Table of Contents
Sony PlayStation 3
Sony's 3rd system. Releasing on November 17th, 2006 in North America, the PS3's PowerPC-based CELL CPU, 256+256 MB of RAM, and Nvidia RSX graphics at maximum 1080p output resolution was certainly very powerful, albeit very complex. Launching to mixed reception due to an extremely high price and said hardware complexity, it took the PS3 the entire 7th generation to reach it's sales figure of 87.4 million, eking it out a position of 2nd place overall for generation sales.
Operating Systems (PowerPC Cell Broadband Engine)
Arch Linux
This is simply running the PowerPC port of Arch Linux on the PS3, without any specific optimizations or customizations for the console.
https://web.archive.org/web/20120302115259/http://www.archlinuxppc.org/download/
Console emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these consoles is unknown; it must be looked into further. Consoles without meaningful OSes are not included.
https://consolemods.org/wiki/PS3:RetroArch
https://www.brewology.com/downloads/?dcid=1002&np=1&search=
Atari 2600 – retroarch, stella
Atari Lynx – retroarch
Bandai WonderSwan (Color) - retroarch
NEC TurboGrafx-16 – mednafen, retroarch
Nintendo 64 - PS364
Nintendo DS – DeSmuME PS3
Nintendo Entertainment System – FCEU PS3, Nestopia, mednafen, retroarch, BD-J, FakeNES
Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Snes9x, mednafen, snes9x next, CATSFC, retroarch
Nintendo Game Boy (Color) – Gambatte, mednafen, retroarch
Nintendo Game Boy Advance – VisualBoy Advance, mednafen, retroarch
Nintendo GameCube – Dolphin-PS3
Nintendo Pokémon Mini - retroarch
Nintendo Virtual Boy – mednafen, retroarch
Nintendo Wii – Dolphin-PS3
Sega Genesis – Genesis Plus GX, mednafen, retroarch
Sega Master System - retroarch
Sega Saturn - yabause
Sony PlayStation 1 – PS3SX, HEN
Sony PlayStation 2 – HEN
Sony PlayStation Portable – HEN
Debian
The “official” port of Debian for the PS3, which is capable of doing a lot. The pages linked below provide comprehensive installation instructions and demonstrations of what it can do.
https://ps3linux.radiolivre.org/english.html
https://web.archive.org/web/20201111165136/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Distributions
Emulation Nest
This device runs an operating system which is known to emulate various devices with EOPs. See the AmigaOS, DOS, and MSX pages.
Fedora Core (4-12)
Another official port, with many different versions of Fedora supported. Each version has it's own install quirks, so keep these things in mind if using Fedora on a PS3.
https://fedoraproject.org/wiki/PlayStation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NnAn3h7kTM4
https://web.archive.org/web/20201111165136/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Distributions
FreeBSD (9.0-?)
powerpc64 only, starting with FreeBSD 9.0
Support is primarily done through the pre-existing PowerPC FreeBSD port, with little detail being available online. A Live CD is available.
https://wiki.freebsd.org/powerpc
https://web.archive.org/web/20120712180358/http://gitbrew.org/~glevand/ps3/freebsd/livecd
Gentoo
A port that's based off the PPC port of Gentoo, plus it's Live CD.
https://sites.google.com/site/whitesanjuro/
https://web.archive.org/web/20220730224321/https://sites.google.com/site/whitesanjuro/
https://web.archive.org/web/20201111165136/http://distfiles.gentoo.org/releases/ppc/current-iso/
Kubuntu (7.04-8.04.1, 9.04-10.10)
Yet another distribution available in various versions on the PS3.
https://web.archive.org/web/20201111165136/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Distributions
Linux (base kernel)
The base kernel port for the PS3, serving as the base of work for all the other distributions.
https://git.kernel.org/pub/scm/linux/kernel/git/geoff/ps3-linux.git
https://web.archive.org/web/20200927132647/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Linux
https://web.archive.org/web/20190830040518/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Linux_3_on_PS3
NetBSD
A very preliminary port that doesn't appear to do much, although it certainly does exist.
https://web.archive.org/web/20130704234224/http://gitbrew.org/~glevand/ps3/netbsd/
https://web.archive.org/web/20130411103942/http://wiki.gitbrew.org/wikibrew/PS3:NetBSD
openSUSE/SLES(10.1-11.1)
Support for openSUSE also applies to SLES, although SLES is a paid distribution which would make this a bit impractical. The first link has a fair amount of detail about the port and is worth referencing.
