Despite the PlayStation 3 (PS3) turning 20 years old this year, you might be surprised to learn that several major streaming apps still work on it, including YouTube, Prime Video, and Netflix. That list, however, is about to get a little shorter.
Thanks to a post on the r/PS3 subreddit, it’s been discovered that Netflix has quietly decided to pull the plug on its PS3 app, with the last official day of support being March 2, 2026. After that date, the Netflix app on the PS3 will stop working entirely, meaning you’ll need to use another device if you want to keep streaming Netflix.
When you launch the Netflix app on the PS3, a message now appears that reads: “Unfortunately, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after March 2, 2026. Visit netflix.com/compatibledevices to see a full list of supported devices.”
Interestingly, Netflix’s compatibility page doesn’t currently mention dropping PS3 support and states that the PS3 supports streaming movies and TV shows up to 1080p, which is still true for now. That said, based on plenty of reports on Reddit and social media, many other users are seeing the same warning message on their PS3 when using the Netflix app, so this shutdown appears all but inevitable in March.
- Subscription with ads
-
$6.99
- Premium Subscription
-
$15.49 or $22.99 options
- Simultaneous streams
-
2-4
- # of profiles
-
5
Why is Netflix ending PS3 support?
It could be linked to the PS3’s aging hardware
On Netflix’s official Help Center page explaining why some devices display a “Netflix is no longer available on this device” message, the streaming giant notes that support can end if a device can no longer receive updates or handle new features. Given the PS3’s age and older hardware, that’s almost certainly what’s happening here.
“We’re always working to provide a consistent, high-quality, and secure Netflix experience,” Netflix says on its Help Center. “If a device can no longer get necessary updates from its manufacturer or support new features, we may end support for it.”
Naturally, some users who still rely on the PS3 app weren’t thrilled with the news. One Redditor commented, “This is so upsetting, I love using Netflix on my big 32-inch Trinitron,” while another added, “Noooo. PS3 was the only thing that still allowed account sharing on Netflix from two households like the good old days. Such a shame.” Additionally, people who use the PS3 to watch Netflix on CRT TVs are quite upset about the news, as the PS3 was one of the easiest ways to watch Netflix on a CRT TV thanks to the composite connection that earlier models have.
Netflix first arrived on the PS3 in 2009, but early on, it required a physical Netflix streaming disc to use the service. It wasn’t until late 2010 that Netflix launched a proper, disc-free PS3 app.
While it’s obviously a bummer to see Netflix support on the PS3 come to an end, it’s kind of incredible that it worked for as long as it did.
All told, that gives the Netflix app on the PS3 a 16-year run. While it’s obviously a bummer to see Netflix support on the PS3 come to an end, it’s kind of incredible that it worked for as long as it did.
Sadly, Netflix is no stranger to ending certain services. Recently, the streaming giant ended support for casting on mobile devices, with the only exception being specific Chromecast devices, meaning if you want to use your phone to cast a show or movie to your TV, you can’t anymore, and you have to use the Netflix app.
While Netflix will no longer be available on the PS3 soon, you can still play so many great games on the PS3 in 2026. If you’re interested in revisiting the PS3, we’ve covered it extensively on Pocket-lint, including different ways to play and buy PS3 games. Additionally, last year I recounted my experience buying a PS3 for the first time and what it was like to play it nearly two decades after its launch.
