Editing PlayStation 3

{{Infobox information appliance
| logo = [[Image:PLAYSTATION 3 logo.svg|frameless|upright=1.20|center|Original PlayStation 3 logo]]<br />[[File:PlayStation 3 Logo neu.svg|frameless|upright=0.80|New PlayStation 3 logo]]
| image = <div style="white-space: nowrap; border: #dadada solid 1px;">[[File:Sony-PlayStation-3-CECHA01-wController-L.jpg|frameless|upright=1.15|Original model]]<br>[[File:Sony-PlayStation-3-2001A-wController-L.jpg|frameless|upright=1.15|Slim model]]<br>[[File:Sony-PlayStation-3-4001B-wController-L.jpg|frameless|upright=1.15|Super Slim model]]</div>
| caption = {{plainlist|
* '''Top:''' Original PlayStation 3 (2006)
* '''Center:''' PlayStation 3 Slim (2009)
* '''Bottom:''' PlayStation 3 Super Slim (2012)}}
| aka = PS3
| developer = [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]
| manufacturer = [[Sony]], [[Foxconn]], [[Asus]]
| family = [[PlayStation]]
| type = [[Home video game console]]
| generation = [[History of video game consoles (seventh generation)|Seventh generation]]
| lifespan = 2006–2017
| discontinued = {{vgrelease|NZ|September 29, 2015|EU|March 2016|AUS|March 2016|NA|October 2016|JP|May 29, 2017|}}
| media = * [[Blu-ray Disc]] (PlayStation 3 game disc)
* [[DVD]]
* [[Compact Disc]]
* [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] game disc
* [[PlayStation 2]] game disc <small>([[PlayStation 3 models#Model comparison|1st and 2nd generations only]])</small>
* [[Super Audio CD]] <small>([[PlayStation 3 models#Model comparison|1st and 2nd generations only]])
* [[Digital distribution]]
| os = [[PlayStation 3 system software]]
| storage = 2.5-inch SATA [[hard disk|hard drive]] <small>(12&nbsp;GB (super-slim only), 20&nbsp;GB, 40&nbsp;GB, 60&nbsp;GB, 80&nbsp;GB, 120&nbsp;GB, 160&nbsp;GB, 250&nbsp;GB, 320&nbsp;GB or 500&nbsp;GB included)</small>
| display = {{Collapsible list
| title=Video output formats
|
* [[Composite video]] <small>([[480i]], [[PAL|576i]]&nbsp;(PAL))</small>
* [[S-Video]] <small>(480i, 576i&nbsp;(PAL))</small>
* RGB&nbsp;[[SCART]] <small>(480i, 576i&nbsp;(PAL))</small>
* [[Component Video|Component]]&nbsp;([[YPbPr|YP<sub>B</sub>P<sub>R</sub>]]) <small>(480i, 576i&nbsp;(PAL), [[480p]], [[576p]], [[720p]], [[1080i]], [[1080p]])</small>
* [[D-Terminal]] <small>(480i&nbsp;(D1), 480p&nbsp;(D2), 720p&nbsp;(D4), 1080i&nbsp;(D3), 1080p&nbsp;(D5))</small>
* [[HDMI]] <small>(480p, 576p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p)</small>
}}
| controllers = [[Sixaxis]], [[DualShock 3]], [[DualShock 4]], [[Logitech Driving Force GT]], [[PlayStation 3 accessories#Logitech Cordless Precision Controller|Logitech Cordless Precision controller]], standard [[List of USB controllers compatible with PlayStation 3|USB controllers]], [[GT Force]], [[rhythm game]] controllers, [[PlayStation Move]], PlayStation 3 Blu-ray Remote Control, [[GunCon|GunCon 3]], [[PlayStation Portable]], [[Wonderbook]], [[PlayStation Vita]], [[Game controller#Keyboard & Mouse|keyboard and mouse]]
| connectivity = {{Collapsible list
| title = ([[PlayStation 3 accessories#AV cables|details]])
|
'''Flash memory input'''*
* [[MemoryStick|MemoryStick/PRO/Duo]]
* [[Secure Digital card|SD]]/[[MultiMediaCard|MMC]]
* [[CompactFlash]]/[[Microdrive]]
'''Audio/video output'''
* [[High-Definition Multimedia Interface|HDMI 1.3a]] out
** [[HDMI#CEC|HDMI-CEC]]**
* [[S/PDIF]] out <small>([[TOSLINK]])</small>
* AV Multi out
** [[Composite video]]/[[stereophonic sound|stereo]] audio cable***
** [[S-Video]] cable
** [[SCART]] cable
** [[YPbPr|Component video]] cable
** [[D-Terminal]] cable
'''Other'''
* IEEE 802.11[[IEEE 802.11#802?b|b]]/[[IEEE 802.11#802?g|g]] [[Wi-Fi]]****
* [[Bluetooth|Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)]]
* 2 × [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]] (''4 × in 60&nbsp;GB launch model'')
* Wired gigabit [[Ethernet]]
----
{{plainlist|
** ''60&nbsp;GB and CECHExx 80&nbsp;GB models''
*** ''Slim models only''
**** ''Included in box''
***** ''All except 20&nbsp;GB model''}}
}}
| compatibility = {{plainlist|
* [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]] <small>(all models)</small>
* [[PlayStation 2]] <small>(20&nbsp;GB, 60&nbsp;GB and some (CECHCxx) 60&nbsp;GB and (CECHExx) 80&nbsp;GB models)</small>}}
| predecessor = [[PlayStation 2]]
| successor = [[PlayStation 4]]
| website = {{url|playstation.com/ps3}}
| title = PlayStation 3
| releasedate = {{vgrelease|JP|{{Start date |November 11, 2006}}|NA|{{Start date|November 17, 2006}}|PAL|{{Start date|March 23, 2007}}}}
| unitsshipped = 80&nbsp;million<br /><small>({{as of|2013|11|2|lc=on|df=US}})</small> <!-- {{PlayStation 3 sales}} --> <!-- DO NOT CHANGE these numbers without a reference. VGCHARTS and NEXTGENWARS are NOT reliable sources. -->
| CPU = 3.2&nbsp;GHz [[Cell (microprocessor)|Cell Broadband Engine]] with 1 [[Power Processor Element|PPE]] and 8 [[Synergistic processing element|SPEs]]
| GPU = 550&nbsp;MHz [[Nvidia]]/[[Sony Computer Entertainment|SCEI]] [[RSX Reality Synthesizer]]
| Memory = 256&nbsp;MB [[XDR DRAM]] system and 256&nbsp;MB [[GDDR3]] video
| Sound = {{Collapsible list
| title=Audio output formats
|
'''A/V-Multi'''
* Analog stereo
'''TOSLINK'''
* [[LPCM]] <small>2ch 44.1&nbsp;kHz, 48&nbsp;kHz, 88&nbsp;kHz, 176.4&nbsp;kHz</small>
* [[Dolby Digital]] 5.1
* [[DTS (sound system)|DTS]] 5.1
* AAC
'''HDMI'''
* LPCM <small>2ch, 5.1ch, 7.1ch 44.1&nbsp;kHz, 48&nbsp;kHz, 88&nbsp;kHz, 96&nbsp;kHz, 176.4&nbsp;kHz, 192&nbsp;kHz</small>
* [[DTS-HD Master Audio]]  Bitstream <small>([[#Model comparison|slim models only]])</small>*
* [[Dolby TrueHD]]  Bitstream <small>([[#Model comparison|slim models only]])</small>*
* Dolby Digital 5.1
* DTS 5.1
* AAC
<nowiki>*</nowiki><small>All models can decode Dolby TrueHD and as of firmware 2.30 DTS-HD Master Audio, to be output as LPCM. Output of the raw undecoded stream is limited to slim models.</small>
}}
| onlineservice = [[PlayStation Network]]
| topgame = 
}}
The '''PlayStation 3''' ('''PS3''') is a [[home video game console]] developed by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]]. It is the successor to [[PlayStation 2]], and is part of the [[PlayStation]] brand of consoles. It was first released on November 11, 2006, in [[Japan]], November 17, 2006, in [[North America]], and March 23, 2007, in [[Europe]] and [[Australia]]. The PlayStation 3 competed mainly against consoles such as [[Microsoft]]'s [[Xbox 360]] and [[Nintendo]]'s [[Wii]] as part of the [[seventh generation of video game consoles]].

