Is It Worth Buying a PS3 in 2025?

[derhoppelhase]

Hey,
I'm thinking about getting a PS3 and modding it. Is it still worth it, or is emulation the better option at this point?

My Thoughts:
A modded PS3 runs games on original hardware without emulation issues.
Access to the full PS3 library + PS1 and PS2 backward compatibility (depending on the model).
Aging hardware—risk of failure (e.g., YLOD).
PS3 emulation (RPCS3) has improved significantly and runs many games well on a powerful PC.

If getting a PS3, which model is best?
I've heard early fat models are prone to YLOD, while later Slim or Super Slim models are more reliable. Which one would be the best choice in 2025 for modding and long-term use?
Would you still buy a PS3, or is emulation the way to go?

 

[bjork]

I don't know about emulation on it or whatever, but the original 60gb fat had the most features and all of the backwards compatibility. I think even in the original 40gb, that wasn't the case but I'm not 100% on that.

 

[Jotaro]

things are simple, if you have a strong pc with the right specs, by using rpcs3, you can pretty much emulate almost every ps3 game, upscaled and better than the og versions, for sure

now, if you dont have a strong pc, and you have the right amount of $ to get a ps3, get it, because ps3 and x360, still the peak gen of gaming

as for models now

a fat ps3 with 4 usb ports usually plays ps2 games as well so you'd basically have 3 consoles in one add the dvd and blu ray to it got yourself a serious piece of hardware, CECHA - The original launch model. Notable for having full hardware-based backwards compatibility (BC) with PS2 games. It doesn't use emulation for PS2 games - it actually has the PS2 EE and GS chips on board, so its compatibility is great. Original HDD size is 60GB but main drawback is the GPU it uses - the 90nm RSX is notoriously unreliable and these consoles (like all consoles that use 90nm) break quickly if not carefully maintained.

 

[jervalnez]

If you manage to find a PS3 (Slim would be the best choice) in good condition, go ahead and buy it. RPCS3 is okay with some games, and has made some recent improvements, but either you don't find a game you wanted to play with good compatibility (meaning a lot of glitches while playing, or worse, it can't be run), or you need an expensive PC just to play a handful of games in a decent resolution.

 

[MemeAlert]

things are simple, if you have a strong pc with the right specs, by using rpcs3, you can pretty much emulate almost every ps3 game, upscaled and better than the og versions, for sure

now, if you dont have a strong pc, and you have the right amount of $ to get a ps3, get it, because ps3 and x360, still the peak gen of gaming

as for models now

a fat ps3 with 4 usb ports usually plays ps2 games as well so you'd basically have 3 consoles in one add the dvd and blu ray to it got yourself a serious piece of hardware, CECHA - The original launch model. Notable for having full hardware-based backwards compatibility (BC) with PS2 games. It doesn't use emulation for PS2 games - it actually has the PS2 EE and GS chips on board, so its compatibility is great. Original HDD size is 60GB but main drawback is the GPU it uses - the 90nm RSX is notoriously unreliable and these consoles (like all consoles that use 90nm) break quickly if not carefully maintained.

Not everyone can afford a super computer, why even suggest something like that especially when they asked for a game console?

 

[derhoppelhase]

things are simple, if you have a strong pc with the right specs, by using rpcs3, you can pretty much emulate almost every ps3 game, upscaled and better than the og versions, for sure

now, if you dont have a strong pc, and you have the right amount of $ to get a ps3, get it, because ps3 and x360, still the peak gen of gaming

as for models now

a fat ps3 with 4 usb ports usually plays ps2 games as well so you'd basically have 3 consoles in one add the dvd and blu ray to it got yourself a serious piece of hardware, CECHA - The original launch model. Notable for having full hardware-based backwards compatibility (BC) with PS2 games. It doesn't use emulation for PS2 games - it actually has the PS2 EE and GS chips on board, so its compatibility is great. Original HDD size is 60GB but main drawback is the GPU it uses - the 90nm RSX is notoriously unreliable and these consoles (like all consoles that use 90nm) break quickly if not carefully maintained.

About the fat PS3 models—are they really that fragile? Do they just fail suddenly, or is it more of a slow decline? Also, how often does a PS3 need maintenance to stay in good shape?

Regarding the 90nm RSX, is it doomed to fail no matter what, or is it mainly an overheating issue? If properly repasted and kept cool, can it last long-term, or will it eventually die anyway?

 

[Jotaro]

About the fat PS3 models—are they really that fragile? Do they just fail suddenly, or is it more of a slow decline? Also, how often does a PS3 need maintenance to stay in good shape?

