Playstation 3 Frequently Asked Questions:

Q..What are the differences between the 80GB/160GB PS3™ systems and the PS3™ 120GB/250GB systems?

The core functionality of the PS3™ remains the same. The PS3™ still comes with a high-definition Blu-ray player, hard drive, Wi-Fi, and 2 USB ports. 
Compared to the very first PS3™ model with 60GB HDD, the PS3™ 120GB/250GB systems' internal volume as well as its thickness and weight are trimmed down to approximately two-thirds. Furthermore, power consumption is also cut to two-thirds, helping to reduce fan noise. While inheriting the sleek curved body design of the original model, the form factor of the 120/250GB PS3™ systems features a meticulous design with a textured surface finish.

Q..What are the software prices?

The frontline games are still priced at $59.99 and Greatest hits titles are priced at $29.99, And are roughly the same in euros.

Q..Will all existing PS3™ system peripherals be compatible with the PS3™ 120GB/250GB systems?
Yes

Q..What peripherals became available for the PS3™ 120GB/250GB in 2009?

In addition to the Satin Silver DUALSHOCK®3 controller, we launched Metallic Blue and Deep Red DUALSHOCK®3 controllers.
A Vertical Stand launched only for use with the new PS3™ 120GB/250GB systems. This stand is required for stability when placing the new PS3™ 120GB/250GB systems in the vertical position.

Q..Will I lose any trophies due to the PlayStation Network not being available?

It is possible that some trophies may be lost if you attempted to synchronise while the PlayStation Network was not available.  Any trophies already synchronised to the main server before the outage should not be affected.  If after you have attempted to re-synchronised trophies, any trophies are lost, it is not possible for them to be retrieved.
 
 

Q..Can the EyeToy be used as a webcam?

The Eye Toy (for PlayStation 2) is intended for use with the PlayStation 2 system and may be used with the PLAYSTATION 3 system.  However, the EyeToy is not intended for use on personal computers.  The EyeToy does offer an option for video messaging.  Using the EyeToy USB camera, up to 60 seconds of personal video messages can be recorded onto a Memory Card (8MB, sold separately) and left for friends and family.  Various backgrounds are available, allowing each message to be specially made for any occasion. 

Q..Can I use Google Search on my PlayStation? 

Both PLAYSTATION 3 and PSP incorporate a Google Search option*.  To use this feature, from the Home Menu (XMB), go to Network > [InternetSearch].  For PLAYSTATION 3, System Software version 2.40 or later is required.  The latest PS3 System Software can be downloaded from here.  For PSP, System Software version 4.00 or later is required.  The latest PSP System Software can be downloaded from here.

Q..Is it possible to get viruses on the PLAYSTATION 3 system?

As with any hardware and software which is connected to a network, the PLAYSTATION 3 can also be prone to malicious attacks when connected to a network.  However, we have not received any reports of such attacks to the PLAYSTATION 3.

If you have concerns of malicious attacks, you may wish to verify the firewall capabilities of your network with the network administrator, person who set up your network, or your Internet Service Provider.  We also recommend installing a firewall program between your Internet router and your PLAYSTATION 3, in addition to regularly updating your virus definition files.

Q..How do I connect the PLAYSTATION 3 system to my wired network connection using Easy IP Address settings?

A.  Minimum Requirements

  • PLAYSTATION 3 system 
  • SIXAXIS Wireless Controller (and USB cable)
  • AC Power Cable 
  • A high-speed Internet account (cable or DSL) with an Internet Service Provider (ISP)
  • Network router 

B.  Update the PLAYSTATION 3 system software

Please update your system with the most recent version of the system software: 
Install the most recent system software for the PLAYSTATION 3 system now. 
 

C.  Reboot Your Network Equipment 
 

Reboot simply means to turn the device off (i.e. unplug it from the power source), and then to turn it back on again after a set period of time (in this case, two minutes).  This will allow the network device to refresh its settings.

Reboot all of your network equipment, including any routers and broadband modems for two full minutes.  After two minutes, you can turn on (or plug in) your equipment.