The console was first officially announced at [[History of the Electronic Entertainment Expo|E3 2005]], and was released at the end of 2006. It was the first console to use [[Blu-ray Disc]] as its primary storage medium. The console was the first PlayStation to integrate social gaming services, including being the first to introduce Sony's social gaming service, [[PlayStation Network]], and its remote connectivity with [[PlayStation Portable]] and [[PlayStation Vita]], being able to remote control the console from the devices. In September 2009, the ''Slim'' model of the PlayStation 3 was released. It no longer provided the hardware ability to run PS2 games. It was lighter and thinner than the original version, and featured a redesigned logo and marketing design, as well as a minor start-up change in software. A ''Super Slim'' variation was then released in late 2012, further refining and redesigning the console.

During its early years, the system had a critically negative reception, due to its high price ($599 for a 60 gigabyte model, and $499 for a 20 GB model), a complex processor architecture and a lack of quality games, but was praised for its Blu-ray capabilities and "untapped potential". The reception would get more positive over time. The system had a slow start in the market but managed to recover, particularly after the introduction of the ''Slim'' model. Its successor, the [[PlayStation 4]], was released later in November 2013. On September 29, 2015, Sony confirmed that sales of the PlayStation 3 were to be discontinued in [[New Zealand]], but the system remained in production in other markets. Shipments of new units to Europe and Australia ended in March 2016, followed by [[North America]] which ended in October 2016. Heading into 2017, Japan was the last territory where new units were still being produced until May 29, 2017, when Sony confirmed the PlayStation 3 was discontinued in [[Japan]].

==Hardware==
[[File:Sony-PlayStation-3-CECHA01-Console-BR.jpg|link=File:Sony-PlayStation-3-CECHA01-Console-BR.jpg|thumb|right|The PlayStation 3 was the first console to include an HDMI port.]]

PlayStation 3 is convex on its left side, with the PlayStation logo upright, when vertical (the top side is convex when horizontal) and has a glossy black finish. PlayStation designer Teiyu Goto stated that the [[Spider-Man (2002 film)|Spider-Man]]-font-inspired logo "was one of the first elements [[SCEI]] president [[Ken Kutaragi]] decided on and the logo may have been the motivating force behind the shape of PS3".

On March 22, 2007, SCE and [[Stanford University]] released the [[Folding@home]] software for PlayStation 3. This program allows PS3 owners to lend the computing power of their consoles to help study the process of [[protein folding]] for disease research.

===Use in supercomputing===
PS3's hardware has also been used to [[PlayStation 3 cluster|build supercomputers]] for [[high-performance computing]]. [[Fixstars Solutions]] sells a version of [[Yellow Dog Linux]] for PlayStation 3 (originally sold by Terra Soft Solutions). [[RapidMind]] produced a [[stream programming]] package for PS3, but were acquired by Intel in 2009. Also, on January 3, 2007, Dr. Frank Mueller, [[Professor|Associate Professor]] of [[Computer science]] at [[North Carolina State University|NCSU]], clustered 8 PS3s. Mueller commented that the 256&nbsp;MB of system RAM is a limitation for this particular application and is considering attempting to retrofit more RAM. Software includes: [[Fedora (operating system)|Fedora]] Core 5 Linux ppc64, MPICH2, [[OpenMP]] v 2.5, [[GNU Compiler Collection]] and CellSDK 1.1. As a more cost-effective alternative to conventional supercomputers, the U.S. military has purchased clusters of PS3 units for research purposes. Retail PS3 Slim units cannot be used for supercomputing, because PS3 Slim lacks the ability to boot into a third-party OS.

In December 2008, a group of hackers used a cluster of 200 PlayStation 3 computers to crack [[Transport Layer Security|SSL]] authentication.

