Sony announced it will close the PlayStation Store on PS3 and PS Vita for new content purchases. The rollout begins with PS3 in Mexico, Honduras, and Nicaragua in August 2026, expands to more Latin American and Middle Eastern countries in late 2026, and reaches all other countries for PS3 and PS Vita in July 2027, with closures happening in stages rather than all at once.
If you still have a PS3 backlog, you have about a year to get digital games before used discs become your only option, something that won’t be possible on the PlayStation 6. However, more than 1,000,00 the users have filed the “Don’t kill Disc” petitions to not to close it.
For the time being, PS3 owners will still be able to access PlayStation Network and download games they already own. However, once the Sony’s PS3 store closes, buying new digital games will not be possible. Before the shutdown, here are 10 must-have PS3 games that you should consider adding to your collection.
Demon’s Souls
Demon’s Souls was launched two years before Dark Souls, the game that made From Software famous. Even though it wasn’t a huge hit initially, it introduced several gameplay ideas, which later appeared in games like Bloodborne and Elden Ring. Demon’s Souls can be easily played today, all thanks to its 2020 remake on PS5. However, many fans still like the original PlayStation 3 version because of its unique atmosphere. Over the years, it has become a true classic on Sony’s third console.
Infamous
For over 20 years, Sucker Punch Productions has been making popular PlayStation exclusive games. One of them is Infamous, which was released between Sly Cooper and the newer Ghost games. In the game, Cole, the main character, survives a huge explosion that destroys part of Empire City and gives him electric superpowers. Through the game’s simple good-or-evil karma system, players can choose to be a hero or a villain, adding extra fun to the open-world adventure.
The Last Of Us
The Last Of Us needs no introduction. It is by far one of the best PS3 games ever made and remains one of the console’s most popular games. It also ended the PS3 era on a high note. The game was later remastered for PS4 and remade for the PS5, allowing a new generation of players to experience it. However, many fans still believe the original PS3 version offered a special experience.
Uncharted 2: Among Thieves
While the PS3 era received the first three Uncharted games before The Last of Us, the PS5 generation has gone without a new Naughty Dog game, which is disappointing. Among the trilogy, the first game felt rough, while the third game was good, but didn’t reach the same level as its predecessor. However, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is often considered the best. It made Nathan Drake a more interesting character and helped establish the series as one of the best action-adventure games.
God of War 3
God of War 3 was one of the most visually impressive console games when it was launched in 2010 and it still looks great today. Before the series was rebooted in 2018, it was widely considered the best game in the original hack-and-slash lineup. It features Kratos at his most furious and brutal, with massive battles and epic moments that are still hard for later games to match.
Resistance: Fall Of Man
The Resistance series was one of PlayStation’s biggest FPS franchises, but it is no longer being developed. Many fans still hope the series will return. While players often debate between the first two games as their favorite, Resistance: Fall of Man is the best to start with and is one of the PS3’s most memorable games. Set in an alternate version of 1950s England, the game mixes history and science fiction as you fight an alien invasion.
Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns Of The Patriots
For many years, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots was only available on the PS3. In August 2026, it will finally be released on other platforms as part of Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol. 2, so it will no longer be exclusive to the PS3. Even then, the original PS3 version is still worth playing before PlayStation Store support ends.
Killzone 2
Guerrilla Games has left the Kill zone series behind as it shifted its focus to the Horizon games. Although the series received mixed reviews overall, Killzone 2 is widely considered one of the best games. It starts with a thrilling invasion of the planet Helghan and delivers an action-packed campaign. Although the official multiplayer servers have been shut down, fans have brought the online mode back through community-run servers.
Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools Of Destruction
These days, Ratchet & Clank games are rare, as Insomniac Games is now focused on the Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Wolverine games. However, PlayStation 3 received four main Ratchet & Clank exclusive titles, and each one is fun to play. Among them, Ratchet & Clank: Tools of Destruction is one of the best choices on the console, as it combines action, shooting and platforming, making it a great game for both new players and longtime fans.
LittleBigPlanet 2
Since the official servers have been shut down, you might have to use private community-run servers to enjoy LittleBigPlanet, LittleBigPlanet 2 and LittleBigPlanet 3. While all three games are worth playing, many fans consider LittleBigPlanet 2 to have the best story mode.
