Editing PlayStation 3 emulators

{{Placeholder Section}}
{{Infobox console
|title = PlayStation 3
|logo = PlayStation 2006.png
|image = PS3_Original.png
|developer = [[:Sony]]
|type = [[:Category:Home consoles|Home video game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles|Seventh generation]]
|release = 2006
|discontinued = 2017
|predecessor = [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2]]
|successor = [[PlayStation 4 emulators|PlayStation 4 (Pro)]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|other emulators that run on PS3 hardware|Emulators on PS3}} 

The '''PlayStation 3''' (known shorthand as '''PS3''') is a seventh-generation console released by [[wikipedia:Sony|Sony]] in late 2006 and retailed for {{Inflation|USD|599|2006}}. The successor to the [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2]], it began development in 2001 when Sony partnered with Toshiba and IBM to create the [[wikipedia:Cell_%28microprocessor%29|Cell Broadband Engine]]. The console was launched a year after the [[Xbox 360 emulators|Xbox 360]] and around the same time as the [[Wii emulators|Wii]]. While it was debatably the most powerful console of the seventh generation, it was also difficult to program for, as its architecture was even more complex than its competitors.

The Cell Broadband Engine consists of a 3.2 GHz Power Processing Element (PPE) and seven Synergistic Processing Elements (SPE),<ref group=N2>You might see listings of eight SPEs, but that's because there are eight on the die; one of them is disabled to prevent the manufacturer from yielding too many bad units. Another SPE is reserved for the console's operating system.</ref> and the system contains 256 MBs of XDR DRAM main memory at 3.2 GHz and 256 MBs of GDDR3 video memory at 650 MHz for the Nvidia/SCEI RSX Reality Synthesizer GPU. The GPU ran at 500 MHz and has to communicate forth and back with both RAMs. The complexity of the SPEs bogged down the PlayStation 3 in multi-platform titles, as developers had to go through the process of learning the SPE architecture before they could use it. As a result, several developers decided against using the SPEs, and the consequence is that many multi-platform games ran with lower framerates or worse graphics compared to running those same games on the PS3's competitors.

The number of units sold worldwide was about the same as the Xbox 360. The PlayStation 3 initially included a feature called [[#OtherOS|OtherOS]], but once it was removed shortly after the PS3 Slim model was released citing "security concerns", fail0verflow had a jailbreak detailed in 2010, giving way for [[PS3 Modding|modders to downgrade firmware on a specific version]] and install a custom firmware, something Sony would patch in newer updates until an exploit was released for 4.82. Emulation only started gaining traction in the late 2010s, as [[RPCS3]] had made strides in improving its largely HLE-based emulation. It has since become the emulator of choice.

==Emulators==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[#Arcade_variations|Arcade<br/>variations]]
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Hardware features<br/>and peripherals]]
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="11"|PC / x86
|-
|[[RPCS3]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|Mac|FreeBSD}}
|[https://rpcs3.net/download Nightly]</br>[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/releases <abbr title="The developers are currently treating version increments as milestones, not as stables.">{{RPCS3Ver}}</abbr>]<br/>[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3-binaries-win/releases/download/build-9b3a878c189e4e688b6025de0d0ff659116dcade/rpcs3-v0.0.28-15417-9b3a878c_win64.7z <abbr title="Latest Qt5 build for Windows 7 and 8.1">Qt5</abbr>]
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|{{~}}
|[https://rpcs3.net/compatibility 69%<br/><small>2555 out of 3694 reported titles</small>]
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|{{✓}}
|-
|[[Nucleus]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/AlexAltea/nucleus/releases {{NucleusVer}}]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|Short Waves
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://wololo.net/downloads/index.php/download/8128 0.0.2]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
|PS3F
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20161029044210/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ps3f/index.html 0.1]
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|N/A
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|-
!colspan="11"|Mobile / ARM
|-
|DamonPS3 (呆萌PS3模拟器)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|stealing
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|{{✗}}
|
|{{✗}} (stolen RPCS3)
|{{✓}}
|{{✗}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />
===Comparisons===
;[[RPCS3]]:RPCS3 is an open-source [[High/Low_level_emulation|hybrid approach]] emulator for 64-bit Windows, GNU/Linux, BSD and macOS and it stands as a remarkable feat in PlayStation 3 emulation, successfully tackling the intricate [[#Emulation_issues|PlayStation 3's complex architecture]] through innovative techniques. While it isn't anywhere near as compatible as [[Dolphin]] is for [[GameCube emulators|GameCube]] or Wii, it has still made immense progress compared to its early days, when development was slow and seemed like it wasn't really going anywhere. Some of the SPU intensive titles have insufficient performance which requires top-notch [https://www.cpubenchmark.net/singleThread.html single thread performance of CPUs] (see '''[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Rpq_2D4Rf3g6O-x2R1fwTSKWvJH7X63kExsVxHnT2Mc/edit#gid=0 RPCS3 CPU benchmark chart]'''). As of now, all known titles now load, and initialize properly, without crashing the emulator. Beyond this, [[RPCS3]] supports some [[#Enhancements|enhancements]] and [[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|system features, peripherals]]. As of April 13, 2022, builds for macOS have started being officially distributed for Intel and ARM Macs.<!-- RPCS3 runs on Rosetta for Macs with M-series processors, while Intel Macs run the application natively. --><ref>https://twitter.com/rpcs3/status/1514302544750780417?s=20&t=e1g7-9NzgIehtodHmXYytQ</ref> For checking if your games work and any fixes, tweaks, or settings, check these sources;
:*[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Category:Games RPCS3 Wiki]
:*[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/issues RPCS3 GitHub issues]