In November 2010 the [[Air Force Research Laboratory]] (AFRL) created a powerful [[supercomputer]] by connecting together 1,760 Sony PS3s which include 168 separate graphical processing units and 84 coordinating servers in a parallel array capable of performing 500 trillion [[floating-point operations per second]] (500&nbsp;TFLOPS). As built the Condor Cluster was the 33rd largest supercomputer in the world and would be used to analyze high definition satellite imagery.{{Clear}}

===Technical specifications===
[[File:RSX 'Reality Synthesizer'.jpg|thumb|256px|The RSX 'Reality Synthesizer' on a PlayStation 3 motherboard]]
PlayStation 3 features a slot-loading 2x speed Blu-ray Disc drive for games, Blu-ray movies, DVDs, CDs and other optical media. It was originally available with hard drives of 20 and 60&nbsp;GB (20&nbsp;GB model was not available in PAL regions) but various sizes up to 500&nbsp;GB have been made available since then (see: [[PlayStation 3 models#Model comparison|model comparison]]). All PS3 models have user-upgradeable 2.5" SATA hard drives.

PlayStation 3 uses the [[Cell (microprocessor)|Cell microprocessor]], designed by Sony, [[Toshiba]] and [[IBM]], as its [[CPU]], which is made up of one 3.2&nbsp;GHz PowerPC-based "Power Processing Element" (PPE) and eight Synergistic Processing Elements (SPEs). The eighth SPE is disabled to improve chip yields. Only six of the seven SPEs are accessible to developers as the seventh SPE is reserved by the console's [[operating system]]. [[Computer graphics|Graphics processing]] is handled by the [[Nvidia]] [[RSX 'Reality Synthesizer']], which can produce resolutions from [[480i]]/[[576i]] [[Standard definition|SD]] up to [[1080p]] [[high definition television|HD]]. PlayStation 3 has 256&nbsp;MB of [[XDR DRAM]] main memory and 256&nbsp;MB of [[GDDR3]] [[video memory]] for the RSX.

The system has [[Bluetooth|Bluetooth 2.0]] (with support for up to seven Bluetooth devices), [[Gigabit Ethernet]], [[Universal Serial Bus|USB 2.0]] and [[HDMI 1.4]]{{refn|group=note|Initially used HDMI 1.3a specification, but was upgraded to 1.4 with the introduction of stereoscopic 3D for gaming and Blu-ray playback (via firmware update). The PlayStation&nbsp;3 does not currently support any other [[HDMI 1.4]] capabilities.}} built in on all currently shipping models. [[Wi-Fi]] networking is also built-in on all but the 20&nbsp;GB models, while a flash card reader (compatible with [[Memory Stick]], [[Secure Digital card|SD]]/[[MultiMediaCard|MMC]] and [[CompactFlash]]/[[Microdrive]] media) is built-in on 60&nbsp;GB and CECHExx 80&nbsp;GB models.

===Models===
PlayStation 3 has been produced in various models: the original, the Slim, and the Super Slim. Successive models have added or removed various features.

===Controllers and accessories===
[[File:DualShock3-in-Hand.jpg|thumb|[[DualShock 3]] controller in hand]]
Numerous accessories for the console have been developed. These accessories include the wireless [[Sixaxis]] and [[DualShock 3]] controllers, the [[Logitech Driving Force GT]], the [[PlayStation 3 accessories#Logitech Cordless Precision Controller|Logitech Cordless Precision Controller]], the [[PlayStation 3 accessories#Official PS3 Bluetooth Blu-ray remote|BD Remote]], the [[PlayStation Eye]] camera, and the [[PlayTV]] [[DVB-T]] tuner/[[digital video recorder]] accessory.

At Sony's E3 press conference in 2006, the then standard wireless [[Sixaxis]] controller was announced. The controller was based on the same basic design as the [[PlayStation 2|PlayStation&nbsp;2's]] [[DualShock 2]] controller but was wireless, lacked vibration capabilities, had a built-in accelerometer (that could detect motion in three directional and three rotational axes; six in total, hence the name Sixaxis) and had a few cosmetic tweaks.

At its press conference at the 2007 [[Tokyo Game Show]], Sony announced [[DualShock 3]] (trademarked DUALSHOCK 3), a PlayStation 3 controller with the same function and design as Sixaxis, but with vibration capability included. Hands-on accounts describe the controller as being noticeably heavier than the standard Sixaxis controller and capable of vibration forces comparable to DualShock 2. It was released in Japan on November 11, 2007; in North America on April 5, 2008; in Australia on April 24, 2008; in New Zealand on May 9, 2008; in mainland Europe on July 2, 2008, and in the United Kingdom and Ireland on July 4, 2008.

During [[E3 09|E3 2009]], Sony unveiled plans to release a motion controller later to be named [[PlayStation Move]] at GDC 2010. It was released on September 15, 2010, in Europe; September 19, 2010, in North America and October 21, 2010, in Japan.

On October 13, 2010, Sony announced an official surround sound system for PS3 through the official PlayStation [[YouTube]] channel.

The PlayStation 3 can also use [[DualShock 4]] controller initially via USB cable, but Firmware update 4.60 enabled wireless connection.

===Statistics regarding reliability {{anchor|Statistics_regarding_reliability}}===
<!-- [[Yellow Light of Death]] redirects to this section; please update it if you change the section header. -->
[[File:Yellow Light of Death- PlayStation 3.png|thumb|upright|Some original "fat" PS3 systems display a yellow light, indicating a non-specific failure.]]
According to [[Ars Technica]], the number of PlayStation 3 consoles that have experienced failure is well within the normal failure rates in the consumer electronics industry; a 2009 study by [[SquareTrade]], a warranty provider, found a two-year failure rate of 10% for PlayStation 3s.

In September 2009, [[BBC]]'s ''[[Watchdog (TV series)|Watchdog]]'' television program aired a report investigating the issue, calling it the "yellow light of death" (YLOD). Among the consoles that experienced the failure, they found that it usually occurred 18–24 months after purchase, while the standard Sony warranty covers one year after purchase. After this time period, PlayStation 3 owners can pay Sony a fixed fee for a refurbished console.

Sony claimed that, according to its statistics of returned consoles, approximately 0.5% of consoles were reported as showing the YLOD. In response to the televised report, Sony issued a document criticizing the program's accuracy and conclusions; specifically that the faults were evidence of a manufacturing defect. The document also complained that the report had been inappropriate in tone and might damage Sony's brand name.

