Still using your PS3 and PS Vita? We’ve got bad news
Bye-bye game transfers
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Sony’s latest firmware update stops players from transferring PS3 games to the PS Vita – but it’s not all bad news.
Initially released earlier this month on May 11, some users reported they could no longer transfer games between thePS3to thePS Vita. At first, console owners seemed to think it was a bug. However, as spotted onResetEra(viaSiliconera), Sony issued anofficial noticewhich was widely missed, confirming this removal was actually intended.
Thankfully, this won’t affect your ability to download games directly onto the PS3 or PS Vita. And players can still transfer downloaded games and save data from a PC using theContent Manager Assistant, which works on both Windows and Mac.
However, if you still wish to download games directly onto the PS3 or Vita, you’ll need to set up a2-step verification on PlayStation Network. That’s been a requirement for several years, likely due to the aging nature of both consoles' infrastructure. You’ll need to enter a ‘Device Setup Password’ rather than your normal password, all of which can be managed from your PSN account security settings.
Support continues fading
It’s not exactly surprising that Sony keeps winding down support for its older consoles. Last year itattempted to shut downthe digital stores for PS3, Vita, andPSP, the clearest sign yet that it was finally ready to retire these aging machines. However, thanks to a vocal fanbase pushing for game preservation, itlater backtrackedon that commitment.
Even so, it’s hard to understand Sony’s reasoning for this particular decision, and the timing is certainly odd. Why it would choose to remove transfer functionality between the PS3 and Vita now, despite keeping support for PC transfers alive, we don’t know. It goes without saying that there’s some behind-the-scenes explanation Sony doesn’t want to make public, we just have no idea what.
Sure, most players have moved onto newer systems like thePS4andPS5, but it’s a shame for those who still use the devices.
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Henry is a freelance writer based in Bournemouth, United Kingdom. When he’s not wandering in VR or burning through his RPG backlog, he’s probably planning his next D&D session.
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