;[[Nucleus]]:A one-person project by Alexandro Sanchez (AKA 'AlexAltea', [https://youtu.be/4joCMfTPP4M?t=30 who is also one of the developers of the RPCS3 and Orbital projects]) that aimed at low-level emulation, some AOT emulation, and portability.
;Short Waves:Released in 2014 by InoriRus, who later returned to the emulation scene in 2021 as the developer of the PlayStation 4 and 5 compatibility layer [[Kyty]]. Short Waves could run a few complex tests that RPCS3 couldn't at the time it was released, but it hasn't been updated since.
;PS3F:Made by Shima, the creator of [[SSF]]. More information can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20161029044210/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ps3f/index.html here].

==Enhancements==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 | Name
! RPCS3
|-
| rowspan=7 | Graphics
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
| {{✓}}
|-
| [[Texture_packs#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29|Texture Replacement]]
| {{N}}
|-
| [[Widescreen_hacks#PlayStation_3|Ultrawide hack]]<br/><small>Widescreen already supported on PlayStation 3 system.<br/> But there is no support by system for render games in other ratios such as ultrawide 21:9 or super ultrawide 32:9.</small>
| {{Y}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Pre-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(MSAA, SSAA)</small>
| {{?}}[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/pull/15000 *]
|-
| Super-resolution techniques<br/><small>([https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS.md DLSS], [https://github.com/intel/xess/?tab=readme-ov-file XeSS] and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])</small>
| <small>Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors so it's quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.</small>
|-
| Ray-tracing<br/><small>([https://devblogs.microsoft.com/directx/announcing-microsoft-directx-raytracing/ DXR], [https://www.khronos.org/blog/ray-tracing-in-vulkan VRT] and [https://developer.apple.com/documentation/metal/metal_sample_code_library/accelerating_ray_tracing_using_metal MRT])</small>
| <small>Implementing ray-tracing in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>However you can try "[[Shaders_and_filters#Notable_ReShade_shaders|Screen-Space Ray Traced Global Illumination]]" shader using ReShade.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8ccDL3ND10][https://reshade.me/forum/general-discussion/5442-release-misc-emulators-with-depth-buffer-access#35304]</small>
|-
| [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/rtx-remix/wiki RTX Remix]
| colspan=4 | <small>Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>Besides, RPCS3 already supports some of RTX Remix features.<br/>On top of that you can use ReShade for post-processing.</small>
|-
| rowspan=4 | Performance
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes#PlayStation_3|Internal Framerate Hack]]
| {{Y}}
|-
| [https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies]<br/><small>([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-G], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation ExtraSS] and [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF])</small>
| colspan=4 | <small>Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future, however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique employed, it's recommended to use '''after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack"'''.<br/>While '''[https://youtu.be/8hE-twtgIMY AFMF]''' or '''[https://youtu.be/vbbdP9ls2GY?t=299 LSFG]''' can be used with RPCS3, please be aware that some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.
|-
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
| {{Y}}
|-
| Rendering latency reduction technologies<br/><small>([https://github.com/ishitatsuyuki/LatencyFleX LatencyFleX], [https://developer.nvidia.com/performance-rendering-tools/reflex Reflex] and [https://www.amd.com/en/products/software/adrenalin/radeon-software-anti-lag.html Anti-Lag'''+'''])
| colspan=4 | <small>While most emulators offer frame pacing or framebuffer latency control options, implementing rendering latency reduction technologies isn't currently feasible. This is '''likely''' doesn't offer enough benefit to justify the development effort.</small>
|-
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)</small>
| {{N}}[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/issues/10902 *]
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br/><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>
| {{Y}}
|-
| [[Shaders and filters|Filters]]
| {{N}}
|-
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]]<br/><small>([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])</small>
| {{?}}
|-
| [[Shader Presets|Shader Chain]]
| {{N}}
|-
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
| {{Y}}[https://youtu.be/gH6zk5zrgo4][https://youtu.be/BditFs3VR9c?t=942]
|-
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
| {{N}}
|-
| Rewind
| {{N}}
|-
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
| {{N}}[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/issues/12963 *]
|-
| Savestates
| {{Y}}[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Save_State *]
|-
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
| {{N}}
|-
| rowspan=2 | Controls
| [[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]
| {{Y}}[https://github.com/isJuhn/KAMI/ *]
|-
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
| {{N}}
|-
| rowspan=9 | Quality of life
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in_graphics_mod_editor.2Fmanager_for_emulators|Graphics mod editor/manager]]
| {{✗}}
|-
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
| {{Y}}
|-
| [[Save disk space for ISOs#PlayStation 3|Streamable compression format]]
| {{N}}
|-
| Per-Game Profiles
| {{Y}}
|-
| Command Line Options
| {{Y}}[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Frequently_Asked_Questions#List_of_CLI_commands *]
|-
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes]<br/><small>For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver].<br/>Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".</small>
| {{N}}
|-
| On-Screen Display<br/><small>Showcases messages, controller input state which is useful for speedrunners, performance data, active settings, and various notifications.</small>
| {{Y}}
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Variable_refresh_rate|Variable Refresh Rate compatible]]
| {{Y}}[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/uhp1lq/how_is_the_state_of_emulation_and_vrr/ *]
|-
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
| {{~}}[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/pull/13226 *]
|-
| rowspan=4 | Misc
| RetroAchievements
| {{N}}
|-
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
| colspan=4 |  Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores]. So there is no support at the moment.
|-
| Free Look<br/><small>Free Look is a enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.</small>
| <small>While freecam would be technically possible, it will require per-game patches.<br/>Said patches would require a significant amount of time to reverse the game's engine, which means that only someone talented with enough dedication to a single game could do it.<br/>Also there is a [https://forums.rpcs3.net/thread-200867.html feature request] for adding this enhancement feature to RPCS3 emulator.
|-
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
| {{Y}}
|}
</div>