https://en.opensuse.org/SDB:PS3
https://web.archive.org/web/20201111165136/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Distributions
OpenWRT
OpenWRT to build PS3 bootloader petitboot
This most certainly does exist, and it works. Of course, by principle of being OpenWRT, it is very small/minimal and is best utilized when installed on the PS3's NAND, which is implied as possible.
https://openwrt.org/docs/techref/targets/ps3
https://web.archive.org/web/20190830040507/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/PS3_OpenWRT
PC emulation (potential)
Whether these emulators support operating systems for these computers is unknown; it must be looked into further. PCs without meaningful OSes are not included.
https://consolemods.org/wiki/PS3:RetroArch
https://www.brewology.com/downloads/?dcid=1002&np=1&search=
Amstrad CPCs – Caprice32
https://www.cpcwiki.eu/index.php/Emulators
Atari 8-bits - retroarch
Commodore 64 – VICE
Commodore Amigas – e-uae PS3
Commodore Plus/4 – VICE
Commodore VIC-20 - VICE
Dragon 32/64 - PS3Roar
MSXs – fMSX
https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/FMSX (may be PS1 vers)
Sinclair ZX Spectrums – FUSE, retroarch
Tandy TRS-80 Color Computers – PS3Roar
x86 – DOSBox
Red Ribbon
a new PPC64 GNU/Linux distribution with support for Cell/BE
Probably the best distribution available for the PS3. Based off of Debian, Red Ribbon stands out in how it is properly tailored and customized to work best on a PS3. A large variety of programs and features are included in this distribution, which also has a graphical environment. A Live CD also exists.
https://sourceforge.net/p/redribbon/wiki/Home/
Stock OS
The quite class XMB interface on the PS3, with a nice variety of features and functions. Even supports printers!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3O_ViiptsA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acuj77Q9gmk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hCPOob3Bya4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRMqeI0hXeM
https://web.archive.org/web/20200928091255/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Printer_support
https://web.archive.org/web/20181214002507/http://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/System_Firmware
T2 SDE Linux (current)
a flexible Open Source System Development Environment
An “environment” which aims to create “custom distributions”. Related to the works of Rene Rebe and his revival of OtherOS. Up to date with modern Linux, and likely the distribution to have the most potential in the future. Already capable of running X and other luxuries of Linux.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xrCppgWK3AQ
https://dl.t2-project.org/binary/2021/t2-21.5-ppc6432-minimal-xorg-gcc-glibc.iso
Ubuntu and Ubuntu Server (7.04-7.10, 8.10-10.10)
Another prominent distribution of Linux for the PS3, receiving official status and some amount of community support. A bunch of Ubuntu variants are also available to use, with the main variant (Ubuntu itself) having a bunch of interesting capabilities, like playing Blu-Ray discs.
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/PlayStation_3
https://web.archive.org/web/20110201094521/http://www.psubuntu.com/ (best vers.)
https://web.archive.org/web/20201111165136/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Distributions
Xubuntu (7.04-7.10, 8.10-10.04)
As stated above, this is one of the Ubuntu variants that can be used on the PS3. Listed for posterity.
https://web.archive.org/web/20201111165136/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Distributions
Yellow Dog Linux (5.0-6.2)
Linux distribution for computers with Power Architecture
A professionally-oriented distribution for PPC, used for some “supercomputer” style PS3 clusters. Quite interesting for this alone, as it was primarily aimed at the PS3 although not entirely.
Internet
Stock NetFront-based browser
This supported Flash at the time, although it's compliance to HTML5 standards is a bit poor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jKKIrFH0iVY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrOhv6RqkfU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mu2F0pkNnjE
https://web.archive.org/web/20200928051704/https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/Web_Browser
Version & Revision Guide
For general information, see the Game Console Revisions Overview.
Many thanks to the ConsoleMods.org PS3 Wiki for supplying a lot of this information. We didn't even know that OtherOS worked on slim PS3s until we found their info. They're in the sidebar for a reason!
Versions
There are three versions of this console, arranged chronologically.
