More than 14 years after its original release, the PlayStation 3 has received a new system software update, 4.88, surprising countless fans. The PS3’s 4.87 firmware update went live back in December of 2020, demanding approximately 200MB of free space on the hard drive. 4.87 notably improved system stability on the seventh-generation hardware; it also updated Blu-ray keys for new releases and tackled a security fix.
That Sony continues to support the console should please many a fan, especially on the heels of fears that the hardware manufacturer would soon abandon its legacy devices. Such concerns arose earlier this year following news of the digital storefronts for PSP, PS3, and PS Vita going offline in 2021. It didn’t take long for Sony to reverse course, though. PSP’s store will still shutter on July 2, but the PS3 and PS Vita stores will continue operations. Evidently, Sony’s third home console has even more life left in it.
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On Tuesday, June 1, PlayStation rolled out Firmware Update 4.88 for the PlayStation 3. A post on the brand’s official support page informs PS3 owners that at least 200MB of free space is required on either the internal disk drive or removable storage. In terms of what exactly 4.88 offers, the aforementioned support listing merely makes mention of unspecified extra features, as well as “improved usability and enhanced security.” And it should come as no surprise that some PS3 users were caught off-guard by the update’s recent deployment:
So #PS3 actually just got an update ._. System software version 4.88 It’s very impressive Sony still supports this console. First they change their mind about closing the PS Store on PS3 and now they update the software. I still have the OG 60 GB model connected, so i updated it! pic.twitter.com/Efuu6dOjh8
— Moonteddy (@MTDY912) June 1, 2021
It is pretty significant that Sony’s support for PS3 persists more than 14 years after its initial release. For the time being, though, it remains unknown as to how long such support will continue. After all, Sony’s commitment to PS4 will remain in place for at least a few more years, according to word from PlayStation CEO and President Jim Ryan.
The PS5 will undoubtedly sit at the center of attention for a long time to come; the same goes for the next-gen PlayStation VR unit. This indicates the clock is winding down for PlayStation 3 and PS Vita support. However, Sony does not seem too keen on offering a specific end date at present, especially after the backlash the brand received earlier in the year. Fans would do well, then, to enjoy these experiences as much as possible for as long as possible. As the saying goes, nothing good lasts in perpetuity.
Source: PlayStation Support