==Hardware features and peripherals==
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! colspan=2 |  Name
! RPCS3
|-
|rowspan=3 |Backwards<br/>compatibility
|[[Official_emulators#PlayStation_Portable|PSP emulation]]<br/>(incl. [[Wikipedia:List_of_PlayStation_minis|<abbr title="pspemu used for PSP Minis and PSP remasters">PSP Minis</abbr>]] and [[Wikipedia:High-definition_remasters_for_PlayStation_consoles#PlayStation_3|<abbr title="pspemu used for PSP Minis and PSP remasters">PSP Remasters</abbr>]])
| {{✗}}[https://forums.rpcs3.net/showthread.php?tid=201093&pid=307908#pid307908 *]
|-
|<abbr title="Disc based PlayStation backwards compatibility (ps1_emu)">[https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/PS1_Classics_Emulator_Compatibility_List PlayStation emulation]</abbr><br/>(incl. [[Wikipedia:Lists_of_PS_one_Classics|<abbr title="PlayStation Classics from PSN (ps1_netemu). PSone Classics should not be confused with PlayStation Classic.">PSOne Classics</abbr>]])
| {{~}}<ref group=N3 name=RPCS3BackwardsCompatibility>There is no [[Official_emulators#PlayStation|ps1_emu]] support at the moment, only ps1_netemu is supported. [https://twitter.com/rpcs3/status/1125179092507201537?lang=en Tweet from 6 May 2019]: "RPCS3 supports Sony's PS1_netemu as of today. PS2emu is not yet supported. Both these emulators are present in the PS3 Firmware for backwards compatibility." [[Official_emulators#PlayStation_2|ps2_emu]] used for PlayStation 2 emulation, [[Official_emulators#PlayStation|ps1_emu]] used for disc based PlayStation games and [https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/issues/14632 ps1_netemu for PlayStation Classics from PSN].</ref>
|-
|<abbr title="PlayStation 2 backwards compatibility (ps2_emu)">[https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/PS2_Classics_Emulator_Compatibility_List PlayStation 2 emulation]</abbr><br/>(incl. [[Wikipedia:List_of_PlayStation_2_Classics_for_PlayStation_3|PS2 Classics]])
| {{✗}}<ref group=N3 name=RPCS3BackwardsCompatibility/>
|-
|rowspan=5 | Communication
|[[#LAN_tunneling|LAN tunneling]]
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[PlayStation_Network|PlayStation Network<br/><small>(incl. PlayStation Home)</small>]]
| {{~}}
|-
|[[#PSP_communication|PSP communication]]
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[#PSVita_communication|PSVita communication]]
| {{✗}}
|-
|[[#PocketStation_communication|PocketStation communication]]
| {{✗}}
|-
|rowspan=3 | [https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/System_Firmware System firmware]
|[[#XMB_and_apps|XMB and apps]]
| {{~}}
|-
|[[#Trophies|Trophies]]
| {{✓}}
|-
|[[#OtherOS|OtherOS]]
| {{✗}}
|-
|rowspan=3 | Inputs
| [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/List_of_games_that_support_Pressure-Sensitive_Face_Buttons#PlayStation_3_Emulation Pressure Sensitive Buttons]
| {{✓}}<ref group=N3>Perfect support for [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Controller_Configuration#Using_DualShock_3_controller DualShock 3] controller which works with [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:DualShock_3#Wired_connection_-_official_drivers Official Sony driver] and [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:DualShock_3#Wired_connection_-_unofficial_drivers DsHidMini community driver]. Emulator allows to assign one key to change pressure sensitivity. It's possible to