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How to Update Your PS3 Using a Memory Stick

Much like Microsoft's Xbox 360, Sony's PlayStation 3 game console occasionally needs a firmware update to keep it compatible with the latest games and running sharp. While the update itself is easily done by directly connecting your PS3 to the Internet, you can also update using your home computer an external storage device like a memory stick. Be warned that some PS3 models lack memory stick support. Check your console before using a memory stick for the update (USB flash drives work just as well).

Things You'll Need

Memory stick to USB/SD adapter
Computer
Internet

Instructions

- 1
  Create a file named "UPDATE" (all caps) on your computer. Create another file named "PS3" (all caps), and move the UPDATE file to the PS3 file.
- 2
  Download the latest firmware update from PlayStation.com (link below). Save it to the UPDATE file within the PS3 file.
- 3
  Insert your memory stick into your computer and copy the PS3 file to your memory stick. If your computer lacks a memory stick input, you need to use a memory stick to USB or SD converter. Make sure there's enough space on the memory stick for the update. If not, you need to make space on the device, either deleting or moving files from it. System updates vary in size.
- 4
  Remove the memory stick from your computer and put it into your PS3's memory stick slot. Older models of the PS3 include this input while newer models lack memory stick support. If this is the case, use the same memory stick to USB converter to connect the memory stick to your PS3.
- 5
  Power on your PS3 and, under the Settings option, select System Update.
- 6
  Choose to "Update via Storage Media." Your PS3 walks you through the install process. Follow the instructions, taking care not to power off your PS3 during the update (if you do, you could damage the console severely). Remove the memory stick when finished. You can now delete the update data from the memory stick.

PlayStation 3