PS3 Gets New System Update 4.93, Required to Keep Blu-ray Drive Working

While updates are common for the PS5 and even the PS4, they are much less frequent for the PS3. Sony’s third home console will turn 20 years old this November, but it still receives firmware updates from time to time.

Sony has now released system software update version 4.93 for PS3, and it is already available to download. Even if you do not use your PS3 often anymore, there is one important reason to install this update.

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PS3 Receives Update 4.93 to Keep Blu-ray Drive Working

According to the official PlayStation support page, the update has a size of about 200 MB, whether you download it directly on the console or install it using a USB drive.

The most important detail is related to the Blu-ray disc drive. Sony explained, “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.”

This means that installing update 4.93 is necessary to keep the Blu-ray drive working properly.

If you do not install the update, the Blu-ray drive may stop working. As a result, you would not be able to play physical games or watch Blu-ray movies on your PS3. It is not clear if this also affects DVDs or CDs, or if it only applies to Blu-ray discs.

This update adds a new encryption key for the Blu-ray player built into the console, allowing users to continue using physical discs.

If your PS3 is not connected to the internet, you can still install the update manually. Sony allows users to download the firmware from its website, copy it to a USB drive, and install it on the console.

Even so, it is surprising to see Sony still supporting the PS3 after so many years, especially with an update that is required to keep the Blu-ray drive working.

Earlier this week, Sony also released PS4 system update 13.50, although it did not add any major new features. At the same time, a more significant update arrived for PS5, improving PSSR on PS5 Pro and adding new features to the Welcome Hub.

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