have more variants with [https://www.rewasd.com/releases/release-6.3.0 reWASD application] which allows to assign keys or gamepad buttons to [https://help.rewasd.com/basic-functions/virtual-controller.html Virtual DualShock 3]. Emulator supports DualShock 2, but only with special adapter emulating DualShock 3, RPCS3 does not support [https://bliss-box.net/integration/ Bliss-Box API]. Other controllers with pressure-sensitive buttons like [https://www.pcgamingwiki.com/wiki/Controller:Xbox_Controller#Games_with_pressure_sensitive_face_buttons Xbox controller] or Steam Deck touchpads are not supported.</ref>
|-
| Motion controls (Gyro)
| {{✓}}<ref group=N3>Perfect support. Emulator supports motion controls for DualShock 3, DualShock 4 and DualSense. Sony, Nintendo and Valve controllers can emulate DualShock 3 via reWASD application.</ref>
|-
| Rumble
| {{✓}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[#Blu-ray_player|Blu-ray player]]
| {{✗}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/audiooutput.html Dolby Digital, DTS, 5.1 and 7.1]
| {{✓}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Virtual_reality#Emulators_with_VR_support|Stereoscopic 3D]]
| {{✓}}[https://www.reddit.com/r/rpcs3/comments/feyogl/rpcs3_now_supports_playstation_3d/ *]
|-
! colspan=3 | [[#Peripherals|Peripherals]]
|-
|colspan=2 | [[#PlayStation_Move|PlayStation Move]]
| {{~}}
|-
|rowspan=3 | Portal
| [https://skylanders.fandom.com/wiki/Portal_of_Power Skylanders Portal of Power]
| {{Y}}[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Peripherals_and_accessories#Skylanders_Portal *]
|-
| [[#LEGO_Dimensions_Toy_Pad|LEGO Dimensions Toy Pad]]
| {{~}}<abbr title="Only supported through USB passthrough">*</abbr>
|-
| [https://disneyinfinity.fandom.com/wiki/Disney_Infinity_Base Disney Infinity Base]
| {{Y}}[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/pull/13851 *]
|-
|colspan=2 | Rock Band 3 MIDI Pro Adapter
| {{Y}}[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Peripherals_and_accessories#Rock_Band_3_MIDI_Instruments *]
|-
|colspan=2 | Buzz! controller
| {{Y}}[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/issues/4968 *]
|-
|colspan=2 | Wireless Keypad
| {{TBD}}
|-
|colspan=2 | DJ Hero turntable
| {{~}}<abbr title="Only supported through USB passthrough">*</abbr>
|-
|colspan=2 | [[#Blu-ray Disc remotes|Blu-ray Disc remotes]]
| {{N}}[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Peripherals_and_accessories *]
|- 
|colspan=2 | <abbr title="Required for some games like SingStar, Rocksmith, Guitar Hero, Rock Band etc.">Microphone</abbr>
| {{Y}}[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Configurations#Audio_configuration *]
|-
|colspan=2 | <abbr title="Required for some games like SingStar, Rocksmith, Guitar Hero, Rock Band etc.">Drums and Guitars</abbr>
| {{Y}}[https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Peripherals_and_accessories#Configuring_Instruments *]
|-
|rowspan=3 | LightGun
| [[Wikipedia:GunCon#GunCon_3_compatible_games|GunCon 3]]
| {{TBD}}
|-
| Top Shot Elite
| {{~}}
|-
| Top Shot Fearmaster
| {{~}}
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:UDraw_GameTablet|uDraw GameTablet]]
| {{Y}}[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/pull/15457 *]
|-
|colspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Wonderbook|Wonderbook]]
| {{TBD}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N3/>

