The PlayStation Store for PS3 shut down in July 2017

Sony closed the PlayStation Store for PlayStation 3 on July 23, 2017. You can no longer buy new games, add-ons, themes, or avatars through the console. If you owned games before the shutdown, you can still download them to your PS3 — but only if you already purchased them. You cannot buy anything new.

The store closure also affected the PS Vita handheld console and the original PlayStation Portable (PSP) at the same time. Sony made this decision to focus resources on newer platforms like the PS4 and PS5. The company gave players several months' notice before pulling the plug.

This does not mean your PS3 is useless. You can still play physical games on disc, access games you downloaded before the closure, and play online multiplayer if you have a PlayStation Plus subscription. The console itself works exactly as it did before — only the digital storefront is gone.

Key Takeaways

  • The PS3 digital store closed in July 2017, and you cannot purchase games or content through it anymore.
  • Games you already own can still be downloaded to your PS3 console at any time.
  • Physical PS3 games on disc continue to work normally and can be played without any online connection to Sony's servers.
  • You can still play online multiplayer games if you maintain an active PlayStation Plus subscription.
  • Third-party sellers and used game retailers are your only options for buying PS3 games digitally after the official store closure.

How to download games you already own

If you purchased PS3 games before July 2017, you can still download them. Sign into your PlayStation Network account on your PS3 console. Go to the Account menu, then select Restore Licenses. This step reconnects your console to your purchase history.

Next, navigate to Library on your PS3 home screen. You will see a list of every game you have ever purchased with that account. Select any game and choose Download. The game will begin downloading to your hard drive. This process works for any game you bought, no matter how long ago.

Keep in mind that your PS3 must connect to the internet to download games and verify your licenses. If your console has never been online, you will need to set up a network connection first — either through Wi-Fi or an ethernet cable.

Playing physical PS3 games still works normally

Physical PS3 games on disc do not depend on the PlayStation Store at all. You can buy used PS3 games from eBay, GameStop, local game shops, or private sellers, and they will play on your console without any online connection required. The disc reader on PS3 consoles is still reliable for most units, though older consoles may develop disc-reading problems over time.

When you insert a disc, your PS3 reads it directly and launches the game. No authentication with Sony's servers is needed. This is one reason why physical games remain the most reliable way to expand your PS3 library after the store closure.

If you are buying used games, check the condition of both the disc and the case. Scratched or dirty discs may not read properly. Most sellers will describe the condition clearly, and reputable retailers like GameStop offer return policies if a game does not work.

Where to buy PS3 games now

Your main options are physical games and third-party digital sellers. eBay has thousands of used PS3 games at varying prices — search for the title you want and filter by condition and seller rating. GameStop still stocks used PS3 games in many locations and online, with a return policy if the game does not work. Local game shops, pawn shops, and thrift stores often carry PS3 games at low prices, though selection varies by location.

For digital purchases, Amazon sometimes lists PS3 games as digital codes, though availability is limited and decreasing. Check the product description carefully to confirm it is a PS3 version and that it is a digital code rather than a physical disc. Some third-party key resellers also list PS3 games, but verify the seller's reputation before purchasing.

Prices for used PS3 games vary widely depending on the title and condition. Popular games and exclusives tend to cost more. Common games from the later years of the PS3 lifecycle are often cheaper. Budget $5 to $30 for most used games, though rare or sought-after titles can cost significantly more.

Online multiplayer still works with PlayStation Plus

If you want to play PS3 games online with other players, you need a PlayStation Plus subscription. Sony still supports PS3 online multiplayer, though the number of active players has declined since the console's peak. You can renew your subscription through your account settings on the PS3 itself, though the process requires a working internet connection and a valid payment method.

Not every PS3 game requires PlayStation Plus to play online — some older titles have their own servers or peer-to-peer connections that work without it. However, most modern PS3 games and popular titles like Call of Duty, Battlefield, and Grand Theft Auto Online do require an active subscription.

Be aware that some PS3 online servers have been shut down by individual publishers over the years. Games like LittleBigPlanet and certain sports titles no longer support online play because the developers took their servers offline. Check whether a specific game's online features are still active before purchasing it for multiplayer.

Backing up your digital games to avoid losing them

If you have downloaded PS3 games to your console, you can back them up to an external USB drive or external hard drive. This protects your games in case your PS3's hard drive fails. Connect an external drive to your PS3, go to Settings, then System Settings, and select Backup Utility. Follow the prompts to back up your entire console or selected games.

You can also copy individual game files manually. Go to Settings, System Settings, Storage, and browse your games. Select a game, press the triangle button, and choose Copy. Select your external drive as the destination. This method takes longer but gives you more control over which games you back up.

Keep your external drive in a safe place and test it occasionally to make sure the files are still readable. External drives can fail, so this is a backup method, not a permanent solution. If you lose access to your games, you can always re-download them from your account history as long as your PlayStation Network account still exists.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still play PS3 games online right now?

Yes, if the game's online servers are still active and you have a PlayStation Plus subscription. However, some games have had their servers shut down by publishers. Check the specific game's status before purchasing it for online play.

What happens if my PS3 hard drive fails?

You can replace the hard drive with a new one and restore your backed-up games and settings from an external drive. If you do not have a backup, you can re-download any games you purchased by signing into your account and using the Restore Licenses feature.

Can I transfer my PS3 games to a PS4 or PS5?

No. PS3 games are not compatible with PS4 or PS5 consoles. Some games have been re-released or remastered for newer systems, but you would need to purchase those versions separately. Physical PS3 discs will not work in any PlayStation console newer than PS3.

Is it safe to buy PS3 games from eBay or other resellers?

Yes, as long as you buy from sellers with good ratings and clear product descriptions. For physical games, check that the disc is in good condition. For digital codes, verify that the seller is reputable and that the code has not been used. Most major resellers offer buyer protection if something goes wrong.

Do I need to be online to play PS3 games?

Not for single-player games or offline multiplayer. Physical games and downloaded games can be played without an internet connection. You only need to be online to download games, verify licenses, or play online multiplayer.