PS3 Gets Surprise New System Update

Sony Interactive Entertainment releases a surprise update for the PS3, which is required for users wanting to use Blu-ray discs on the legacy console. Despite being discontinued in 2016, the PS3 occasionally receives software updates to protect users playing games on the console and accessing the PlayStation Store with a PlayStation Network account.

Although the PS3 had an infamous launch in 2006, the console picked up sales momentum during its later years and surpassed lifetime sales of the Xbox 360. Nearly 18 years later, the legacy of the PS3 is upheld with the PlayStation Plus Premium subscription service, which offers a monthly selection of PS3 games to stream on PS4 and PS5. Alongside PS3 games, PS Plus Premium subscribers gain access to classic PS1, PS2, and PSP games as well. Some PS3 games are now available to play natively on the later consoles as remasters, such as Batman: Arkham City and The Last of Us.

The version 49.1 system firmware update is available now on PS3 consoles, with a minimum of 200 MB of free space required to download and install the update. The update improves overall system performance and stability while ensuring a secure experience with a PlayStation Network account. What's more, the update provides a renewed Blu-ray player encryption key, which allows the PS3's disc drive to play Blu-ray discs. Sony recommends that PS3 users update to the latest version of the system firmware in order to renew this encryption key and continue using the console as intended. Version 49.1 likely enforces protection against PS3 system software exploits as well.

PS3 owners running out of storage space on their hard drive may also update the console by downloading the firmware update via web browser and moving the file to a USB drive formatted as FAT32. The file should be saved as «PS3UPDAT.PUP» to ensure the console recognizes the update once the USB drive is inserted into the port. A similar method is applicable when downloading and installing PS5 system