Netflix to Discontinue Support for PlayStation 3, Affecting Millions of Users
An estimated 87 million Netflix subscribers could lose access to the streaming service this weekend as the company quietly phases out support for older devices. The warning specifically targets users who still watch Netflix through Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3), according to screenshots shared by viewers that display an on-screen alert.
The message states: 'Unfortunately, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after March 2, 2026. Visit netflix.com/compatibledevices to see a list of supported devices.'
Legacy Console Loses Official Support
Netflix has not issued an official announcement regarding this change, but the PS3 was the final seventh-generation console to retain official support. This makes it the last device of its era to be affected by the company's updated compatibility policies. Newer consoles, including the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, are not impacted by this decision.
Users who still rely on the PS3 for streaming can continue to access Netflix through most modern smart TVs, which typically include built-in Netflix apps. Alternatively, they can use inexpensive streaming sticks that offer faster performance and broader app support compared to the nearly two-decade-old console.
Broader Implications for Older Hardware
Industry analysts have also warned that smart TVs more than a decade old may soon lose Netflix support as the company continues to retire legacy hardware. It remains unclear exactly which smart TV models will be affected, but this move is consistent with Netflix's previous efforts to phase out apps on older devices.
About a year ago, Netflix retired support for older Amazon Fire TV devices after nearly a decade of service. Two years prior, the streaming app was removed from aging smart TVs as well as second- and third-generation Apple TVs that do not run the tvOS operating system.
The Enduring Appeal of the PS3
The PlayStation 3 sold approximately 87.4 million units worldwide during its production run, which ended around March 2017. Although no longer manufactured, the console remains in active use, with reports from late 2023 suggesting nearly two million monthly active users. It continues to hold appeal as a legacy device among collectors and gaming enthusiasts.
Netflix's Ongoing Device Compatibility Strategy
In recent years, Netflix has gradually phased out support for outdated devices as part of an effort to streamline operations and focus on newer technologies. In 2023, the service ended compatibility with Sony televisions sold between 2011 and 2013. The following year, Netflix dropped support for first-generation Apple TV devices, which had reached the end of their practical lifespan.
These changes underscore the rapid pace of innovation in the streaming industry, where advancements in video quality, interactive features, and data security necessitate more capable hardware. Many older devices lack the processing power or software architecture necessary to handle high-definition streaming, interactive elements, or enhanced encryption protocols that safeguard user data and content.
Recent Changes to Casting Functionality
Reports of the PS3 service termination come just two months after Netflix ended the ability to cast video directly from a phone to a larger TV screen. This move frustrated many users who claimed it came without any warning. Instead of beaming content from a phone, users must now use their TV remote to browse Netflix directly on the television.
Casting is a convenient method for sharing movies or shows with friends and family, or simply enjoying a better viewing experience than on a small mobile device. Popular tools like Google Chromecast make this easy by turning a phone into a remote control for the TV.
The change impacts both Android and iPhone users casting to most modern TVs or streaming sticks, such as newer Chromecasts or Google TVs. The only way Netflix users can continue casting is if they have older hardware like the original Chromecast from 2013 or early Google TV streamers with built-in Google Cast support.
However, casting will only work for customers who have Netflix's ad-free plans, which cost at least $18 per month. This requirement has infuriated many of the streaming service's 300 million subscribers, adding another layer of complexity to the user experience.
