In an unexpected move, Sony has released a system software update for the PlayStation 3 (PS3), bringing the console’s firmware to version 4.92. This update, rolled out on March 5, 2025, comes nearly 19 years after the PS3’s initial debut in 2006.
According to the official patch notes, the update aims to “improve system performance.” While the specifics are sparse, such updates typically enhance system stability and address minor issues to ensure a smoother user experience.
PS3 system software update 4.92 is available now✨
Please check our page for the latest system software features and how to update.
A notable aspect of this update is the renewal of the Blu-ray player encryption key. This renewal is essential for maintaining compatibility with newer Blu-ray disc releases, as the Advanced Access Content System (AACS) encryption keys require periodic updates to function correctly. Without this update, users might face difficulties when attempting to play recently released Blu-ray titles.
Despite ceasing PS3 production in 2017, Sony has consistently provided annual updates for the console, primarily to ensure ongoing Blu-ray playback capabilities. These updates are crucial because the AACS encryption keys, vital for Blu-ray functionality, have expiration periods and need regular renewal.
For PS3 owners looking to install this update, it’s recommended to have at least 200 MB of free storage space. The update can be downloaded directly via the console’s system update feature or through a USB storage device formatted to FAT32. You can find all of the information on the upgrade to 4.92 on Sony’s website.
This unexpected update underscores Sony’s commitment to supporting its legacy hardware, ensuring that even long-time PS3 users continue to enjoy their media without interruption.
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As reported yesterday, PlayStation has issued a DMCA takedown against the beloved Bloodborne PSX demake, forcing its complete removal from Itch.io and other platforms. The project, a passion-driven recreation of Bloodborne in the style of a PlayStation 1-era game, has built a devoted following since its release in early 2022. Fans of the demake praised its authentic retro aesthetic and faithful reinterpretation of Bloodborne’s opening sections.
The takedown, however, does not affect developer Lilith Walther’s other project, Nightmare Kart, a gothic racing game that began as an April Fools’ joke but evolved into a standalone title. Originally conceived as a Bloodborne Kart fangame, Nightmare Kart has since transformed to distance itself from Sony’s intellectual property, with original character designs and worldbuilding.
Walther confirmed that development on Nightmare Kart continues, and the game will receive a DLC expansion, despite the legal roadblock on Bloodborne PSX. This news comes as a disappointment to fans who had hoped Sony might embrace the Bloodborne demake, particularly in the absence of an official PC or PS5 remaster of the game.
🏁Nightmare Kart: THE OLD KARTS🏁
➡️ Brand new FREE expansion! 💉 New mini campaign! 🏎️ New racers & karts! 🗺️ New tracks! 💥 New power ups & game modes!
While Sony’s crackdown is unsurprising given its IP protection stance, it does little to alleviate the ongoing frustration among Bloodborne fans who have been clamouring for a modern re-release. For now, Nightmare Kart lives on, ensuring that the spirit of Walther’s work isn’t entirely lost.
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Welcome to this weeks newsletter, this week I started to play Elden Ring and wow, what a game – my retro gaming might get a little bit hampered by this game, but lets see.
This week we have 39 stories including some new games for the NES and Genesis/Megadrive, a new motherboard for the PS1 and one adaptor to power all your consoles – plus a lot more.
