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Your old PS3 can still earn a place in your setup: use it to play PS3 games, watch Blu-rays and DVDs, play supported local media, or access files from a DLNA server. Some options depend on the console model or your TV, so check compatibility and update the system before counting on it for a particular disc or display.
1. Replay PS3 games you already own
A PS3 remains a straightforward way to revisit games made for the console. Put in a PS3-format disc and play, or look for used PlayStation 3 games if you want to add to your collection. Check the game’s condition and confirm it is a PS3 release before buying.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 320 GB Charcoal Black Console (Renewed) | $216.06 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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PlayStation 3 Slim Console 120GB (Old Model) (Renewed) | $160.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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PlayStation 3 500 GB Super Slim System (Renewed) | $228.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Sony PlayStation 3 - 80GB System (Renewed) | $217.22 | Buy on Amazon |
Do not assume a PS2 disc will work just because it fits the drive. Sony says PS2-format software is playable only on certain PS3 models; consult the PS3 User’s Guide for compatibility guidance.
2. Use it as a Blu-ray movie player
Sony lists Blu-ray disc playback as a PS3 feature. Before planning a movie night, connect the console and install the latest system software: Sony’s PS3 support page says an update renews the Blu-ray player encryption key. An update is not a guarantee that every disc will play, so check the specific disc if you encounter a problem.
#1 Best Overall
- Internet Ready With Built-in Wi-Fi with a Cell Broadband Engine Advanced Microprocessor
- When starting up the system for the first time, hold the power button until a "screen display" message shows up on screen. Select the desired output, and the system will startup normally.
- 160GB system
- Blu-ray player to give you pristine picture quality
- The best high-definition viewing experience available
For protected Blu-ray content at 1080p, Sony specifies an HDMI connection to an HDCP-compatible device. If your TV or connection does not meet that requirement, playback at that resolution may not be available. See Sony’s video playback guidance.
3. Play DVDs and CDs
If the PS3 is already connected to your television or sound system, it can also handle DVDs and audio CDs. Sony’s guide lists DVD playback and audio media among the console’s supported media functions. That makes the system useful when you have discs on hand, without suggesting it will outperform a dedicated modern player.
Rank #2
- New slimmer, lighter PS3 system, Wireless controller
- 320GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Streams thousands of movies and TV shows instantly from Netflix
- Built-in Blu-ray player with 3D capabilities. HDMI output for 1080p resolution.
4. Play supported local video and other media
The PS3 can play video files stored in its system storage and read compatible media from discs. This can be useful for video you already have locally, but compatibility depends on the file and disc format; Sony’s guide does not mean every file will work. Try a representative file before relying on the console for a whole library, and consult the PS3 video guide for supported playback options.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.5. Access a DLNA media server—or watch a 3D Blu-ray on compatible equipment
Stream files from a DLNA server on your home network
If a computer or other device on your home network is configured as a DLNA media server, the PS3 can act as its client and display images or play music and video stored there. Sony describes this in its Media Server Connection guide. The server and console need to be available on the network, and the files still need to be compatible with PS3 playback.
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Rank #3
- HDMI + Bravia Sync functionality that provides both 1080p output resolution.
- A new 33% slimmer, 36% lighter PlayStation 3 entertainment system that is also more energy efficient.
- Includes a Dualshock 3 wireless controller and a built-in 120GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos.
- Built-in Wi-Fi for connectivity anywhere and multiple media format compatibility.
- Free membership and access to all the events, as well as game, movie, TV and other media content available on the PlayStation Network (PSN).
Use the PS3 for Blu-ray 3D if your setup supports it
The PS3 also supports Blu-ray 3D, but this is a narrower option: Sony specifies a compatible 3D television and a high-speed HDMI cable. It is only useful if you have the display, cable, and 3D disc; see Sony’s 3D support announcement for those requirements.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to gaming services and the Internet
- Built-in Blu-ray player to give you the best high-definition viewing experience and pristine picture quality
- 80 GB of hard disk storage for all your games, music, videos, and photos
- This product is NOT backwards compatible
Rank #4
- Your Favorite Franchises Live Here: Dig into a huge catalog of exclusive games, including generation defining titles like The Last of Us and entries in popular franchises like LittleBigPlanet, God of War, Gran Turismo, and UNCHARTED.
- High-Definition Blu-ray player for the best movie experience. Plays DVDs and CDs
- 500GB HDD for storing games, music, videos, and photos
- Internet ready with built-in Wi-Fi
- Blu-ray player
What not to expect from an old PS3
- Current video rentals or purchases through PlayStation Store: Sony says PS3 video sales and rentals have been discontinued, so do not treat the console as a current store-based movie destination. Its video guide notes the change.
- Linux as a standard reuse project: Sony removed the ability to install another operating system in system software update 3.21. The 2010 update announcement documents that removal, so an updated console should not be presented as a normal Linux machine.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