“PlayStation 3 (original)” (2006-2009)
RECOMMENDED OVERALL (if you don't mind physical repair and upkeep)
Commonly known as the “Fat” PS3s. These systems have a mixed set of traits, but come on top when it comes to EOPs and feature variety. Most of the earlier Fat systems will feature a level of PS2 emulation support, and a very powerful I/O that includes 4 USB ports, MemStick/SD/CF card readers, Ethernet, HDMI, Wi-Fi, Digital Audio, plus AV out and AC in. Later Fat systems remove two USB ports, PS2 emulation, and the card readers, but keep everything else. This includes “OtherOS” (Linux/BSD/etc.) support, which is available on all Fat systems, although it can require altering the firmware in some way. The major issues with Fat systems are quite simply, price and reliability. These can come as quite expensive, especially the earliest models with PS2 support. More importantly, these systems are very prone to overheating and the “YLOD” due to two chips (RSX/CELL) consuming lots of power, unless one is careful and does many preventative measures. Aforementioned latter-day Fats are a bit less prone to this, but are still vulnerable to YLODs and some other issues.
“PlayStation 3 Slim” (2009-2012)
BEST RELIABILITY; RECOMMENDED OVERALL (if you hate repairs and get an earlier revision)
The second version of the PS3, serving as a sort of “transition” (although, the I/O is unchanged from the last Fats). Earlier Slims still exhibit some overheating issues, but are completely hackable (even including OtherOS as OtherOS++). Middle period Slims cut the overheating issues by improving chip efficiency, but still have the wide range of hacking. However, the later period Slims have lost the ability to be hacked for the most part. This is covered in detail under revisions, but in essence, all Slim systems made from January 2011 and later, cannot be hacked past basic HEN homebrew. These are known for their good build quality while retaining a high reliability.
“PlayStation 3 Super Slim” (2012-2016)
LOWEST PRICE
The last version of the PS3. The I/O stands unchanged from the Slims/later Fats (2 USB, no card readers, Ethernet, so on). Furthermore, one of the chips (RSX) has been made even more efficient in power consumption. While these are often claimed to be the most reliable PS3s, many state the opposite, claiming the Super Slims have a poor build quality and often run into issues with games. Combine this with the fact that these cannot be hacked at ALL (bar basic HEN homebrew), Super Slim systems mostly aren’t worth it, despite being the cheapest PS3s.
Revisions
There are eight revisions within the PlayStation 3 (original), four revisions within the PlayStation 3 Slim, and no revisions within the PlayStation 3 Super Slim.
PlayStation 3 (original) revisions:
All revisions are easily identified by looking at a sticker on the back for the respective CECH code.
“CECHAxx; 60GB w/ Hard. PS2” (2006-2007)
RECOMMENDED OVERALL (if you are especially okay with repair and upkeep)
The very first PS3 released, and the most notorious one. These have the fullest I/O, complete hardware PS2 compatibility, frequent YLODs/mixed reliability, SA-CD support, NAND for firmware, complete firmware downgrade ability + OtherOS if so, and easily the highest price of all the PS3 revisions. This makes them the absolute best for EOP versatility, as the only other PS2 with hardware PS2 support, SA-CD, 4 USB, and the flash cards is a bit crappy, as seen below.
“CECHBxx; 20GB w/ Hard. PS2” (2006-2007)
These are in essence the CECHAxx systems, but without a significant fraction of the features that made the CECHAxx worth purchasing. It’s still possible to play hardware-native PS2 and SA-CD here, but both the Wi-Fi and flash card readers aren’t present. Otherwise, the reliability issues are retained, and the price is still high, albeit slightly less compared to the CECHAxx. Thus, buying these isn’t completely dissuaded, but the minor reduction in price isn’t worth it.
“CECHExx; 80GB w/ Soft. PS2” (2007-2008?)
A sort of a weird half-downgrade from the CECHAxx, because the PS2 support has been changed from pure hardware, to a hybrid between software and hardware. That’s about it. Everything else is the same, from the flash card readers, to the 4 USB ports and SA-CD. However, they are the cheapest of the PS2-compatible fat PS3s out there, likely because of their diminished hardware compatibility.
All Fat revisions after the CECHExx have no PS2/SA-CD support, and removed 2 USB ports + the card readers. This stays true for the rest of the PS3’s lifespan, all the way to the final version.