[Note: If you subscribe to Voice Over IP (VOIP) for telephone service, you'll need to make sure you have completely rebooted the VOIP equipment (i.e. VOIP modem) also.  Many VOIP modems are equipped with back-up batteries that keep the device on, even after it's been unplugged. You may need to contact your ISP if you need more assistance with rebooting your VOIP device.] 
 


D.  Other Information You May Need During Installation

  • Your MAC address  

Your network router may be configured to filter MAC addresses.  If so, you need to enter the MAC address of your PLAYSTATION 3 system into the Mac filter table of your network router.  

Here's how to get the PLAYSTATION 3 system's MAC address: 

  1. Navigate to Settings on the PS3 Home Menu.
  2. Navigate up/down until you see [System Settings] and press the X button.
  3. Scroll up/down until you see [System Information] and press the X button.  You will see your MAC Address listed inside.  Be sure to write down the entire string of letters and numbers, including the colons ":" in between. 
Wired Network Installation: Easy Network Configuration Settings

(These Easy settings should successfully resolve majority of consumer network installations.  Try these Easy instructions first.  If these instructions do not work for you, or if you require custom settings, you can try the Custom settings afterwards.)

1.  Confirm that your Internet Connection is enabled.  From the PS3 Home Menu, go to Settings > [Network Settings ] > [Internet Connection] and select [Enabled].)

2.  Scroll down to [Internet Connection Settings], press the X button.  When prompted, [Do you want to continue?] select [Yes], and on the next screen, select [Wired Connection] as your connection method.  Press the X button to continue.

3.  From the Address Settings screen, pick [Easy] and press the X button.  The system will check your network configuration settings and display the information. Press the X button to save these settings.

4.  Test the connection on the next screen.  Press the X button to start the test.  When the test is complete (usually less than a minute), it will display the results (Succeeded or Failed). 

5.  If you have successfully connected to your network, congratulations, you have completed the network set-up process.

6.  If your connection test fails, follow the on screen instructions to check the settings.  You may also need to enter your PLAYSTATION 3 system's MAC address into your router's MAC filter table if it is required by your network settings.

Here's how to get the PLAYSTATION 3 MAC address:

  • Navigate to Settings on the PS3 Home Menu.
  • Navigate up/down until you see [System Settings] and press the X button.
  • Scroll up/down until you see [System Information] and press the X button. You will see your MAC Address listed inside. Be sure to write down the entire string of letters and numbers, including the colons ":" in between.

 

Q..Why am I unable to download the PLAYSTATION 3 system software?

If you are experiencing problems downloading or installing the system software update for the PLAYSTATION 3, please try performing the  following steps. 

Please delete the cache and cookie files for each user on the PLAYSTATION 3 system, from within the Internet Browser of the PLAYSTATION 3

How to Delete Cookies and Cache Files from the PLAYSTATION 3 system's Internet Browser

  1. From the PS3 Home Menu, go to Network and select [Internet Browser].  Press the X button.
  2. After the Internet Browser appears (even if it displays an error message), press the Triangle button.
  3. Select [Tools] from the Options menu.  Press the X button.
  4. Select [Delete Cookies] and press the X button.  Select [Yes] to confirm.
  5. Repeat steps 1 through 3 above, and select [Delete Cache] > [Yes].
  6. Repeat steps 1 through 3 above, and select [Delete Authentication Information] > [Yes].
  7. Repeat all steps above for each user on the system.

Disable the Media Server Connection option

How to Disable the Media Server Connection

  1. From the PS3 Home Menu, go to Settings and select [Network Settings].  Press the X button.
  2. Select [Media Server Connection] and press the X button.
  3. Highlight [Disable] and press the X button to save and confirm.

Reboot all of your network equipment

(Rebooting simply means to turn off the equipment for two full minutes before turning it back on.)  For more information, view our network troubleshooting answers.

Reset the system

How to Reset the PLAYSTATION 3 system

  1. Hold down the touch-sensitive POWER BUTTON  located on the front of the PLAYSTATION 3 system (not the main power switch on the back) for 10 seconds.  The power indicator will turn red.
  2. Restart the PLAYSTATION 3 system by pressing the front (touch-sensitive) POWER BUTTON again.