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Is RPCS3 legal?
RPCS3 is an emulator; a game image or firmware file used with it is a separate matter. Whether a particular copy, download, or method of copying is lawful depends on applicable law and the facts. Do not assume that owning a PS3 disc automatically makes every method of copying or decrypting it legal.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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God of War: Saga - Dual Pack | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Call of Duty: Black Ops - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $14.92 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $9.62 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Call of Duty: Black Ops II - PlayStation 3 (Renewed) | $14.34 | Buy on Amazon |
In the United States, the Copyright Office says section 1201 of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act generally prohibits circumventing technological measures used to prevent unauthorized access to copyrighted works, including video games and software. The law also provides a rulemaking process for limited, temporary exemptions covering particular classes of works and noninfringing uses. The statute and exemptions do not settle every fact pattern, and U.S. rules do not determine the law elsewhere. See the Copyright Office’s 2024 Section 1201 overview and 17 U.S.C. § 1201.
How to install PS3 firmware in RPCS3
For RPCS3, use the official PS3 system software update file from PlayStation Support, then install it from the emulator. This is different from updating a physical PS3 console.
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- Includes
- God of War collections 1 and 2
- God of War 3
- God of War Collection (Chain of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta)
- Download the official update file using Sony’s PS3 system software instructions.
- Open RPCS3 and choose File > Install Firmware.
- Select the downloaded update file and follow RPCS3’s installer prompts. See the project’s Quickstart Guide for current instructions.
Sony’s separate instructions for updating a physical PS3 say to save the update on a USB drive at PS3/UPDATE/PS3UPDAT.PUP, then use Settings > System Update > Update via Storage Media on the console. Sony warns against update data from other sources or installation methods outside its instructions. Use that console workflow only when updating a physical PS3.
How to dump PS3 disc games
RPCS3’s Quickstart says disc titles must be self-dumped and documents two approaches. Choose based on the hardware you have and whether you can follow the relevant project instructions.
Rank #2
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
| Method | What you need | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Dump from a PS3 | A PS3 console and the disc you are dumping | Follow RPCS3’s current console-dumping instructions for the game data. |
| Dump on a PC | A computer, the disc, and a Blu-ray drive that can read PS3-format discs | Not every Blu-ray drive supports PS3 discs. Check RPCS3’s current drive guidance before buying or setting up a drive; no specific model is verified here. |
RPCS3 describes a typical dumped Blu-ray game folder as containing PS3_GAME and PS3_DISC.SFB. The PS3_UPDATE directory is not required for the game folder described in the Quickstart. Follow the guide for the complete steps and any title-specific details.
How to copy digital PS3 games
RPCS3’s Quickstart describes copying digital game data from the console’s dev_hdd0/game/GameID location to the corresponding path in the RPCS3 folder. Consult the current guide for the title’s instructions and required licensing files. A third-party game download is not a substitute for a self-dump.
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Quick Recap
Rank #4
- This renewed game may come repackaged in a generic case. It has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Rank #3
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Where to get the files
- RPCS3: Download the emulator and follow its Quickstart Guide.
- PS3 firmware: Get the update file from PlayStation Support, not an unofficial firmware download site.
- Games: Follow RPCS3’s self-dumping instructions for disc or digital games. This guide does not direct readers to unauthorized game downloads.
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.
