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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A PS3 supports multiple local user profiles, and each local user can be linked to one PlayStation account. The official PS3 guide does not specify a maximum number of local profiles, so there is no verified total account count for one console. The often-mentioned limit of two applies to PS3 systems activated by one account—not to the number of accounts on a PS3.
What “accounts on a PS3” can mean
The answer depends on what you are counting: local users saved on the console, PlayStation accounts associated with those users, or PS3 systems activated by one account. These are separate limits.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) | $184.24 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Sony PlayStation 3 Slim 320 GB Charcoal Black Console (Renewed) | $216.06 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
PlayStation 3 Slim Console 120GB (Old Model) (Renewed) | $160.33 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
PlayStation 3 500 GB Super Slim System (Renewed) | $228.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Sony PlayStation 3 - 80GB System (Renewed) | $217.22 | Buy on Amazon |
| What is counted | What PlayStation documentation says | Where the limit applies |
|---|---|---|
| Local user profiles | Multiple users are supported; the official guide does not state a maximum. PS3 User’s Guide | One PS3 console |
| PlayStation account linked to a local user | One account can be registered to each local user. PlayStation support | One local user |
| PS3 systems activated by one account | Two PS3 systems per account. PlayStation activation guidance | One PlayStation account |
How local users and PlayStation accounts work
A local user is a profile on the console. The PS3 guide says information such as game saves, messages, and browser bookmarks is maintained separately for each user. PlayStation support says each local user can be registered with one PlayStation account. If you try to sign in to a different account from a local user already associated with another account, sign-in can fail; switch to the local user associated with the account you want to use.
So, multiple people can use separate local profiles on one PS3, with each profile associated with its own PlayStation account. The official guide reviewed here does not publish a maximum profile count, so a specific console-wide total is not established.
#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
What the two-PS3 activation limit means
PlayStation’s activation guidance allows one account to activate up to two PS3 systems. That count concerns the consoles authorized for that account; it does not limit a PS3 to two accounts. A single PS3 can have multiple local users and account associations, while an individual account’s activation limit is counted across PS3 systems.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Creating or managing an account today
As of PS3 system software version 4.89, account creation and some account-management features are no longer available on the console. PlayStation directs users to manage accounts through a PC or mobile browser. PlayStation PS3 system software support
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.
The current online PS3 User’s Guide applies to system software version 4.80 or later and notes that services and features may change or be discontinued. PS3 User’s Guide
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
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).
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.
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