10 Things the PS3 Did Better Than Any Other PlayStation Console

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The original PlayStation, first launched in Japan in 1994 and the US in 1995, came about after Sony and Nintendo attempted—but ultimately failed—to team up and create a CD-ROM attachment for the Super Nintendo. The PS1 proved incredibly popular, paving the way for its equally successful follow-up, the PlayStation 2.

The PlayStation 3 was Sony’s third home console, and their most ambitious one to date. However, that ambition caused some problems, particularly at launch. Despite a rocky beginning, the PS3 ultimately excelled in many ways and offered improvements over previous PlayStation consoles.

The PS3 Had Linux Support

Ultimately, all video game consoles are simply computers. However, the PlayStation 3 aimed to be much more than that – it was built like a supercomputer. Its complex internal design was similar to systems like the IBM Roadrunner, making it surprisingly easy to connect multiple PS3s together to create a powerful computing network.

Early PS3 models had a feature called ‘Other OS’ that allowed users to install and run Linux. This wasn’t just for game developers; it reinforced the PS3’s reputation as a powerful, almost supercomputer-like machine. While not the console’s main selling point, Linux support added a unique and impressive capability.

The PS3 Can Play Super Audio CDs

As a gamer, I’ve noticed consoles really show their age through the features they have. Think about stuff like the PS1’s screen or the PS2 letting you easily move data – those were unique for the time! Honestly, the PS4 and PS5 haven’t really tried anything *that* new in terms of cool extras, but the PS3? That console was full of interesting stuff. It really stood out!

The PlayStation 3 had a unique feature: it could play Super Audio CDs. These discs were intended to be a higher-quality successor to standard CDs, much like Blu-ray was meant to be for DVDs. However, unlike Blu-ray, Super Audio CD never became widely popular, remaining a niche format for serious audio enthusiasts. Sony later removed the ability to play SACDs from newer PlayStation models, making the PS3 feel less special over time.

The PS3 Was More Truly Multimedia

Modern video game consoles do much more than just play games – they can show photos, stream movies, and handle various other media. However, this often requires using a web browser or a streaming app. Consoles like the PlayStation 4 and 5 don’t offer much direct support for playing media from physical sources like discs or USB drives.

Compared to earlier consoles, the PlayStation 3 was a multimedia powerhouse. It could play Blu-ray and Super Audio CDs, as well as standard CDs and DVDs. Sadly, later PlayStation consoles stopped supporting CDs. Beyond discs, the PS3 could also read images from many different types of memory cards.

The PS3 Has a Cleaner Menu

Older game consoles used to start up directly into the game you put in. As consoles added more features like music and video playback, they began to load into a main menu first. More recent PlayStation consoles, such as the PS4 and PS5, have complicated menus that can be annoying to use.

Compared to later PlayStation menus, the PS3’s interface was much easier to navigate. Called the XrossMediaBar, it was also used on other Sony devices like the PSP. While it wasn’t the most visually appealing, it was practical and got the job done.

The PS3 Offered More Customization Options

Modern gaming consoles often restrict how much players can personalize their experience. Nintendo, particularly with the Switch and its successor, offers limited customization options. While consoles like the PlayStation 4 and 5 provide some personalization features, the available themes are often basic and don’t significantly improve the user experience.

I always loved how the PS3 let you really make it your own. The menus were so much cleaner than later consoles, and you could customize everything! There were tons of great themes, especially ones based on games like *LittleBigPlanet*. Those themes weren’t just skins, either – they had special icons that really gave the PS3 some personality, something I always felt the Xbox 360 lacked. It just felt more…alive, you know?

The PS3 Had Better Revisions

Consoles are lasting longer these days, so we’re seeing updated versions released. However, these updated models often cost *more* than the original consoles did. A good example is the PS5 Slim, which is surprisingly priced higher than the standard digital PS5, despite being a newer version.

In the past, when Sony released updated versions of the PlayStation 3, the prices of the older models dropped significantly. The PS3 Slim was the first update, and it simplified some features to make it more affordable. The PS3 Super Slim then lowered the price even more. Both updated consoles offered improved ways to play PS3 games and didn’t have any major drawbacks.

The PS3’s Controllers Had Longer Battery Lives

Video game controllers are essential for enjoying console games, but their quality hasn’t always been consistent lately. A common issue is battery life – the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controller, for instance, only lasts about two weeks on a full charge. This can be really disruptive, as players often find their controller dying mid-game and needing to be plugged in.

Compared to the PlayStation 3 controllers – the original Sixaxis and the DualShock 3 – the DualSense doesn’t measure up when it comes to battery life. The Sixaxis and DualShock 3 are known for lasting a very long time, with some users reporting years of use on a single charge. Even if those older controllers have lost some battery capacity over time, they still offer better value than the DualSense.

The PS3 Had the Best Backward Compatibility

Being able to play older games on a new console – called backward compatibility – makes the console more appealing and gives players a good reason to buy it. However, this feature has become less common lately. The PlayStation 5, for example, offers very limited or no support for older games, often forcing players to buy the same games again if they want to replay them.

As a PlayStation fan, I always thought the PS3 was amazing because it could play games from so many different eras! It could handle titles from the original PlayStation and even the PS2 for a long time – basically, about twenty-five years worth of games! It’s a shame they dropped PS2 support on some of the later PS3 models, but the fact that it still played PS1 games was awesome. Full compatibility with older games is always a win in my book.

The PS3 Had Stronger First-Party Titles

PlayStation consoles generally don’t perform as well as Xbox consoles when playing games available on both systems. Because of this, PlayStation has traditionally relied on having excellent exclusive games made by their own studios. But recently, PlayStation’s first-party game lineup hasn’t been very strong, with many of their exclusive releases being updated versions of older games or titles that are also available on other platforms.

Initially, the PlayStation 3 didn’t have a lot of support from its own game developers, but it fared better with games made by other companies. As the PS3 matured, it became famous for its high-quality exclusive games, including titles like *Uncharted* and *The Last of Us*. With innovative games such as *LittleBigPlanet* also available, PlayStation offered gamers a compelling experience.

The PS3 Still Has Free Online Gaming

Video game consoles started connecting to the internet in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and wireless connections soon became available. This allowed companies like Sony to create online services, such as the PlayStation Network. Originally free to use, these services now require a paid subscription.

PlayStation Network (PSN) highlights this difference: while PS4 and PS5 require paid subscriptions for online play, the original PSN on the PS3 is still free. Although online support for many older games is limited, the fact that PS3 offers free online multiplayer has kept a dedicated fanbase engaged for years, making it unique among PlayStation consoles.

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2025-10-06 06:48