using a Personal Computer, be it a laptop or desktop computer. Firstly, you need to have a USB formatted as FAT32. In this USB, you need to create a folder named “PS3”. And within that folder, create another sub-folder named “UPDATE”.
Click here to head over to the official website and download the PS3 update. When the download is complete, move it to the UPDATE sub-folder within the PS3 folder. Name the downloaded file “PS3UPDAT.PUP”.
Mind the spellings above. Make sure they all are capitalized and exactly what is mentioned here.
Now, plug in the USB to your PS3 console and head over to Settings > System Update > Update via Storage Media.
That’s it!
PlayStation 3: A Glimpse into the Past
PlayStation 3 is part of the seventh generation of home video game consoles and primarily competed with Microsoft’s Xbox 360. Following its first official announcement by Sony during the E3 2005, the console was highly anticipated.
As of today, there have been a total of 3 different models. Each subsequent version was slimmer and sleeker than its predecessor. Moreover, PS3 was the first PlayStation console to feature social gaming via the PlayStation Network and the first-ever console to feature Blu-ray discs as the primary mode of storage. PlayStation 3 was a hit console and, consequently, amassed a stellar library of video games during its lifespan.
As per the official reports, by the end of March 2017, Sony had sold about 87 million PS3 console units worldwide!
Top Games of the PlayStation 3 Console
And while you are here, let’s spare a minute and look at the top video games for the PlayStation 3 console. Its long lifespan of 7+ years witnessed some all-time hits. The top games listed here are my own personal preferences as I myself had been a PROUD PS3 OWNER.
The Last of Us
A 2013 hit game developed by Naughty Dogs, The Last of Us takes players on a jaw-dropping adventure set in the post-apocalyptic United States.
Joel, the game protagonist, is tasked with smuggling a teenage girl, Ellie, across the country. Little does he know of the dangerous secret that Ellie is hiding and the nefarious agenda of the Fireflies.
As such, players witness some of the most iconic moments in the game that build up a father-daughter relationship between Joel and Ellie in The Last of Us.
Dead Space
A 2008 work of art by EA Redwood Shores, Dead Space delivers players gut-wrenching horror gameplay set in the futuristic space mining ship.
Isaac Clarke, the game protagonist, soon finds himself in the midst of utter chaos and mayhem after his crew is horribly slaughtered by deadly creatures on the ship. In his desperate attempt for survival, he discovers such disturbing secrets that were better left undiscovered.
As such, Dead Space delivers some of the best spine-chilling terrifying moments in the history of video games.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
A 2009 masterpiece by Naughty Dogs, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves puts players in the shoes of a bounty hunter, Nathan Drake.
In his quest to search for Cintamani Stone and the rumored city of Shambala, Nathan Drakes sets out on his most dangerous journey yet.
Apart from the captivating storyline, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves showcases some of the most stunning gameplay visuals.
Final Thoughts
Conclusively, it is good to see that Sony has not completely abandoned the much-beloved piece of gaming hardware. Although this update may not be much significant, it is recommended to keep your worn-out PlayStation 3 running with the latest system software.
Anyway, did you ever own a PS3 gaming console? If yes, then what was your favorite game and why? Share your best PS3 memories with us in the comments below!
