March 2 will officially mark the end of an era for the PlayStation 3, as Netflix has announced it will end support for the 20-year-old console on that date. While most Netflix users likely aren’t using a PlayStation 3 as their main platform to stream new content from the service, those who continue to do so have only one month left before they will need to find another compatible device for the app, as the company is now issuing a new warning message.
Given that the PlayStation 3 will be two decades old this year, it’s surprising that Netflix was still supporting the console. However, it does remain a popular choice for gamers looking to get their regular dose of nostalgia. Not only is the PS3 the only way to play Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, it’s the best way to natively play some iconic first-party PlayStation games, like the original Uncharted games, Infamous 2, some old-school Call of Duty titles, and more. Even one of Rockstar’s most beloved Grand Theft Auto games, GTA 4, can still only be played on the PlayStation 3, Xbox consoles via backwards compatibility, and PC to this day, as fans continue to call for a port to modern consoles.
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Netflix Is Ending Support for the PS3 Next Month
Whether it’s nostalgia or another reason, not everyone has moved on from the PlayStation 3, but those who still use the console to stream TV shows and movies from Netflix won’t be able to do so for much longer. As spotted by a user on Reddit, the official Netflix app now notifies PS3 users when they open it that support will end next month. According to the message, Netflix will no longer be available on PlayStation 3 consoles from March 2, 2026. The company then provides users with a link that will display a list of compatible devices for Netflix.
When Netflix first became available on PS3 in 2009, it was only available via a physical disc that the company sent to customers. While Xbox 360 owners already had access to a digital app, it wasn’t until a year later, in 2010, that the app made its way to the PlayStation 3. So while it hasn’t been available for as long as the console has, nobody expected it to still be supported all these years later. Thankfully, anybody who also owns either of the PS3’s successors, such as the PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, can download the app and continue watching. As long as they have an active Netflix subscription, of course.
Although the console will be 20 years old this year, with its big birthday coming up in November, the console still appears to have a dedicated user base. Back in 2021, Sony attempted to shut down the PlayStation Store on PS3, PSP, and PS Vita, but was forced to backtrack after massive outcry from gamers. All these years later, those with a PlayStation 3 can still access the digital storefront and buy some classic titles. Jim Ryan, the then CEO and President of Sony, said it was clear they had “made a mistake” and acknowledged the clear passion from PS3 owners around the world who still regularly used the storefront to purchase video games, DLC, and much more.
Find all 10 pairs
Find all 10 pairs
Sony has since made it easier than ever to play PS3 titles on modern-day consoles, with PlayStation Plus Premium giving subscribers access to an ever-expanding catalog of classic titles on the PlayStation 5. While this selection doesn’t include every PS3 game ever, it does offer a huge selection. The other caveat is that these titles can’t be downloaded to the console and must be streamed via the cloud, which means users will need a fairly decent internet connection if they want to have the best possible experience. Still, for those who no longer have a PS3 to hand, it’s a great way to relive some classics.