===XMB and apps===
:[https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/XMB psdevwiki: XMB]
:[[Wikipedia:List_of_PlayStation_applications|Wikipedia: List of PlayStation applications]]
The XrossMediaBar (pronounced "cross-media bar" and officially abbreviated as XMB) is a graphical user interface developed by Sony Computer Entertainment. You can launch various applications from this interface as well.

*RPCS3 [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Frequently_Asked_Questions#Running_VSH/XMB_in_RPCS3 supports XMB only partially], some functions and apps do not work at the moment. However, [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKkiI_RlmPc you can run some of the applications like Netflix from RPCS3 GUI]. As mentioned in [[#Trophies]] section, [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Frequently_Asked_Questions#Adding_Trophy_and_Home_Menu_sounds you can change XMB home menu sounds] if you want.

===LAN tunneling===
Offline multiplayer gaming on the PS3 home console over a LAN (local area network) multiplayer games,  just like System Link for [[Microsoft|XBOX systems]]. There are 104 games with the LAN feature for the PlayStation 3. To see if the game you want to play is supported see [https://www.teamxlink.co.uk/wiki/Supported_Games#Sony_Playstation_3 this page] or look on the back of the game case.

*[https://www.teamxlink.co.uk/wiki/RPCS3_XLink_Kai_Setup RPCS3 - XLink Kai Setup]
*See [[Preservation projects#LAN Tunneling Programs]] for more information about other LAN tunneling solutions.

===Trophies===
:[https://www.playstationtrophies.org/games/retail/  PlayStationTrophies.org]
:[https://psnprofiles.com/trophies?platform=ps3 PSNProfiles: PlayStation 3 Trophies]
Trophies are PlayStation Network awards presented to players for completing specific tasks in a game. The feature is present in most PlayStation 3 games, and all PlayStation Vita, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 games.[https://playstation.fandom.com/wiki/Trophies] Trophies shouldn't be confused with [[#Enhancements|RetroAchievements]].

*RPCS3 supports Trophies notifications, progress and locking/unlocking etc. and also it has a dedicated built-in manager for trophies. If you want to use custom sound for notifications you need to change files from "RPCS3\sounds". Although [https://forums.rpcs3.net/thread-205706.html there is no communication between PSN or RPCN with RPCS3 trophy system]. See [https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Frequently_Asked_Questions#Adding_Trophy_and_Home_Menu_sounds this page] for more information about this.

===OtherOS===
:[[Wikipedia:OtherOS]]
OtherOS is a feature of early versions of the PlayStation 3 video game console, allowing user installed software, such as many [[:Category:Operating_systems|distributions of Linux or BSD]] in a separate partition as long as they supported PowerPC. The feature was removed since system firmware update 3.21, released on April 1, 2010. Software running in the OtherOS environment has access to 6 of the 7 SPEs. Sony implemented a [[hypervisor]] restricting access to the RSX. However either through a security vulnerability before FW 2.10 or by using some form of OtherOS++ CFW full access to the RSX, and/or the seventh SPE and other system resources is possible. See [[Recommended linux distros#Multiplatform-focused]] or [https://t2sde.org/hardware/console/Sony/PS3/ T2 SDE PS3 page] for more information.