==Software==
===System software===
Sony has included the ability for the [[operating system]], referred to as ''System Software'', to be updated. The updates can be acquired in several ways:
* If PlayStation 3 has an active [[Internetworking|Internet connection]], updates may be downloaded directly from the PlayStation Network to PlayStation 3 and subsequently installed. Systems with active Internet will automatically check online for software updates each time the console is started.
* Using an external PC, a user may download the update from the official PlayStation website, transfer it to portable [[Computer storage|storage media]] and install it on the system.
* Some game discs come with [[system software]] updates on the disc. This may be due to the game requiring the update in order to run. If so, the software may be installed from the disc.

The original PlayStation 3 also included the ability to install other operating systems, such as [[Linux on the PlayStation 3|Linux]]. This was not included in the newer slim models and was removed from all older PlayStation 3 consoles with the release of firmware update 3.21 in April 2010. The functionality is now only available to users of original consoles who choose not to update their system software beyond version 3.15 or who have installed third-party, modified and unofficial versions of the firmware instead.

====Graphical user interface====
[[File:XMB of PS3.jpg|thumb|The XrossMediaBar (XMB) used on the PS3.]]

The standard PlayStation 3 version of the XrossMediaBar (pronounced [[Cross Media Bar]], or abbreviated XMB) includes nine categories of options. These are: ''Users'', ''Settings'', ''Photo'', ''Music'', ''Video'', ''TV/Video Services'', ''Game'', ''Network'', ''PlayStation Network'' and ''Friends'' (similar to the [[PlayStation Portable]] media bar). The''TV/Video Services'' category is for services like [[Netflix]] and/or if [[PlayTV]] or torne is installed; the first category in this section is "My Channels", which lets users download various streaming services, including Sony's own streaming services [[Crackle (company)|Crackle]] and [[PlayStation Vue]]. By default, the ''What's New'' section of ''PlayStation Network'' is displayed when the system starts up. PS3 includes the ability to store various master and secondary user profiles, manage and explore photos with or without a musical [[Slideshow|slide show]], play [[music]] and copy [[Red Book (audio CD standard)|audio CD]] tracks to an attached [[data storage device]], play movies and video files from the hard disk drive, an optical disc (Blu-ray Disc or DVD-Video) or an optional USB [[mass storage]] or Flash card, compatibility for a USB keyboard and mouse and a [[web browser]] supporting compatible-file download function. Additionally, [[Universal Plug and Play|UPnP]] media will appear in the respective audio/video/photo categories if a [[UPnP AV MediaServers|compatible media server]] or [[Digital Living Network Alliance|DLNA]] server is detected on the local network. The Friends menu allows mail with emoticon and attached picture features and [[Videoconferencing|video chat]] which requires an optional [[PlayStation Eye]] or [[EyeToy]] webcam. The Network menu allows [[online shop]]ping through the [[PlayStation Store]] and connectivity to PlayStation Portable via Remote Play.

===Digital rights management===
PlayStation 3 console protects certain types of data and uses digital rights management to limit the data's use. Purchased games and content from the PlayStation Network store are governed by PlayStation's Network Digital Rights Management (NDRM). The NDRM allows users to access the data from up to 2 different PlayStation 3's that have been activated using a user's PlayStation Network ID. PlayStation 3 also limits the transfer of copy protected videos downloaded from its store to other machines and states that copy protected video "may not restore correctly" following certain actions after making a backup such as downloading a new copy protected movie.

===Photo management===
;Photo Gallery
[[File:PhotoGalleryPS3.png|thumb|Photo Gallery main menu]]
Photo Gallery is an optional application to view, create and group photos from PS3, which is installed separately from the system software at 105&nbsp;MB. It was introduced in system software version 2.60 and provides a range of tools for sorting through and displaying the system's pictures. The key feature of this application is that it can organize photos into groups according to various criteria. Notable categorizations are colors, ages, or [[facial expression]]s of the people in the photos. Slideshows can be viewed with the application, along with music and playlists. The software was updated with the release of system software version 3.40 allowing users to upload and browse photos on [[Facebook]] and [[Picasa]].

;PlayMemories Studio
PlayMemories is an optional stereoscopic 3D (and also standard) photo viewing application, which is installed from the PlayStation Store at 956&nbsp;MB. The application is dedicated specifically to 3D photos and features the ability to zoom into 3D environments and change the angle and perspective of panoramas. It requires system software 3.40 or higher; 3D photos; a 3D HDTV, and an HDMI cable for the 3D images to be viewed properly.

===Video services===
;Video editor and uploader
A new application was released as part of system software version 3.40 which allows users to edit videos on PlayStation 3 and upload them to the Internet. The software features basic video editing tools including the ability to cut videos and add music and captions. Videos can then be rendered and uploaded to video sharing websites such as Facebook and YouTube.

;Video on demand
In addition to the video service provided by the [[Sony Entertainment Network]], the PlayStation 3 console has access to a variety of third party video services, dependent on region:

Since June 2009, [[VidZone]] has offered a free music video streaming service in Europe, Australia and New Zealand.<!-- http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=73133 VidZone comes to PLAYSTATION3 providing free music videos ANNOUNCEMENT LINK --> In October 2009, Sony Computer Entertainment and [[Netflix]] announced that the Netflix streaming service would also be available on PlayStation 3 in the United States. A paid Netflix subscription was required for the service. The service became available in November 2009. Initially users had to use a free Blu-ray disc to access the service; however, in October 2010 the requirement to use a disc to gain access was removed.

In April 2010, support for [[MLB.tv]] was added, allowing MLB.tv subscribers to watch regular season games live in HD and access new interactive features designed exclusively for PSN.

In November 2010, access to the video and social networking site [[Mubi (website)|MUBI]] was enabled for European, New Zealand, and Australian users; the service integrates elements of social networking with rental or subscription video streaming, allowing users to watch and discuss films with other users. Also in November 2010 the video rental service [[VUDU]], [[National Hockey League#Out-of-market sports packages|NHL GameCenter Live]], and subscription service [[Hulu Plus]] launched on PlayStation 3 in the United States.

In August 2011, Sony, in partnership with [[DirecTV]], added [[NFL Sunday Ticket]]. Then in October 2011, [[Best Buy]] launched an app for its [[CinemaNow]] service. In April 2012, [[Amazon.com]] launched an [[Amazon Video]] app, accessible to [[Amazon Prime]] subscribers (in the US).