News
🕹️ A Famicom enthusiast in Japan is selling an almost complete collection of the console’s games before passing away, sparking significant attention online. Automaton Media
Got, got, need
🎵 “Banjo-Kazooie” composer Grant Kirkhope has cast doubt on the possibility of the beloved series making a return. Retroshell
🔥 The risqué shoot-’em-up “Steam Hearts” and fighting game “Advanced Variable Geo” are getting modern console releases. Time Extension
🚀 Sega has filed a new trademark for “Skies of Arcadia,” fueling speculation about a potential remaster. Retroshell
⛏️ Data Man: New NES Game Launches via Broke Studio. Retroshell
🎮 A determined modder has released a “GTA: Vice City” mod despite takedown threats. Retroshell
🐱 “SkateCat,” a retro-inspired adventure game, is rolling onto Nintendo Switch, Itch, and Steam. Retroshell
🔫 The indie shooter “Lethal Wedding” is gearing up for a Kickstarter campaign. Retroshell
🕹️ A custom PlayStation 1 motherboard, “NSOne,” has been unveiled, marking the first in 30 years. Retroshell
⌚ Atari has teamed up with Nubeo to launch a luxury watch inspired by the classic game “Asteroids.” Retroshell
👽 “The Thing: Remastered” has become Nightdive Studios’ fastest-selling game to date. Retroshell
🎮 Songbird Productions is reviving classic Atari Jaguar titles with high-quality reprints. Retroshell
🎼 The “Super Mario RPG” soundtrack is set to release on April 9, including a Super Famicom version in Japan. Retroshell
🔄 A roundup of the best Sega-related posts on Reddit from the past week. Retroshell
🎮 A collection of the most popular original Xbox, PS1, and PS2 posts on Reddit this week. Retroshell
🕹️ Highlights of the best retro Nintendo gaming posts on Reddit from the last week. Retroshell
📼 A roundup of this week’s best Reddit posts covering Atari, Neo Geo, WonderSwan, TurboGrafx, and the 3DO. Retroshell
🕹️ “Quarter Arcades” is adding “Bad Dudes vs. DragonNinja” and “Lunar Lander” to its collection of mini arcade cabinets. Retroshell
🧙 The “Elminage” series is making its way to modern consoles for the first time. Retroshell
⚖️ A local supermarket has won a trademark dispute against Nintendo. Retroshell
🎲 Atari has launched 15 “mystery patch” packs for collectors and retro gaming fans. Retroshell
🏎️ “Dream Ride,” a Micro Machines-style party racer, is coming to the Dreamcast. Retroshell
Dream Ride
💰 Nintendo Switch Online is adjusting its regional pricing, affecting subscribers worldwide. Retroshell
🎮 “The Sims” nostalgia is in full swing with a new Y2K-themed website dedicated to the classic life-sim. Retroshell
🚗 “Ridge Racer 64” is drifting onto Nintendo Switch Online. Retroshell
🦤 A bizarre Kazooie puppet just sold for over $2,000, despite its unsettling appearance. Time Extension
Nightmare Fuel
🎮 A fan is developing an NES-style version of “Celeste,” and it’s already playable. Time Extension
Features
🎲 Technōs Japan’s Famicom RPG Sugoro Quest is finally receiving an official English translation next month. Destructoid
🎨 A look at how Kirby’s box art has evolved across cultures, from cute to combat-ready. Retroshell
🕹️ Megami Tensei’s author explains why the game had two distinct versions for the Famicom and Japanese computers. Time Extension
⚙️ A deep dive into the differences between FPGA hardware and traditional software emulation for retro gamers. Retroshell
📜 A complete timeline of video game consoles, from the industry’s origins to today. Digital Trends
🐵 Donkey Kong designer discusses the character’s iconic redesign and the creation of Diddy Kong. Retroshell
🦇 A look back at why Castlevania’s Nintendo 64 entries are considered some of the franchise’s biggest missteps. CBR
⚖️ Nintendo’s legal battle against emulators intensifies, raising concerns for preservationists and retro gamers. Android Police
🔌 The Retro-Tap lets users power up to 10 retro consoles with a single power block. Retro Dodo
📖 An excerpt from a book detailing the history of the Intellivision console and its impact on gaming. Polygon
🎮 A guide to modern retro gaming consoles, including top systems like the SuperStation One. GeekSided
Lists & Rankings
🛡️ A list of games where players must heavily rely on equipment to survive and progress. TheGamer
🎨 A showcase of SNES games with some of the most incredible box art designs. CBR
Sony has announced the upcoming release of its Midnight Black Collection for PlayStation 5 accessories, expanding the sleek, dark aesthetic to more devices.