Regarding the 90nm RSX, is it doomed to fail no matter what, or is it mainly an overheating issue? If properly repasted and kept cool, can it last long-term, or will it eventually die anyway?

you can jailbreak it with CFW to keep an eye on the system temps and manually control your fan speed to keep the CPU and GPU within acceptable temperature ranges.

The PS2 compatible models are susceptible to GPU failures because they use the 90nm chips rather than the 78 or 40nm used on later fats and the slim models that eliminated the problem. You can get the 90 swapped out for either of the other two which is known as a Frankenstein mod which can be costly but will give your PS3 the best chance to survive for a long time, plus
Furniture pads to keep it elevated for more airflow, use webman mod to control the fan and keep it as cool as it needs to be, dust is the biggest enemy and as for being fragile, it depends, on how it hits the floor, lol

tldr:
Make sure it stays clean free of dust, repasting it occasionally. If you find someone willing to do it on a non-BC model like this, delidding it is also an option to help it last longer.

Keep it in a well ventilated area and install webMAN to control the fan speed. DO NOT cut a hole in the bottom of it, that ruins the entire thermal design of the console.

 

[Num]

Not everyone can afford a super computer, why even suggest something like that especially when they asked for a game console?

he just stating that theres still better options answering the question if emulation is better. i personally dont agree fully as @jervalnez says there are still games with compatibility issues regardless if youre running it on a nasa computer. but you cant deny the limitation of running games at a low framerate and such that can make people prefer emulation specific cases. i feel there is no "one or the other" case in this state and its just nice to have both whenever possible

 

[Enian]

I never owned a PS3, went from PS2 over to Xbox. Therefore I won't be able to answer your questions from experience for the PS3 specifically, but I do own other consoles, many of which I can emulate perfectly fine. For my PS2 games, I do exactly that, while the actual console collects dusts. This has no other reason than convenience. Getting ISOs on the PS2 is a hassle, just playing them on the PC, with a modern gamepad, is not. My PSP however is in constant use, because it's as simple as dragging the games on to the device as if it were a USB stick and because it's a really good handheld.

The question I would be asking myself is, whether you'll be using the console consistenly or just until the novelty factor wears off.

 

[maddogmcclure]

I still play my super slim a ton, leave my launch phat just for ps2 games (though, the RT4K has kind of retired it), and I have a hacked slim I use for games that are too damn expensive

So, if you can afford it, I think it's worth it. Most of the games are pretty inexpensive if you're looking to pick up physical media, too

 

[Krazy Kat]

Hey,
I'm thinking about getting a PS3 and modding it. Is it still worth it, or is emulation the better option at this point?

My Thoughts:
A modded PS3 runs games on original hardware without emulation issues.
Access to the full PS3 library + PS1 and PS2 backward compatibility (depending on the model).
Aging hardware—risk of failure (e.g., YLOD).
PS3 emulation (RPCS3) has improved significantly and runs many games well on a powerful PC.

If getting a PS3, which model is best?
I've heard early fat models are prone to YLOD, while later Slim or Super Slim models are more reliable. Which one would be the best choice in 2025 for modding and long-term use?
Would you still buy a PS3, or is emulation the way to go?

aim for type slim cech 25xx, after you bought it don't forget to change the thermal paste. use high quality one e.g Gelid GC Extreme, thermal grizzy kyronaut extreme or Arctic MX-6
don't use liquid metal it can destroy the heatsink on ps3

WHY SLIM CECH 25xx is better this is why
- you don't need to re-activated hen everytime you turn on the ps3
- Dynamic Fan Setting on webman mod
- Can play almost ALL Game while in hen slim 3000 or superslim you can't there's a game that required full CFW
- Able to play PS1, PS2, PSP or even Retroarch
- Wide selection of Homebrew App or games

Cons
- You can't play it on-line, the risk of getting console ban is very high

The question I would be asking myself is, whether you'll be using the console consistenly or just until the novelty factor wears off.

the sensation playing game on og hardware bruh, you can't get the sensation by playing it on high specs pc there also emulator limitation, it can't 100% emulate console game library

 

[AnonymousCookieMonster]

the original 60gb fat had the most features and all of the backwards compatibility.

That's because it included the PS2 and PS1 hardware integrated, much like how the PS2 integrated the PS1 as well. One reason the price was so bloated.

At least Sega had the idea of using the older SMS hardware to handle sound in the Genesis/Megadrive, then switched to the old CPU for when appropriate cartridges were put in, making great backwards compatibility without wasting money or space.