Upon reviewing the PlayStation and Netflix collaboration, Pocket-Lint said "We've used the Netflix app on Xbox too and, as good as it is, we think the PS3 version might have the edge here." and stated that having Netflix and LoveFilm on PlayStation is "mind-blowingly good."

In July 2013, [[Yupptv|YuppTV]] OTT player launched its branded application on the PS3 computer entertainment system in the United States.

===OtherOS support===
PlayStation 3 initially shipped with the ability to install an alternative operating system alongside the main system software; [[Linux]] and other [[Unix]]-based operating systems were available. The hardware allowed access to six of the seven ''Synergistic Processing Elements'' of the [[Cell microprocessor]], but not the [[RSX 'Reality Synthesizer']] graphics chip.

The 'OtherOS' functionality was not present in the updated PS Slim models, and the feature was subsequently removed from previous versions of the PS3 as part of the machine's [[firmware]] update version 3.21 which was released on April 1, 2010; Sony cited security concerns as the rationale. The firmware update 3.21 was mandatory for access to the PlayStation Network. The removal caused some controversy; as the update removed officially advertised features from already sold products, and gave rise to several class action lawsuits aimed at making Sony return the feature or provide compensation.

On December 8, 2011, U.S. District Judge Richard Seeborg dismissed the last remaining count of the class action lawsuit (other claims in the suit had previously been dismissed), stating: "As a legal matter, [..] plaintiffs have failed to allege facts or articulate a theory on which Sony may be held liable."

{{As of|2014|01|df=US}} the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit partially reversed the dismissal and have sent the case back to the district court.

===Leap year bug===

On March 1, 2010 (UTC), many of the original "fat" PlayStation 3 models worldwide were experiencing errors related to their internal system clock. The error had many symptoms. Initially, the main problem seemed to be the inability to connect to the [[PlayStation Network]]. However, the root cause of the problem was unrelated to the PlayStation Network, since even users who had never been online also had problems playing installed offline games (which queried the system timer as part of startup) and using system themes. At the same time many users noted that the console's clock had gone back to December 31, 1999. The event was nicknamed the '''ApocalyPS3''', a play on the word ''[[wikt:apocalypse|apocalypse]]'' and PS3, the abbreviation for the PlayStation 3 console.

The [[error code]] displayed was typically 8001050F and affected users were unable to sign in, play games, use dynamic themes and view/sync trophies. The problem only resided within the 1st through to the 3rd generation original PS3 units while the newer "Slim" models were unaffected because of different internal hardware for the clock.

Sony confirmed that there was an error and stated that it was narrowing down the issue and were continuing to work to restore service. By March 2 (UTC), 2010, owners of original PS3 models could connect to PSN successfully and the clock no longer showed December 31, 1999. Sony stated that the affected models incorrectly identified 2010 as a [[leap year]], because of a bug in the [[Binary-coded decimal|BCD]] method of storing the date. However, for some users, the hardware's operating system clock (mainly updated from the internet and not associated with the internal clock) needed to be updated manually or by re-syncing it via the internet.

On June 29, 2010, [[Sony]] released [[PS3 system software]] update 3.40, which improved the functionality of the internal clock to properly account for leap years.

==Features==

===PlayStation Portable connectivity===
[[PlayStation Portable]] can connect with PlayStation 3 in many ways, including in-game connectivity. For example, ''[[Formula One Championship Edition]]'', a racing game, was shown at E3 2006 using a PSP as a real-time [[rear-view mirror]]. In addition, users are able to download original PlayStation format games from the PlayStation Store, transfer and play them on PSP as well as PS3 itself. It is also possible to use the [[Remote Play]] feature to play these and some PlayStation Network games, remotely on PSP over a network or internet connection.

Sony has also demonstrated PSP playing back video content from PlayStation 3 hard disk across an [[Mobile ad hoc network|ad hoc]] wireless network. This feature is referred to as Remote Play located under the browser icon on both PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. Remote play has since expanded to allow [[remote desktop software|remote access]] to PS3 via PSP from any [[wireless access point]] in the world.{{Clear}}

==PlayStation Network==
'''PlayStation Network''' is the unified online [[multiplayer gaming]] and digital media delivery service provided by [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] for PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable, announced during the 2006 PlayStation Business Briefing meeting in Tokyo. The service is always connected, free, and includes multiplayer support. The network enables online gaming, the PlayStation Store, PlayStation Home and other services. PlayStation Network uses real currency and [[PlayStation Network Card]]s as seen with the PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home.

===PlayStation Plus===
'''PlayStation Plus''' (commonly abbreviated ''PS+'' and occasionally referred to as ''PSN Plus'') is a premium PlayStation Network subscription service that was officially unveiled at [[E3 2010]] by Jack Tretton, President and CEO of SCEA. Rumors of such service had been in speculation since Kaz Hirai's announcement at TGS 2009 of a possible paid service for PSN but with the current PSN service still available. Launched alongside PS3 firmware 3.40 and PSP firmware 6.30 on June 29, 2010, the paid-for subscription service provides users with enhanced services on the PlayStation Network, on top of the current PSN service which is still available with all of its features. These enhancements include the ability to have demos and game updates download automatically to PlayStation 3. Subscribers also get early or exclusive access to some [[betaware|betas]], game demos, premium downloadable content and other PlayStation Store items. North American users also get a free subscription to [[Qore (PlayStation Network)|Qore]]. Users may choose to purchase either a one-year or a three-month subscription to PlayStation Plus.{{Clear}}

===PlayStation Store===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:PlayStationStore-Screenshot.png|thumb|The European PlayStation Store on the PlayStation 3.]] -->
The '''PlayStation Store''' is an online virtual market available to users of [[Sony Computer Entertainment|Sony]]'s PlayStation 3 (PS3) and [[PlayStation Portable]] (PSP) [[Video game console|game consoles]] via the [[PlayStation Network]]. The Store offers a range of [[downloadable content]] both for purchase and available free of charge. Available content includes full games, add-on content, [[Game demo|playable demos]], [[Theme (computing)|themes]] and game and movie [[Trailer (film)|trailers]]. The service is accessible through an icon on the [[XrossMediaBar|XMB]] on PS3 and PSP. The PS3 store can also be accessed on PSP via a [[Remote Play]] connection to PS3. The PSP store is also available via the PC application, [[Media Go]]. {{As of|2009|9|24|df=US}}, there have been over 600 million downloads from the PlayStation Store worldwide.