The collection includes:
• PlayStation Portal Remote Player: A handheld device for streaming PS5 games over Wi-Fi.
• DualSense Edge Wireless Controller: An enhanced version of the standard controller with customizable features.
• Pulse Elite Wireless Headset: Over-ear headphones designed for immersive gaming audio.
Each accessory features a rich black finish with subtle detailing, complementing the existing Midnight Black DualSense controller and PS5 console covers.
Pre-orders begin on January 16, 2025, at 10 AM local time via direct.playstation.com, with availability at participating retailers.
The collection officially launches on February 20, 2025.
Title: The Legendary Sony CRT: Why It’s Ridiculous to Get Rid of It!
It’s the day after Christmas, and while most folks are unwrapping the latest tech gadgets, there’s a group of enthusiasts, tucked away in corners of the internet, who are celebrating something far less modern but infinitely more fascinating: the legendary Sony CRT television. Specifically, the Sony KX-45ED1, also known as the PVM-4300. This behemoth from 1988 isn’t just a TV; it’s a monument to an era where televisions were as much about engineering feats as they were about entertainment.
The Charm of the CRT
In today’s world, where liquid crystal and OLED screens dominate with their sleek designs and high resolutions, the CRT might seem like a relic. But for retro gamers and tech nostalgists, these old giants hold a special place. Why? The answer lies in the CRT’s inherent advantage: minimal input lag. For gamers, particularly those who play fast-paced retro games, this lag can mean the difference between a high score and a game over. The KX-45ED1, with its 480p VGA input, was designed to transmit signals with virtually no delay, making it the holy grail for gaming enthusiasts.
The Beast of a Television
Imagine a television so large and heavy that it requires a sturdy floor to stand on. The KX-45ED1 is just that—a colossal piece of equipment. It measures 105 cm wide, 76 cm deep, 92.5 cm high, and weighs a staggering 200 kg. This isn’t just a TV; it’s a piece of furniture, a statement, and at the time of its release, it was priced at 2.5 million yen, translating to roughly 4 million yen today when adjusted for inflation. To put that into perspective, the starting salary for a university graduate in 1988 was about 150,000 yen. This TV wasn’t just an investment; it was a declaration of one’s dedication to the art of television viewing.
A Rare Sight
Due to its size, cost, and the sheer engineering involved, the KX-45ED1 didn’t flood the market. It became a sort of Bigfoot in the tech world—often talked about but rarely seen. Collectors and enthusiasts have turned its rarity into legend, much like the mythical creatures of folklore. There are tales of this giant CRT residing in a soba restaurant in Osaka, but like many legends, the truth is hard to pin down.
The Heart of Retro Gaming
Why does this matter in 2024? Because technology isn’t always about moving forward in a straight line. Sometimes, it’s about understanding and appreciating where we’ve come from. For gamers, the tactile, immediate response of a CRT screen when playing classics like “Super Mario Bros.” or “Street Fighter II” can’t be replicated by modern flat screens. There’s a visceral connection to the past, a nostalgia that’s not just about the games but about the way they were experienced.
Preservation Over Progress?
The conversation around technology often centers on progress, but with items like the KX-45ED1, it’s about preservation. It’s about keeping alive the tactile history of gaming and television. As we look at our thin, light TVs, there’s a part of us that wonders about the weight of history, the literal and figurative heft of technologies past.
A Call to Arms
For those in the know, the search for these legendary CRTs continues. It’s not just about owning an expensive piece of hardware; it’s about being part of a community that values this slice of history. Every found unit, every working KX-45ED1, is a small victory against the march of time and technology. So, if you stumble upon one, whether in a thrift store or a dusty corner of a garage sale, remember: it’s not just a TV; it’s a piece of history.
In a world bent on discarding the old for the new, the Sony KX-45ED1 stands as a testament to the idea that sometimes, what’s old isn’t just gold—it’s priceless. So here’s to you, legendary Sony CRT, may you continue to flicker in the hearts of those who appreciate the art of television and gaming in its most raw, unprocessed form.
