The nearly 20-year-old PS3 just got another system update

March 19, 2026 - 05:00

In an unexpected move, Sony has released a new system software update for the nearly two-decade-old PlayStation 3. The update, version 4.93, is now available for download worldwide for the console first launched in 2006.

The official patch notes describe the update in typically vague terms, stating it "improves system performance." This follows the pattern of previous minor updates for the legacy console, which generally focus on stability and security enhancements rather than introducing new features. The update is likely a routine maintenance release, potentially addressing minor backend security certificates or system stability issues to ensure existing online and offline functionalities continue to operate smoothly.

The release underscores Sony's long-term support for its hardware, even as the company has shifted its focus to the PlayStation 5. While the PS3's digital storefront for new game purchases was closed several years ago, system updates have periodically continued, allowing players to still redownload previously purchased content and access online services. The arrival of this new firmware confirms that the iconic console, which concluded production in 2017, is not yet entirely relegated to history and remains a functional part of Sony's ecosystem for dedicated users.