*RPCS3 do not support PlayStation 3 OtherOS feature at the moment.[https://forums.rpcs3.net/post-230177.html][https://old.reddit.com/r/rpcs3/comments/8rps60/can_rpcs3_boot_linux_otheros/]
:''René Rebe: PS3 [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLjYwv0RogAQ6aliSQsDVZD77R8XbLnca&si=a5GSVaC7JNKlf6c9 playlist], [https://www.youtube.com/@renerebe/search?query=PS3 streams]''
:''Model Citizen PS3: [https://www.youtube.com/@model.citizen.ps3/videos YouTube], [http://www.ps3linux.net/ PS3Linux.net]''

===PSP communication===
:[https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/psp/current/network/remoteplay/remote.html Using remote play (via the PS3 system's wireless LAN)]
:[https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/game/copypsp.html Copying games to play on a PSP system that can be played on either PS3 or PSP systems]
Adhoc Party support, remote play (via the PS3 system's wireless LAN), copying games to play on a PSP system that can be played on either PS3 or PSP systems etc.
*RPCS3 do not support PSP communication at the moment. There is a [https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/issues/4119 feature request] for this.

===PSVita communication===
:[https://manuals.playstation.net/document/gb/psvita/remoteplay/index.html PS3 Remote Play with PSVita]
:[https://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/settings/connectvita.html Connect PS Vita System Using Network]
Remote play (via the PS3 system's wireless LAN), copying games to play on a PSVita system that can be played on either PS3 or PSVita systems etc.

===PocketStation communication===
:[[Wikipedia:PocketStation#Compatible_PlayStation_games]]
PocketStation communication with PlayStation 3 system is possible with a memory card adaptor.

*RPCS3 do not support [[PocketStation_emulators|PocketStation]] communication at the moment.

===Blu-ray player===
:[https://rpcs3.net/quickstart#dumping_methods PlayStation 3 Blu-ray compatible PC Blu-ray Drives]
For a long time, the PS3's Blu-ray player was a versatile and powerful feature and considered the best of all time, and many people still use it for this purpose today. Featuring a slot-loading 2× speed Blu-ray Disc drive for BD-ROM, PlayStation2 format DVD-ROM, PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 1 format CD-ROM, Blu-ray Disc Video, DVD-Video, SACD and Audio CDs. Keep in mind that, there is no support for VCDs or SVCDs just like PlayStation 2. [[Home_Media_Player#Interactive_media|interactive film/movie]] formats like DVDi, DVDPG, BDPG and Blu-ray Interactive HD supported.

*RPCS3 has no [https://rpcs3.net/faq disc support] or home media playback support currently. There is a [https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/issues/8579 feature request] for adding DVD-Video capability for RPCS3 emulator.
:See [[Home_Media_Player#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation softwares.
:See [[Ripping_games]].

===Peripherals===
====PlayStation Move====
The [[wikipedia:PlayStation_Move|PlayStation Move]] is a controller similar to a Wiimote, shaped to be held into hand and play with motion detection. It is detected by the [[wikipedia:PlayStation_Eye|PSEye]], the successor of the PS2's [[PlayStation_2_emulators#EyeToy|EyeToy]].
The PSEye is usable on PC as it benefits from [https://github.com/cboulay/PSMoveService/wiki/PSEye-Software-Setup-(Windows) unofficial drivers] made by the community. It is not yet implemented in a PS3 emulator.
[[RPCS3]] had some [https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/commit/504e3112ddc440f1d4eb4f236d4d39ab0f016513 first steps implemented] for PSMove use, but the controllers aren't working yet. 

The author of this preliminary implementation, [https://github.com/VelocityRa velocityra], is a dedicated developer for [[RPCS3]] and [[Vita3K]].
His own branch of the PSMove has advanced further, as the PSEye and PSMove controllers are already physically supported using the PSMoveAPI.
A pretty old compatibility list can be found [https://workflowy.com/s/move-compatibility/6TV4dP3JcvHwhyUC here]. Some YouTube videos are also showing the work-in-progress functionality working.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrmb_2ULbKo RPCS3 - PSMove WIP VK] (April 03, 2018)</ref> The author unfortunately stopped working on this implementation years ago.