 

[ouyrtuy]

I own a jailbroken super slim model. It's 100% worth it since I can get all the ps3 exclusives I want to play. However, I read that the ps1 and ps2 emulation isn't always good.

 

[Leifang]

I own a jailbroken super slim model. It's 100% worth it since I can get all the ps3 exclusives I want to play. However, I read that the ps1 and ps2 emulation isn't always good.

On my PS3 slim, PS1 emulation has no issues, and PS2 plays fine in native res except SoulCalibur3 that is slow. IIRC Gran Turismo 4 is also poorly emulated. It's the same issue when PS2 could play almost everything from PSX except GT2.

One cool thing in addition to PS1-3 libraries, there's some stuff you can install that's I think from PSN, I mean some generic stuff all other consoles get (arcade ports of Crazy Taxi, Daytona USA, Mortal Kombat Trilogy etc.) but also some exclusive things like Tekken Tag Tournament HD and Dark Resurrection Online. There's also a HD version of SoulCalibur 2.

 

[Waffles's iconWaffles]

The simple answer is YES! And it'll still be worth buying in 2125.

It's just crazy how much you can do with it after modding it.

 

[Retroviews]

Nowadays, I don’t really care about playing on consoles anymore. But back when I had mine, I always thought it was a great deal.

The game library is huge and super diverse. I get the feeling that since development costs were different back then, way more AAA games were released. A lot of them have aged really well and are still amazing to play. Plus, over the years, tons of compilations and remasters of classic games have come out.

You can emulate multiple consoles through RetroArch, a bunch of arcade games via FinalBurn Neo, and the PS1 Classics Emulator has pretty solid compatibility. My only advice? Keep your expectations low when it comes to emulating PS2 and PSP games—compatibility is pretty limited.

 

[Egg (McMuffin) Man]

if you have a strong pc with the right specs, by using rpcs3, you can pretty much emulate almost every ps3 game, upscaled and better than the og versions, for sure

How is conpatability these days? There's a handful of games I wanted to try but when I checked comparability lists it seems like they weren't playable. I'm mostly just interested in trying 3D Dot Heroes, and Sonic 06 (I know it's supposed to be bad but I've never played it).

Specs are Ryzen 7800x3D and Nvidia 4070ti Super

 

[Sumea]

Hey,
I'm thinking about getting a PS3 and modding it. Is it still worth it, or is emulation the better option at this point?

My Thoughts:
A modded PS3 runs games on original hardware without emulation issues.
Access to the full PS3 library + PS1 and PS2 backward compatibility (depending on the model).
Aging hardware—risk of failure (e.g., YLOD).
PS3 emulation (RPCS3) has improved significantly and runs many games well on a powerful PC.

If getting a PS3, which model is best?
I've heard early fat models are prone to YLOD, while later Slim or Super Slim models are more reliable. Which one would be the best choice in 2025 for modding and long-term use?
Would you still buy a PS3, or is emulation the way to go?

I would say yes. I have two SLIM consoles, 3000 that has served be since 2011 or 2012, and a 2000 slim a friend found for me, cheap too, that is one of the better CFW models. My PC despite giving it a go after each upgrade I made is not to me good enough to emulate PS3, or the experience is not good enough to me.

First, I would definitely recommend to not aim for any of the fat models. "Fully PS2 hardware compatible" as they may be, the hardware is prone to YLOD and if not that, overheating and needing risky moves or overcompensation from the lift-off fan to combat, not to mention big bulky and PS2 you can emulate better on PC with less input lag or just get a PS2 for. PS1 is great even if emulated no matter the model.

I would personally recommend getting a 2000, 2100 or 2500 slim. CFW compatible 2500 slims are hard to discern as some revisions are, others are not, and best agreed way to be sure is to have the system and run a fake update package that tells you yes or no, but would be best. CFW models are most powerful when it comes to array of features, Cobra, more system file modification support, ready to go from the boot, less hassle when dealing with PS1, PS2, PSP etc. games.
HFW/HEN is not bad either though. It just about does everything you would want it to do when it comes to PS3 or other official software you can get by setting up and using PKGi. I have only tried HFW/HEN setup for a moment on my 3000 slim, but given I got a separate 2000 model and equipped both with 1tb hard drives. I just know that HFW/HEN user should be careful to not follow older guides made for CFW as some things mess up a HFW/HEN system majorly.

Some of my random musings about PS3:
Maximum internal HDD size for PS3 is 1tb. Also, because mandatory installations were quite common on PS3, getting a disc dump, putting it on your internal HDD and playing it can boost the HDD space it takes up to 200%. CFW PS3 can use external HDD's even exfat/ntfs ones to play games from, afaik HFW/HEN cannot. This is why generally setting up PKGi and using PSN versions of games whenever available is best. You can also boost usable space on PS3 running either CFW/HFW+HEN with this tool.