The PlayStation Store is updated with new content each Tuesday in North America, and each Wednesday in [[PAL]] regions. In May 2010 this was changed from Thursdays to allow PSP games to be released digitally, closer to the time they are released on [[Universal Media Disc|UMD]].{{Clear}}

===What's New===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Whats-new.png|thumb|The ''What's New'' screen]] -->
What's New was announced at Gamescom 2009 and was released on September 1, 2009, with PlayStation 3 system software 3.0. The feature was to replace the existing [Information Board], which displayed news from the PlayStation website associated with the user's region. The concept was developed further into a major PlayStation Network feature, which interacts with the [Status Indicator] to display a ticker of all content, excluding recently played content (currently in North America and Japan only).

The system displays the What's New screen by default instead of the [Games] menu (or [Video] menu, if a movie was inserted) when starting up. What's New has four sections: "Our Pick", "Recently Played", latest information and new content available in PlayStation Store. There are four kinds of content the What's New screen displays and links to, on the sections. "Recently Played" displays the user's recently played games and online services only, whereas, the other sections can contain website links, links to play videos and access to selected sections of the PlayStation Store.

The PlayStation Store icons in the [Game] and [Video] section act similarly to the What's New screen, except that they only display and link to games and videos in the PlayStation Store, respectively.{{Clear}}

===PlayStation Home===
PlayStation Home was a virtual 3D [[social networking]] service for the PlayStation Network. Home allowed users to create a custom [[avatar (computing)|avatar]], which could be groomed realistically. Users could edit and decorate their personal apartments, avatars, or club houses with free, premium, or won content. Users could shop for new items or win prizes from PS3 games, or Home activities. Users could interact and connect with friends and customize content in a [[virtual world]]. Home also acted as a meeting place for users that wanted to play [[multiplayer game]]s with others.

A closed beta began in Europe from May 2007 and expanded to other territories soon after. Home was delayed and expanded several times before initially releasing. The Open [[Development stage|Beta test]] was started on December 11, 2008. It remained as a [[perpetual beta]] until its closure on March 31, 2015. Home was available directly from the PlayStation 3 [[XrossMediaBar#PlayStation 3 XMB|XrossMediaBar]]. Membership was free, but required a PSN account.

Home featured places to meet and interact, dedicated game spaces, developer spaces, company spaces, and events. The service underwent a weekly maintenance and frequent updates. At the time of its closure in March 2015, Home had been downloaded by 41 million users. {{Clear}}

===Life with PlayStation===
[[File:LifeWithPlayStation Weather.jpg|thumb|The ''Life with PlayStation'' application showing weather forecasts and news headlines for [[New York City]]. Screenshot taken at approximately 8pm [[pacific standard time|PST]].]]
Life with PlayStation, released on September 18, 2008 to succeed [[Folding@home#PlayStation 3|Folding@home]], was retired November 6, 2012. ''Life with PlayStation'' used [[virtual globe]] data to display news and information by city. Along with Folding@home functionality, the application provided access to three other information "channels", the first being the ''Live Channel'' offering news headlines and weather which were provided by [[Google News]], [[The Weather Channel]], the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison]] Space Science and Engineering Center, among other sources. The second channel was the [[World Heritage]] channel which offered historical information about historical sites. The third channel was the United Village channel. United Village was designed to share information about communities and cultures worldwide. An update allowed video and photo viewing in the application. The fourth channel was the U.S. exclusive PlayStation Network Game Trailers Channel for direct streaming of game trailers.

===Outage===
On April 20, 2011, Sony shut down the PlayStation Network and Qriocity for a prolonged interval, revealing on April 23 that this was due to "an external intrusion on our system". Sony later revealed that the [[personally identifiable information|personal information]] of 77 million users might have been taken, including: names; addresses; countries; email addresses; birthdates; PSN/Qriocity logins, passwords and handles/PSN online IDs. It also stated that it was possible that users' profile data, including purchase history and billing address, and PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained. There was no evidence that any credit card data had been taken, but the possibility could not be ruled out, and Sony advised customers that their credit card data may have been obtained. Additionally, the credit card numbers were encrypted and Sony never collected the three digit CVC or CSC number from the back of the credit cards which is required for authenticating some transactions. In response to the incident, Sony announced a "Welcome Back" program, 30 days free membership of PlayStation Plus for all PSN members, two free downloadable PS3 games, and a free one-year enrollment in an identity theft protection program.

==Sales and production costs==

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{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; margin:0 0 0.5em 1em;"
|-
! Region !! [[List of million-selling game consoles|units sold]] !! First available
|-
| Canada
| "about 1.5 million" <small>{{as of|lc=on|df=US|2010|10|06}}</small>
| November 17, 2006
|-
| Europe<br /><small>(Includes UK and other PAL regions)</small>
| 30 million <small>{{as of|lc=on|df=US|2012|12|19}}</small>
| March 23, 2007
|-
| Japan
| 6,341,950 <small>{{as of|lc=on|df=US|2011|4|1}}</small>
| November 11, 2006
|-
| United Kingdom
| 5 million <small>{{as of|lc=on|df=US|2012|10|11}}</small>
| March 23, 2007
|-
| United States
| 13.5 million <small>{{as of|df=US|lc=on|2010|11|11}}</small>
| November 17, 2006
|-
| Worldwide
| 80 million <small>({{as of|df=US|lc=on|2013|11|2}})</small>
| November 11, 2006 <div class="noprint">([[PlayStation 3 launch#Release data and pricing|details]])</div>
|}
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IF THE ADDED-UP TOTAL SALES IN THE THREE MAIN DISTRIBUTION REGIONS IS HIGHER THAN SONY'S END OF
FISCAL YEAR TOTAL, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT SONY'S TOTAL IS USUALLY OUT OF DATE.