====[https://lego-dimensions.fandom.com/wiki/Game_Components#Toy_Pad LEGO Dimensions Toy Pad]====
If you have the Toy Pad [[RPCS3]] can communicate to the USB device directly ([https://wiki.rpcs3.net/index.php?title=Help:Peripherals_and_accessories#cellUsbd_Device_Whitelist but only exposed devices that have been whitelisted]). Just like [[Wii_U_emulators#Peripherals|cemu]] there is no Toy Pad emulation for the RPCS3 at the moment but you can use [https://github.com/Berny23/LD-ToyPad-Emulator#installation LD-ToyPad-Emulator] for that.

====Blu-ray Disc remotes====
:[[Wikipedia:PlayStation_3_accessories#Blu-ray_Disc_remotes|Wikipedia: Blu-ray Disc remotes]]
Just like [[PlayStation_2_emulators#Hardware_features_and_accessories|PlayStation 2's DVD Remote Controller]] you can even play games with it other than multimedia functionalities: as long as the game recognizes controls for a D-Pad, you should be okay. Just hold the PS button to change the controller channel to 1.

==Arcade variations==
[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen%2Bclosed+Namco+System+ Arcade variations pull requests for RPCS3].<br/>
[https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/pull/14253 With this PR merged, the following 3 System 357/369 arcade games are fully supported by RPCS3];

* Taiko no Tatsujin series
* Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Unlimited)
* Dragon Ball: Zenkai Battle

===[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=900 Namco System 357]===
RPCS3 only partially supports some 357 games. A fork currently exists for RPCS3 called Project OMED/RPCS357, which supports more games. The fork has two versions of itself, the Taiko/Fighting version (for Taiko no Tatsujin games and fighting games) and the Gun version (for the rail shooters, requires a lightgun to play).
The latest public version is available here: https://pixeldrain.com/u/dfGaH2oX. Mirror: https://1fichier.com/?a0pw2xn2xnpy09v0yaz8

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tms-kT0RmKw Demonstration]<br>
[https://www.youtube.com/@ProjectOMED Official Project OMED YouTube Channel]

===[https://www.system16.com/hardware.php?id=923 Namco System 359]===
Placeholder text

===Namco System 369===
Placeholder text

==Emulation issues==
PlayStation consoles have always been notorious for system complexity (e.g. [[PlayStation_emulators#Emulation_issues|PlayStation]], [[PlayStation_2_emulators#Emulation_issues|PlayStation 2]]). Sony's gamble of their technology being emulator-unfriendly makes them developer-unfriendly as well, and the system's weaker performance in cross-platform games proves it. Even if done properly, [[High/Low_level_emulation|an LLE approach]] would be performance suicide, as some things just have to be abstracted enough to get high framerates in games. The situation is so bad that Sony seems to be incredibly hesitant to produce an [[Official_emulators|official PS3 emulator]] for the newer PlayStations. Simply because they wouldn't be able to justify the extremely high potential development cost to investors.<ref>[https://youtu.be/6WkpaJkB2M8 Why PS4 Doesn't Have Backwards Compatibility and Xbox One Does] (Mystic. Aug 21, 2018.)</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rzLZ9Bkhwo MVG: Sony's complicated history with Backwards Compatibility]</ref>

