Sony’s PlayStation 3 has released a surprise console update for March 2026. The new update brings the nearly two-decade-old console up to version 4.93, improving the overall system performance while also renewing its Blu-ray player encryption key. It’s a small but important console update that ensures PlayStation 3 gamers can continue to utilize the disc drive to watch Blu-rays.
The PlayStation 3 was released in November 2006 and became one of the best-selling consoles of all time, with approximately 87.4 million units sold worldwide. Sony’s device featured an impressive lineup of titles, including Uncharted, The Last of Us, and multiple Gran Turismo titles, among others, which helped ensure it barely outsold Microsoft’s Xbox 360 during the seventh generation of home consoles. To this day, many gamers continue to use their PlayStation 3, despite dwindling support from Sony and years without any new games for the console.
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The PlayStation 3’s 4.93 update arrives with just a single patch note, reading, “This system software update improves system performance.” Although this is vague, it’s good that Sony is committed to ensuring that gamers still using the PS3 enjoy the best possible experience, even after almost two decades. The last PS3 update came just over a year ago with the same patch note, indicating that the console is now in maintenance mode. Sony says that gamers will need 200 MB of free hard drive space to download the 4.93 update, and insists they update to the latest version to enjoy “additional features, improved usability, and enhanced security.”
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One big thing of note is that this update renews the Blu-ray player encryption key. This was the same in last year’s update, too, as it allows the PlayStation 3 to continue to play Blu-ray discs. This was a key selling point of the PS3 at launch, and remains an important feature for many in 2026. The Blu-ray player encryption key renewal is more important this year than most. Earlier this month, Netflix on PS3 was discontinued, meaning those who want to watch films and TV on their console will need to revert to physical media.
Sony has a solid history of supporting its older devices for a long time. Just recently, it also released another surprise PlayStation 4 console update, with patch notes equally as vague as the latest PS3 patch. Given the age of these consoles, it’s not exactly shocking that the updates are small and infrequent. That they’re happening at all is great news for gamers who haven’t yet moved to current-gen consoles.
At the moment, there is no official word from Sony on when fans can expect the next-generation PlayStation home console. Last month, a report claimed that the PlayStation 6 may not launch until 2029, a whole nine years after its predecessor. This would be the longest gap between PlayStation releases by some distance, eclipsing the seven years between the PS4 and PS5. The rumored release delay is apparently due to the ongoing RAM crisis, driven by the popularity of AI. As always, rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, and gamers should wait for any official comment from Sony on the next PlayStation console.
PlayStation 3 Console Update 4.93 Patch Notes
This system software update improves system performance.
To download the update, you need a minimum of 200MB of free space on either the PS3 Hard Disc Drive (System Update) or on removable storage media (PC Update).
Always update your PS3 system to the latest version of the system software. By updating, you can enjoy additional features, improved usability, and enhanced security.
Please note, to play Blu-ray discs, your PS3 system needs a renewed Blu-ray player encryption key. Please update your PS3 system software to the latest version to renew the Blu-ray player encryption key.
Source: PlayStation