IF SONY'S TOTAL REPORTED GLOBAL SALES IS HIGHER THAN THE ADDED-UP TOTAL SALES IN THE THREE MAIN
DISTRIBUTION REGIONS, PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT NORTH AMERICA, EUROPE, JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA ARE NOT THE ENTIRE WORLD-->

Although its PlayStation predecessors had been very dominant against the competition and were hugely profitable for Sony, PlayStation 3 had an inauspicious start, and Sony chairman and CEO [[Howard Stringer|Sir Howard Stringer]] initially could not convince investors of a turnaround in its fortunes. The PS3 lacked the unique gameplay of the more affordable [[Wii]] which became that generation's most successful console in terms of units sold. Furthermore, PS3 had to compete directly with [[Xbox 360]] which had a market head start, and as a result the platform no longer had exclusive titles that the PS2 enjoyed such as the ''[[Grand Theft Auto]]'' and ''[[Final Fantasy]]'' series (regarding cross-platform games, Xbox 360 versions were generally considered superior in 2006, although by 2008 the PS3 versions had reached parity or surpassed), and it took longer than expected for PS3 to enjoy strong sales and close the gap with Xbox 360. Sony also continued to lose money on each PS3 sold through 2010, although the redesigned "slim" PS3 has cut these losses since then.

PlayStation 3's initial production cost is estimated by iSuppli to have been [[United States dollar|US$]]805.85 for the 20&nbsp;GB model and US$840.35 for the 60&nbsp;GB model. However, they were priced at US$499 and US$599 respectively, meaning that units may have been sold at an estimated loss of $306 or $241 depending on model, if the cost estimates were correct, and thus may have contributed to Sony's games division posting an operating loss of ¥232.3 billion (US$1.97 billion) in the [[fiscal year]] ending March 2007. In April 2007, soon after these results were published, [[Ken Kutaragi]], President of Sony Computer Entertainment, announced plans to retire. Various [[news agency|news agencies]], including ''[[The Times]]'' and ''[[The Wall Street Journal]]'' reported that this was due to poor sales, while [[SCEI]] maintains that Kutaragi had been planning his retirement for six months prior to the announcement.

In January 2008, [[Kaz Hirai]], [[chief executive officer|CEO]] of Sony Computer Entertainment, suggested that the console may start making a profit by early 2009, stating that, "the next fiscal year starts in April and if we can try to achieve that in the next fiscal year that would be a great thing" and that "[profitability] is not a definite commitment, but that is what I would like to try to shoot for". However, market analysts [[Nikko Citigroup]] have predicted that PlayStation 3 could be profitable by August 2008. In a July 2008 interview, Hirai stated that his objective is for PlayStation 3 to sell 150 million units by its ninth year, surpassing PlayStation 2's sales of 140 million in its nine years on the market. In January 2009 Sony announced that their gaming division was profitable in Q3 2008.

Since the system's launch, production costs have been reduced significantly as a result of phasing out the [[Emotion Engine]] chip and falling hardware costs. The cost of manufacturing [[Cell microprocessor]]s has fallen dramatically as a result of moving to the [[65 nanometer|65&nbsp;nm]] production process, and Blu-ray Disc [[diode]]s have become cheaper to manufacture. As of January 2008, each unit cost around $400 to manufacture; by August 2009, Sony had reduced costs by a total of 70%, meaning it only costs Sony around $240 per unit.{{Clear}}

==Critical reception==
Early PlayStation 3 reviews after launch were critical of its high price and lack of quality games. Game developers regarded the architecture as difficult to program for. PS3 was, however, commended for its hardware including its Blu-ray home theater capabilities and graphics potential.

Critical and commercial reception to PS3 improved over time, after a series of price revisions, Blu-ray's victory over [[HD DVD]], and the release of several well received titles. ''[[Ars Technica]]''{{'}}s original launch review gave PS3 only a 6/10, but second review of the console in June 2008 rated it a 9/10. In September 2009, IGN named PlayStation&nbsp;3 the 15th best gaming console of all time, behind both of its competitors: Wii (10th) and Xbox 360 (6th). However, PS3 has won IGN's "Console Showdown"—based on which console offers the best selection of games released during each year—in three of the four years since it began (2008, 2009 and 2011, with Xbox winning in 2010). [[IGN]] judged PlayStation 3 to have the best game line-up of 2008, based on their review scores in comparison to those of Wii and Xbox 360. In a comparison piece by ''[[PC Magazine]]''{{'}}s Will Greenwald in June 2012, PS3 was selected as an overall better console compared to Xbox 360.
Pocket-lint said of the console "The PS3 has always been a brilliant games console," and that "For now, this is just about the best media device for the money."

===Original model===
PS3 was given the number-eight spot on ''[[PC World (magazine)|PC World]]'' magazine's list of "The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006", where it was criticized for being "Late, Expensive and Incompatible". [[GamesRadar]] ranked PS3 as the top item in a feature on game-related [[Public relations|PR]] disasters, asking how Sony managed to "take one of the most anticipated game systems of all time and&nbsp;— within the space of a year&nbsp;— turn it into a hate object reviled by the entire internet", but added that despite its problems the system has "untapped potential". ''[[Business Week]]'' summed up the general opinion by stating that it was "more impressed with what the PlayStation 3 could do than with what it currently does".

Developers also found the machine difficult to program for. In 2007, [[Gabe Newell]] of [[Valve Corporation|Valve]] said "The PS3 is a total disaster on so many levels, I think it's really clear that Sony lost track of what customers and what developers wanted". He continued "I'd say, even at this late date, they should just cancel it and do a do over. Just say, 'This was a horrible disaster and we're sorry and we're going to stop selling this and stop trying to convince people to develop for it'". Doug Lombardi VP of Marketing for Valve has since stated that Valve is interested in developing for the console and is looking to hire talented PS3 programmers for future projects. He later restated Valve's position, "Until we have the ability to get a PS3 team together, until we find the people who want to come to Valve or who are at Valve who want to work on that, I don't really see us moving to that platform". At Sony's [[Electronic Entertainment Expo 2010|E3 2010]] press conference, Newell made a live appearance to recant his previous statements, citing Sony's move to make the system more developer friendly, and to announce that Valve would be developing ''[[Portal 2]]'' for the system. He also claimed that the inclusion of Steamworks (Valve's system to automatically update their software independently) would help to make the PS3 version of ''Portal 2'' the best console version on the market.