There are two major bottlenecks at play:
* '''[[wikipedia:Cell_(microprocessor)|Cell Broadband Engine]]''' - consists of two architectures that developers have to program for; [[POS_(Pong_Consoles)_CPUs_and_Other_Chips#PPC_CPUs|PowerPC]], and... whatever the SPEs really are; and you have a great formula for high system requirements, SPU hardware environment is the furthest thing from a [[POS_(Pong_Consoles)_CPUs_and_Other_Chips#x86_CPUs|x86 PC processor]]. The RPCS3 developers using ahead-of-time recompilation using LLVM. RPCS3 is not just compiling the code it runs, it's also needs to compile a realtime environment simulator e.g. the 128x128bit register file, LS sram, the very weird memory flow controller, etc [https://discord.com/channels/272035812277878785/272083901277667342/1200171144603512892]. SPEs closer to [[PlayStation_2_emulators#Emulation_issues|VUs from PS2]] than to a GPU. They're a SIMD cluster, don't be fooled by their apparent similarity to GPUs. GPU are low throughput but very wide. SPEs are also wide, but not so much so. However, their individual thread throughput is insane even compared to a something like RTX 4090 GPU. It's not possible to beat SPUs 1:1 (it's ALL vector, it doesn't have scalar registers at least not general-purpose ones), they have 128 registers and very low latency SRAM, almost no memory fetches and everything is async. Although AVX-512 comes close in performance (at 5+ GHz). GPUs on the other hand are around 10-100x slower, but that's just because of how their cores are designed and the fact that SPU kernels are optimized to run in much smaller groups. There's too much working against emulation at 3.2 GHz rate since most SPU instructions need many instructions on PC (like dozens in some cases), so the PC side needs to be an order of magnitude faster.[https://discord.com/channels/272035812277878785/272083901277667342/1197648306084524202]
* '''[[wikipedia:RSX_Reality_Synthesizer|RSX (Reality Synthesizer)]]''': [[PlayStation_4_emulators#Emulation_issues|PlayStation 4 GPU]] went unemulated for a long time, simply because of how many components were just undocumented, the same thing applies here; the [https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/RSX RSX unit] is a custom-designed chip developed by NVIDIA specifically for the PlayStation 3 and share similarities with GeForce 7800 GTX or G70/G71. It's not well-documented, and developers have to figure out how it displays graphics and graphical effects. Without access to Nvidia's resources, which would normally be included with an SDK, this would be very difficult.
:Something of note is that this GPU was also managed by two different memory units with very disparate frequency speeds; 1) 256 MBs of GDDR3 RAM clocked at 650 MHz with an effective transmission rate of 1.4 GHz, and 2) up to 224 MBs of the 3.2 GHz XDR main memory via the CPU (480 MBs max).

In practice, smaller devs use PPE most of the time, but AAA use everything.

For more information about PlayStation 3 hardware and reverse engineering;
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLebZyha74o Why is the Sony PlayStation PS3 so hard to emulate?], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zW3XawAsaeU Why was the Sony PlayStation 3 so hard to develop games for ?]
* Modded Warfare: [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLn7ji3VsPy3HtSY6rB8yCCRQpWQOc-uJS PS3 Jailbreak Tutorials]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4joCMfTPP4M Alexandro Sanchez: FOSDEM'22 - PlayStation 3 Emulation]
* [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/playstation-3/ Rodrigo Copetti: PLAYSTATION 3 Architecture Practical Analysis]
* [https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/ psdevwiki: PlayStation 3]
* Whatcookie: [https://youtu.be/19ae5Mq2lJE Why is PS3 emulation so fast: RPCS3 optimizations explained], [https://whatcookie.github.io/posts/why-is-avx-512-useful-for-rpcs3/ Why Is AVX 512 Useful for RPCS3?]. Also, there are new upcoming instructions for future CPUs such as [[Wikipedia:Advanced_Vector_Extensions#AVX10|AVX10]] and [[Wikipedia:Advanced_Vector_Extensions#APX|APX]]. RPCS3's [https://rpcs3.net/blog/2020/08/21/hardware-performance-scaling/ progress report August 2020]: Since intel dropped TSX due to security reasons, RPCS3 will use TSX-FA/TSX Force Abort on CPUs with new microcode and [https://github.com/RPCS3/rpcs3/issues/6028 this will result potential regressions], good news is RPCS3 has improved non-TSX performance, because of this, even if your CPU supports TSX it will be disabled for RPCS3 by default.
* [https://discord.com/channels/644252595329957915/668417976554225674 T2 SDE discord - ppc-aim-ps3 channel]
* RPCS3: [https://rpcs3.net/blog/ Blog], [https://discord.gg/rpcs3 Discord], [https://www.youtube.com/@RPCS3_emu YouTube].
* [[Emulation books and articles]]
* [[Console-specific_development_wikis]]
* [[Wikipedia:PSGL|PSGL API]]

==Screenshots==
<gallery widths="200" position="center" captionalign="center" >PS3_slim.png|"Slim" release in 2009
PS3_2009.png|2009 PS3 Logo
Playstation3_superslim.png|"Superslim" edition in 2012
</gallery>

==See also==
[[Controllers#DualShock_3.2FSixaxis|DualShock 3 and Sixaxis]]

==Notes==
<references group=N2 />

==References==
<references />

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Home consoles]]
[[Category:Sony consoles]]
[[Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:BSD-based]]
[[Category:PowerPC-based]]
[[Category:PlayStation 3 emulators|*]]