PS3 Remains Last Console Of Its Generation With Full Online Functionality

Expert Verified By

The End Of An Era Is Nearly Upon Us!

Story Highlight
  • The Xbox 360 online marketplace has officially gone offline.
  • In the past, Nintendo also discontinued the online stores and multiplayer support for the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS.
  • This leaves the PS3 as the only 7th-generation console with a functioning online store.

After a surprise announcement last year, Microsoft officially shut down the Xbox 360 digital marketplace yesterday. This marked the end of an era, concluding a nearly two-decade-long journey for Microsoft’s most successful console.

However, the Xbox 360 is not alone here. In fact, it’s far from the only console of its generation to face this situation. Today, the PS3 is now the only 7th-generation console with both an active store and online access.

Why it matters: The Xbox 360 and PS3 are often considered among the best consoles of their time. With the former losing its marketplace, the end is near for the 7th generation of console gaming.

Sony PlayStation 3
The PS3 Has Been Supported For Nearly 18 Years

Nintendo was the first to discontinue its oldest consoles. Back in 2022, it already announced the closure of the Wii U and 3DS eShop services. However, Nintendo’s 7th-generation offering was the Wii.

This console’s online shop was closed down as early as 2019, bringing an end to what was the best-selling hardware of that generation. Moreover, all three of these consoles have lost online multiplayer functionality.

As for PlayStation, it intended to close shop before Xbox. However, after an abrupt announcement several years back, Sony walked back on this decision. Since then, there have been no updates on when PS3 support will be discontinued.

With recent rumors pointing to the end of active support and a PS3 emulator for the PS5, this may happen sooner rather than later. However, for now, the PS3 reigns supreme as the last major console from the 7th generation.

Xbox 360 Online Marketplace
The Xbox 360 UI Has Gone Through A Huge Change. | Image via Twitter

It is also important to note that the PS Vita Store is still up and running. This console, while far from a huge success, continues to have an enthusiast fan following, making it quite important for Sony.

For what it’s worth, we recommend fans cherish their PS3 and its library while it’s still there. There’s no telling when Sony will make a similar announcement since the console only has about 2 million monthly active users today.

Was our article helpful? 👨‍💻

Thank you! Please share your positive feedback. 🔋

How could we improve this post? Please Help us. 😔

Gear Up For Latest News

Get exclusive gaming & tech news before it drops. Sign up today!

Join Our Community

Still having issues? Join the Tech4Gamers Forum for expert help and community support!

Latest News

Join Our Community

104,000FansLike
32,122FollowersFollow

Trending

Nvidia RTX 5090 Stocks Rumored to be ‘Stupidly High’ Within a Month

A new rumor claims that Nvidia Geforce RTX 5090 stocks are projected to get much better within the next month.

Reports Reiterate RX 9070 XT In Works Targeting AI Market Despite AMD Saying Otherwise

Despite AMD denying recent reports, leakers continue to insist that a 32GB variant of the Radeon RX 9070 XT is in the works.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Ubisoft Has High Hopes For Record Results

Ubisoft's latest financial report suggests that Assassin’s Creed Shadows preorders are tracking solidly, in line with those of Odyssey.

Previously Cancelled Batman Beyond Game Reportedly Being Revived By Rocksteady

Rocksteady seems to be tackling Batman Beyond for its next title after a game based on this IP was already cancelled by Warner Bros.

Xbox Doesn’t Want to Move PlayStation and Nintendo Players to Its Platform

Xbox boss, Phil Spencer says the company doesn't want to move players away from PlayStation or Nintendo to their own.