PS3 is still excellent Blu-Ray and DVD player. Especially if you find one of it's official bluetooth remotes. Blu-Ray quality versus PS4 for example is nominal to very niche content, but DVD scaling on other hand is still one of the best. This is not to mention how it can also store music and video media straight in the console and play from the XMB. Even surround music if you put your crazy into it. Modded PS3's can playback H264 movies with all MKV niceness of subs and multiple audio track with M7, formerly known as Movian.


If you have any questions shoot them at me. At this point living with modded PS3's for 5+ years I would like to think I can answer or at least point to right direction.

TL;DR: 2000, 2100 or confirmed CFW compatible 2500 are the best. Do not care about the PS2 stuff as software emulation is "compatible enough" for most people and the hardware reliability and heat output are much better. Also in most cases upgrade your HDD right away in the PS3 but not larger than 1tb. I do not personally think there is any point to using a SSD on a PS3.

 

[Prism_Red]

Without considering emus, count how many games you want to play that's only available on PS3.
If the answer is many, yes. If just a few, no.

 

[Sumea]

Without considering emus, count how many games you want to play that's only available on PS3.
If the answer is many, yes. If just a few, no.

Well, yes but PS3 can have depending on person usecases, it doubles as semi decent music and movie center even today, as long as you discount 4K and better but computationally more complex HEVC and AV1 videos from your use. It can be a decent TV dedicated retroarch setup, though, if options exist; weaker than standalone PC or modified Switch working as one. You could count in some dual plats that came out for both xbox 369 and PS3 but not on PC or were a terrible time on PC, or are today. Not to discount the possibility OP does not have a decent PC for gaming which is far more common than we who are better off don't think about.

But yeah, main ez mode assessment is that. Is there few interesting or fewer super interesting titles on the system and are the prices right around where you live (Used Slims have gone for 40-60€ around these parts)

 

[Kid Dynamite]

Absolutely! Many great games and I think depending on what version you get there is full backwards compatibility.

 

[Sumea]

Absolutely! Many great games and I think depending on what version you get there is full backwards compatibility.

At this point the full backwards compatible models are worse choices. All Fat models have paste that degraded too much over the years, making the CPU run very hot, making it easier to end up into other issues that end up in a dead console. Hot, big, loud and eventually dead is not much fun compared to a slim that will likely have a satisfying compatibility with PS2 even if not a "perfect" one, with hardware that is way more likely to live for years to come. Heck do not need to be THAT mindful of the model you are aiming at as long as CFW features (Experimenting with linux?) aren't that crucial to you.

Edit: To be clear; the bad paste I talk about is also not easily replaced, as there is pretty bad paste between the CPU die and the integrated heat spreader, as is done with some CPU's. The only way to replace the past is by delidding the main CPU in fat PS3 and replacing the CPU paste there, that still does not guarantee that any of the common yellow light of death do not hit the unit. This is why alternative is to just put the fat PS3's into airplane mode and not the kind that turns off your wireless communication protocols.

 

[Zerpina]

I have a JB CECHH01 model, Phat 2 usb up front. it's been pretty reliable so far.
Tho to be fair, i have a mini pc i use for ps3 emulation, and Batocera dedicated pc, Which will run ps3 just fine. <those are prone to YLOD if you don't keep them cooled, i replace the stock fan with a more powerful Fan>

But if you are going for full on Jailbreaking it. and have more than a Handful of games you want to play, Do a little research on the best with Backward compatibility. PS3's really aren't hard to JB.

Even the permanent JB isn't hard to do.

Tho when you get one, Replace the spinny-boy hdd with a Good SSD.
And a fairly large one, as ps3 games when installed <which alot of games require on actually ps3's> will EAT the SSD Space.

Overall yeah get one if you want to play <almost> every ps3 game with no issue <ps1/2 won't be a issue, with it's jailbroke>

hell as i recall you can even get psp games running on ps3 as of late <when i stopped useing my ps3, it was just getting started>

So yeah absolutely get a PS3, JB it and have fun.

 

[Pocky]

I think it's worth it if you are playing games that are indefinitely stuck on PS3 (ex. Trinity Universe, Dynasty Warriors 6, Tekken 6, etc.). I prefer original hardware over emulation although I can emulate PS3 games just fine.

 

[Deleted member 309]

It's an incredible console, especially if you can get one with backwards compatibility. I miss mine dearly.