Hard to believe that thePlayStation 3 is almost 20 years old! The system was Sony’s first foray into HD gaming and the first time the company was challenged by its competition, with the Xbox 360 swaying many gamers to Microsoft’s ecosystem. Because of the PS3’s unique architecture and design, many of itsbest gamesremain locked to the system to this day with only cloud streaming options through PS Plus being available for players wanting to revisit the system through a PS4 or PS5.
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Thankfully, getting back into the aging system is easier than ever thanks to new third-party accessories and relatively low game prices. The system itself is also widely available in all three of its form factor revisions. So whether a player is just getting into the scene or still rocking the 2006 original backward-compatible model, there are a number of accessories and upgrades worth considering
HD Retrovision Component Cable For PS2
Retro Fighters Bluetooth Defender
Retro Fighters has released a PS3-focused version of their Defender controller. This new variant utilizes Bluetooth connectivity and features pressure-sensitive buttons and motion controls. PS4 games are also supported!
Finding authentic DualShock 3 or SixAxis controllers these days is becoming a huge problem with the market flooded with terrible look-alike clones. Not only do these clones lack the features needed for many PS3 titles such as motion controls and pressure-sensitive buttons, but they also outright suck. Terrible thumb sticks, buttons, connectivity, there is a myriad of problems to choose from. Also, don’t expect the cheap knockoffs to play any PS2 game you might have digitally or physically. Thankfully, there are good replacement options out there such as the Retro Fighters Bluetooth Defender.
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The Bluetooth Defender builds on its PS1/PS2 predecessor and brings to the table a fully featured PS3 controller. Every pressure-sensitive and SixAxis function works as intended, giving it full compatibility with thesystem’s library. PS2 games also function as intended with both backward-compatible models and PSN purchases. Thumb ticks provide a good level of accuracy while the triggers have been further refined to prevent accidental presses. Unfortunately, the Defender doesn’t work in the PS3 system recovery menu if a player ever has the misfortune of needing to use it
Brook Wingman XE 2 Converter
Add modern Bluetooth and wired controllers to the Sony PlayStation 3, 4, and Switch!
The absurdity of finding authentic DualShock 3 or SixAxis controllers makes using an adapter to use modern Bluetooth pads on the PS3 an extremely valid option. The Brook Wingman XE 2 Adapter stands tall as the best option available today sporting compatibility with every modern controller you may think of. Playing the PS3 with a DualSense or Xbox Elite Controller Series 2 is a breeze and thankfully the adapter adds no noticeable input latency. Any number of wired controllers are also fully compatible with the adapter.
Now as good as using a modern controller is for the sake of consolidation, there are a number of drawbacks that can present themselves. The lack of pressure-sensitive buttons and SixAxis features will result in compatibility issues in somegames. Each potential player will also need a separate adapter to utilize additional controllers. Despite these limitations, this method is preferable to many options out there today
VSEER PlayStation 3 Controller Charging Dock
Keep two DualShock 3 controllers charged with this handy docking solution!
For the lucky players that have authentic DualShock 3 or SixAxis controllers, keeping them charged in a presentable manner is a breeze with a dock from VSEER. Each dock can charge two controllers or a Move Wand and Navigation Controller as long as they are the older Mini USB version. The docks are minimalist and work great in any number of gaming setups.
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Because these are docks rather than separate Mini USB cables, players won’t be able to play and charge them at the same time, but that shouldn’t be a problem with two controllers in rotation at a given time. It has been noted that the quality of the docks can vary between runs, so a lemon can slip in every once in a while
Western Digital Blue 1TB 2.5" Laptop HDD
Add an additional 1TB of storage to your systems with the WB Blue 1TB 2.5" HDD.
One of the greatest aspects of the PS3 is that it let users easily upgrade the internal hard drive to increase system storage. A 1TB hard drive from Western Digital will work well in any PS3 model and provides ample storage forany number of titlesregardless of mandatory installations. Drive performance will also match or exceed those of any stock HDD included with a PS3 system. For any players holding onto an older 20, 60, or 80-gigabyte system, it is long past time to upgrade! Do note that the PS3 can only support drives up to 9.5 mm thick and capacities up to 1.5 TB without issue.
Crucial MX500
Add up to 4 TB of fast SATA SSD storage to your system for storing games, pictures, movies, or music.
Yes, the PS3 is compatible with SATA SSDs! Back in the PS3 lifecycle, such an upgrade wasn’t a feasible prospect due to the insane prices SSDs ran for. Today though, SSD prices have dropped dramatically, making the thought of throwing one into a PS3 less of a joke. While the SATA 2 chipset found in a PS3 won’t take full advantage of modern SSDs, they can still helpreduce load times in gamesthanks to their instant seek times.
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Modern SSDs also feature better quality-of-life changes that will keep them running in a PS3 longer than older 2011 variants. Sadly because of a PS3 OS limitation, only sizes up to 1.5 TB will function in the system correctly, so don’t jump on the 2 TB models as they will be problematic to get running correctly.
HD Retrovision cables for the PS3 allow the system to use all of its output modes without the restrictive HDCP protocols found on its HDMI interface. This is an ideal solution for content creators looking to record gameplay on the system.
The PS3 supported HDMI output, so why would any gamers want to grab a pair of component cables for the system? Well, the truthful answer is many won’t unless they are still using older TVs that only support component input or someone wants to stream the system online. Sony implemented HDCP in the PS3 video output, making it a chore to use the system’s native HDMI signal for streaming and video capture. While finding certain splitters or HDMI switches can circumvent the HDCP problem, using a component cable is just as effective when combined with an HDMI converter.
The best PS3 component cable available today is available from HD Retrovision. Each cable is properly shielded and built to provide the best video output possible. Every PS3 output resolution is supported, ensuring players opting for this option aren’t being limited in any way. But best yet is never having to worry about the PS3’s ridiculous HDCP implementation! So while this option might not be one for every player, streamers will definitely want to check it out for recordingPS3 gameplay.
FAQ
Is a PS3 worth picking up today?
The PlayStation 3 still houses a number of great exclusives that can only be played on it making it worth owning even today. Prices are also extremely cheap making now a great time to jump into the system.
Can the PS3 still go online?
The PS3 still supports online functionality however a number of its online games have had their servers shut down over the years.
Is PSN still available for PS3?
Yes PSN is still available on PS3, but funds must be added through a PC, PS4, or PS5.
