This page may contain affiliate links. When you click an affiliate link, we get a small compensation at no cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Summary
- A PlayStation 3’s USB ports allow you to update and alter the system.
- Format a hard drive and connect to the console to access games and updates.
- Use emulators to access retro games from other consoles and handhelds.
For all the excitement surrounding the
PlayStation 5
and the updated
PlayStation 5 Pro
and whatever Sony has been hinting at next, there is no need to rush to grab the latest gen console. Sony has been making quality gaming consoles for a long time now, and if you still have a PlayStation 3 sitting around, you have a world of gaming opportunities. You just need to get a little creative with your console.
Recently, I found a simple USB hard drive gave my
PS3
a new life, making it a worthy device even alongside my PS5. It takes a little bit of work to figure out what you can, but once you understand the options, you’ll be glad you did. Here’s what you should know about getting the most out of your PS3.
Related
5 reasons it’s worth dusting off your PlayStation 3
From modding to retro gaming, the PS3 still has a lot of value and many supporters.
USB ports unlock power and potential
Format a drive to engage your PlayStation 3
The key to revitalizing your PlayStation rests in the console’s USB ports. Most models offer two ports, while some earlier iterations may feature four. Either way, these ports offer you a chance to play games, update files, and more or less change the structure of the console.
That means you’ll need to have a separate USB stick or hard drive that connects via USB. Ideally, you’ll want at least 64GB of storage, with 256GB storage offering the most freedom and flexibility. You can get by with less, but you may have to be more diligent with what you’re downloading and how you’re managing space. You’ll need to format your drive to FAT32 in order for your PS3 to recognize it.
Also, while the PS3 features USB 2.0 ports, it’s still recommended to use a USB 3.0 connection for stability and longevity.
My Chromecast got a second life with this free upgrade
I got a taste of the Google Home Panel, and now I want more.
Implementing emulators to access new titles
A homebrew can alter your experience
PlayStation / Google / Pocket-lint
The USB port and accompanying drive basically let you turn your PS3 into a computer, uploading files that alter its makeup and diversify its capabilities. The biggest change you can make is by installing an emulator via your USB drive. An emulator is a program that basically allows you to create a framework to play games that otherwise only work on different consoles and systems. There are emulators for PS1, PS2, Game Boy, Sega, NES, and other older devices. Essentially, with the proper files, you can transform your PS3 into another console and enjoy nostalgic retro gaming without having to do a lot of work or invest more money into a different system.
In order to use an emulator, you need to mod your PS3. There are plenty of sites online that offer a step-by-step guide to the best course of action depending on how you want to use your console. Seek out the appropriate emulator to unlock a specific console, put it on the drive, connect to the PS3, and install it via the console’s menu.
Related
Netflix exec attacks PlayStation, citing downloads and controllers as issues
Netflix is going on the attack, seemingly calling out console makers for having an outdated product
Updating files and playing games
Explore new and old games alike
Once you have an emulator set up and ready to go, you can use your hard drive to play games via files instead of using a disc. You can download games to the drive and, with the right emulator, play them from the USB port, using your PS3 controller. This opens up a world of opportunities, letting you play countless titles across myriad consoles from decades past.
The USB port also allows you to keep your PS3 updated so it can run safely and smoothly. You’ll also be able to update games, which includes adding DLCs to your collection.
In addition, you can also open up audio, video, and image files from your USB stick like you would do on a computer. Depending on your entertainment setup, you may be partial to playing content from your PS3. Just make sure you have enough space on your connected hard drive.
Related
I turned my Android phone into a gaming handheld for a fraction of the price
It cost me less than $100 to turn my Android phone into a gaming beast.
Be mindful of gray areas and potential problems
Modding can venture into dangerous territory
Even though it’s quite popular, modding isn’t exactly encouraged. In fact, Sony strongly discouraged modding your PS3, so be mindful that you’re not accessing any networks with your altered PS3. It’s worth looking into the legal ramifications of altering your console in order to gain access to new games and opportunities. If you’re running a homebrew offline, using an emulator to play games you’ve acquired legally, then you’re generally in good standing.
Still, you’ll also want to be mindful of the ways in which you are acquiring new games, and from where they are coming. Downloading pirated games is illegal, just like stealing any content is, regardless of how old it may be, how common stealing seems to be, or how cheap the game is otherwise. Files for older titles aren’t particularly expensive, so be sure to follow the right path when obtaining content.
Related
Is it too soon to be talking about a PlayStation 6?
Over the past week, rumors popped up on social media about a sixth PlayStation being actively in development, potentially targeting a holiday 2027 release date. These unconfirmed whispers sparked plenty of debate online, with many expressing frustration about the PS5 era, which began with high prices and console shortages, and could be on the cusp of ending with no real breakout titles, save for maybe Astro Bot (depending on who you ask).
The online discourse machine predictably went into overdrive in response to these rumors, with gamers loudly expressing frustration with this potential development. Though I have no idea how true this may be (the rumor seems to have come from a general gaming account on X,) with so many people talking about it, I can’t help but wonder, is it too soon to be talking about a PS6? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!