[[Activision Blizzard]] CEO [[Bobby Kotick]] has criticized PS3's high development costs and inferior [[attach rate]] and return to that of [[Xbox 360]] and [[Wii]]. He believes these factors are pushing developers away from working on the console. In an interview with ''[[The Times]]'' Kotick stated "I'm getting concerned about Sony; the PlayStation 3 is losing a bit of momentum and they don't make it easy for me to support the platform." He continued, "It's expensive to develop for the console, and the Wii and the Xbox are just selling better. Games generate a better [[return on invested capital]] (ROIC) on the Xbox than on the PlayStation." Kotick also claimed that Activision Blizzard may stop supporting the system if the situation is not addressed. "[Sony has] to cut the [PS3's retail] price, because if they don't, the attach rates are likely to slow. If we are being realistic, we might have to stop supporting Sony." Kotick received heavy criticism for the statement, notably from developer [[BioWare]] who questioned the wisdom of the threatened move, and referred to the statement as "silly."

Despite the initial negative press, several websites have given the system very good reviews mostly regarding its hardware. [[CNET]] United Kingdom praised the system saying, "the PS3 is a versatile and impressive piece of home-entertainment equipment that lives up to the hype [...] the PS3 is well worth its hefty price tag." CNET awarded it a score of 8.8 out of 10 and voted it as its number one "must-have" gadget, praising its robust graphical capabilities and stylish exterior design while criticizing its limited selection of available games. In addition, both ''Home Theater Magazine'' and ''Ultimate AV'' have given the system's Blu-ray playback very favorable reviews, stating that the quality of playback exceeds that of many current standalone Blu-ray Disc players.

In an interview, [[Kazuo Hirai]], [[chairman]] of [[Sony Computer Entertainment]] argued for the choice of a complex architecture. [[Hexus|Hexus Gaming]] reviewed the PAL version and summed the review up by saying, "as the PlayStation 3 matures and developers start really pushing it, we'll see the PlayStation 3 emerge as the console of choice for gaming." At [[Game Developers Conference|GDC]] 2007, [[Shiny Entertainment]] founder [[David Perry (game developer)|Dave Perry]] stated, "I think that Sony has made the best machine. It's the best piece of hardware, without question".

===Slim model and rebranding===
The PlayStation 3 Slim received extremely positive reviews as well as a boost in sales; less than 24 hours after its announcement, PS3 Slim took the number-one bestseller spot on Amazon.com in the video games section for fifteen consecutive days. It regained the number-one position again one day later. PS3 Slim also received praise from PC World giving it a 90 out of 100 praising its new repackaging and the new value it brings at a lower price as well as praising its quietness and the reduction in its power consumption. This is in stark contrast to the original PS3's launch in which it was given position number-eight on their "The Top 21 Tech Screwups of 2006" list.

CNET awarded PS3 Slim four out of five stars praising its Blu-ray capabilities, 120&nbsp;GB hard drive, free online gaming service and more affordable pricing point, but complained about the lack of backward compatibility for PlayStation 2 games. TechRadar gave PS3 Slim four and a half stars out of five praising its new smaller size and summed up its review stating "Over all, the PS3 Slim is a phenomenal piece of kit. It's amazing that something so small can do so much". However, they criticized the exterior design and the build quality in relation to the original model.

Eurogamer called it "a product where the cost-cutting has – by and large – been tastefully done" and said "It's nothing short of a massive win for Sony."

===Super Slim model===
The Super Slim model of PS3 has received positive reviews. Gaming website ''Spong'' praised the new Super Slim's quietness, stating "The most noticeable noise comes when the drive seeks a new area of the disc, such as when starting to load a game, and this occurs infrequently." They added that the fans are quieter than that of Slim, and went on to praise the new smaller, lighter size.
Criticism was placed on the new disc loader, stating: "The cover can be moved by hand if you wish, there's also an eject button to do the work for you, but there is no software eject from the triangle button menus in the Xross Media Bar (XMB) interface. In addition, you have to close the cover by hand, which can be a bit fiddly if it's upright, and the PS3 won't start reading a disc unless you do [close the cover]." They also said there is no real drop in retail price.

Tech media website [[CNET]] gave new Super Slim 4 out of 5 stars ("Excellent"), saying "The Super Slim PlayStation 3 shrinks a powerful gaming machine into an even tinier package while maintaining the same features as its predecessors: a great gaming library and a strong array of streaming services [...]", whilst also criticising the "cheap" design and disc-loader, stating: "Sometimes [the cover] doesn't catch and you feel like you're using one of those old credit card imprinter machines. In short, it feels cheap. You don't realize how convenient autoloading disc trays are until they're gone. Whether it was to cut costs or save space, this move is ultimately a step back." The criticism also was due to price, stating the cheapest Super Slim model was still more expensive than the cheapest Slim model, and that the smaller size and bigger hard drive shouldn't be considered an upgrade when the hard drive on a Slim model is easily removed and replaced. They did praise that the hard drive of the Super Slim model is "the easiest yet. Simply sliding off the side panel reveals the drive bay, which can quickly be unscrewed." They also stated that whilst the Super Slim model is not in any way an upgrade, it could be an indicator as to what's to come. "It may not be revolutionary, but the Super Slim PS3 is the same impressive machine in a much smaller package. There doesn't seem to be any reason for existing PS3 owners to upgrade, but for the prospective PS3 buyer, the Super Slim is probably the way to go if you can deal with not having a slot-loading disc drive."

Pocket-Lint gave Super Slim a very positive review saying "It's much more affordable, brilliant gaming, second-to-none video and media player." They think it is "A blinding good console and one that will serve you for years to come with second-hand games and even new releases. Without doubt, if you don't have a PS3, this is the time to buy." They gave Super Slim 4 and a half stars out of 5.

Technology magazine ''[[T3 (magazine)|T3]]'' gave the Super Slim model a positive review, stating the console is almost "nostalgic" in the design similarities to the original "fat" model, "While we don't know whether it will play PS3 games or Blu-ray discs any differently yet, the look and feel of the new PS3 Slim is an obvious homage to the original PS3, minus the considerable excess weight. Immediately we would be concerned about the durability of the top loading tray that feels like it could be yanked straight out off the console, but ultimately it all feels like Sony's nostalgic way of signing off the current generation console in anticipation for the PS4."