“CECHGxx; 40GB” (2007-2008)
DO NOT PURCHASE
The first PS3 revision to cut all PS2 backwards compatibility, SA-CD support, flash card readers, and the 2 USB ports. Furthermore, they retain the two NAND chips for firmware, and decreased the heat consumption of the CELL chip. However, these systems were known for having very poor intake (due to small vents), resulting in YLODs becoming even more frequent than with the earlier revisions. For this, it’s best to not buy these unless you’re willing to hack your PS3’s vents open.
“CECHHxx; 40GB” (2007-2008)
In essence, this is what the CECHGxx wishes it was. Little has changed, but the serious air intake issues were resolved, and the 2x NAND chips were replaced with a single NOR chip. One must know that this has almost no impact to the user, as it simply means that different-but-equally-easy methods must be used for installing custom firmware, and that a fresh HDD in the system requires firmware installation to it from USB. Otherwise, NOR over NAND is irrelevant to usage. As a footnote, some claim that this revision can occasionally have reduced power consumption on both chips, similar to the CECHJ/Kxx systems. Of course, there’s no point in gambling on that when one can simply buy the CECHJ/Kxx for that instead.
“CECHJ/Kxx; 40/80GB” (2008-2009?)
A slightly better version of the CECHHxx. Everything is identical, except the RSX chip has a decreased heat consumption (65nm), akin to the CELL chip (also 65nm). Otherwise, refer to the listing for CECHHxx. There is no difference between the J and K except branding, although the Ks may be able to downgrade firmware a bit more (2.30 vs 2.16), although it appears to be inconsistent. Besides, such a minor version change is hardly relevant, considering how low they both are.
“CECHLxx; 80GB” (2008-2009?)
DO NOT PURCHASE
Things have gotten worse again, because this revision is prone to having faulty NOR chips, which often fail and result in a RSOD. Without custom firmware installed on the PS3, this issue cannot be resolved. Everything else is identical to the prior revision, but said major fault makes these one of the worst PS3 revisions.
“CECHM/P/Qxx; 80/160GB” (2008-2009)
Nothing has changed, except the faulty NOR chips have been fixed. Basically, this is what the CECHLxx should have been. There is no difference between the M, P, and Q, except hard drive sizes. That’s irrelevant if the drive has been replaced, which is a good idea anyway.
PlayStation 3 Slim revisions:
“CECH-20xxA/B; 120/250GB” (2009-2010)
Despite being a major change of version, the Slims didn’t really change much internally. HDMI CEC and Dolby TrueHD/DTS have been added, and the CELL chip has had it’s power consumption reduced even more. However, the RSX chip is unchanged. Otherwise, everything else function-wise is the same as the last revision. 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi and Ethernet, full hacking capability (even OtherOS++), and so on.
“CECH-21xxA/B; 120/250GB” (2010)
RECOMMENDED OVERALL (if you want reliability)
Superior to all other Slim systems. All hacking ability is retained, and the RSX chip has further reduced power consumption (to 45nm), like the CELL chip before it. Otherwise, these retain the same features of the prior revision.
“CECH-25xxA/B; 160/320GB” (2010-2011)
RECOMMENDED OVERALL (if you buy one made before 2011)
Good, but hit or miss systems. In essence, these have the same features of the earlier revision, outside of the Blu-Ray’s board being embedded within the motherboard (which makes certain driveless hacks easier). The problem is, not all of these can be hacked, as hardware and software changes in systems after and including January 2011 prevent any sort of meaningful hacks. Of course, it’s easy to determine if a system is from 2010 or 2011, as it just requires looking at the sticker on the back. Nonetheless, the unhackable later versions of these systems are a do not buy, while the earlier ones are a bit better than the 21xx revision, so keep that in mind.
“CECH-30xxA/B; 160/320GB” (2011-2012)
DO NOT PURCHASE
The final Slim revision, and the first PS3 revision that cannot be hacked at all, no matter what. People also claim that the build quality dropped from this revision onward. Just don’t buy this one.
https://consolemods.org/wiki/PS3:OtherOS (runs on Slims with Rebug CFW)
https://consolemods.org/wiki/PS3:How_to_Hack_your_PS3 (version guidelines)
https://consolemods.org/wiki/PS3:Buying_Guide (excellent detail about revisions)
https://old.reddit.com/r/ps3homebrew/comments/c1p1hq/nand_vs_nor/
https://old.reddit.com/r/ps3homebrew/comments/ex65fy/best_ps3_model_in_your_opinion/
https://web.archive.org/web/20170116040644/http://www.psdevwiki.com/ps3/SKU_Models