Sony Shocks Fans with PS3 Update 19 Years After Launch | Image Source: www.ign.com
SAN MATEO, California, March 7, 2025 – In an unexpected move, Sony released a new software update for PlayStation 3 (PS3), almost two decades after its release. The update, version 4.92, fell quietly on March 5, 2025, leaving many fans surprised and puzzled. Since Sony stopped producing PS3 in 2017, the update has caused speculation about its objective and potential impact.
What does PS3 4.92 update do?
According to Sony’s official notes, the update “improves system performance”. However, as Eurogamer pointed out, the patch also renews the Blu-ray PS3 encryption key. This means that without this update, the console may eventually lose its ability to play Blu-ray discs. While PlayStation 4 (PS4) and PlayStation 5 (PS5) automatically update their encryption keys, the PS3 requires a full system update for renewal.
This is not the first time Sony has silently pressed a minor update for the aging console. In February 2024, the company released version 4.91 which led to similar improvements in system stability. Given the timing, these updates are likely to continue as long as Sony maintains support for Blu-ray PS3 playback.
Why does PS3 still receive updates?
With the PS5 now well in their life cycle, many wonder why Sony continues to publish updates for the PS3. The answer is Blu-ray technology and digital rights management. The Advanced Access Content System (AACS) encryption key used in Blu-ray films has an expiry period, usually from 12 to 18 months. If Sony didn’t release updates, PS3 owners couldn’t finally play new Blu-ray records.
As flat HD panels pointed out, similar problems affected independent Blu-ray players. In 2020, the world’s largest Samsung Blu-ray players stopped working due to an expired security certificate, forcing users to send their repair devices. Sony seems to avoid a similar destination for the PS3 by posting regular updates.
How do fans react?
The gaming community responded with a mixture of confusion, humour and scepticism. On social media, a Reddit user joyfully celebrated the update, publishing: “Oh God yes, give me this stability and minor corrections of error.”
Others questioned the necessity of the update, with one X (formerly Twitter) user simply asking,
Why
Meanwhile, some users warned that the update might have a later pattern: block the yellowbreaks PS3. A user of X speculates, “Careful, is blocking the prison court as usual.
PlayStation 3 Legacy
Started in 2006, PlayStation 3 was an innovative console, introducing features such as Blu-ray support, PlayStation Network and the free online multiplayer. It sold more than 87 million units before being suspended in 2017. Although he is two generations old, he still has a nostalgic place in the history of the game, especially for titles like Metal Gear Solid 4, The Last of Us and the Uncharted series.
As PS3 hardware ages, its software longevity is a will for Sony’s commitment to maintain its ecosystem. As IGN reported, the PS5 Pro launched last year, but Sony continues to update its predecessor for almost 20 years. This highlights an industry trend in which consoles continue to operate much longer than their original lives.
Do I need to update your PS3?
For those who still use your PS3, installing the update is recommended if you want to continue playing Blu-ray discs. The update requires 200 MB of free space and can be installed via the system configuration. However, if you mainly use your PS3 for retro games and don’t watch Blu-ray movies, you may not notice any significant changes.
In the end, while PS3 may be close to its last chapter, Sony’s ongoing support shows that some game relics refuse to disappear. If this update is only a formality or signage, the continuous support of PS3 is still visible, but for now fans can celebrate the fact that their beloved console is still alive.
