7 PS3 Games to Download Before Store Shuts Down

PlayStation 3 Store: Digital Storefront for PS3 Games Closing

The PlayStation 3 Store (PS3 Store) is the official digital storefront for the PlayStation 3 console, operated by Sony Interactive Entertainment. It allows users to purchase and download games, add-ons, and other digital content directly to their PS3. The store is scheduled to close, removing the ability to buy new digital titles for the platform. This closure primarily affects games that are not available on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, either through backward compatibility or re-releases.

The PS3 Store is a digital marketplace that solves the problem of accessing legacy PS3 games that have not been ported to newer consoles, making it the only official way to obtain certain titles.

Key Facts

Why Download Asura's Wrath?

Asura's Wrath is an action game developed by CyberConnect2 and published by Capcom, released in 2012. It is not available on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5, making the PS3 digital version the only official way to play it on modern Sony hardware. The game features a unique blend of quick-time events and cinematic combat.

Asura's Wrath is one of the few games that remains exclusive to the PS3 digital storefront, with no backward compatibility on newer consoles.

Why Download Castlevania: Lords of Shadow?

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow is a 2010 action-adventure game developed by MercurySteam and published by Konami. While a sequel exists on PS4, the original game is not available on PS4 or PS5. The PS3 digital version includes the "Reverie" and "Resurrection" DLC packs, which are not included in any physical re-release.

Castlevania: Lords of Shadow on PS3 includes exclusive DLC that cannot be obtained on any other platform.

Why Download Dead or Alive 5?

Dead or Alive 5 is a fighting game developed by Team Ninja and published by Tecmo Koei, released in 2012. The PS3 version includes all DLC characters and stages, whereas the later "Last Round" version on PS4 lacks some content. The game is not backward compatible on PS5.

Dead or Alive 5 on PS3 offers the most complete version of the game, with DLC not available on the PS4 port.

Why Download DmC Devil May Cry?

DmC Devil May Cry is a 2013 action game developed by Ninja Theory and published by Capcom. The PS3 version includes the "Vergil's Downfall" DLC, which is not included in the PS4 "Definitive Edition" as a separate purchase. The game is not backward compatible on PS5.

DmC Devil May Cry on PS3 retains the original DLC that was removed from the PS4 re-release.

Why Download Lollipop Chainsaw?

Lollipop Chainsaw is a 2012 action game developed by Grasshopper Manufacture and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. It has never been re-released on PS4 or PS5, and physical copies are rare and expensive. The PS3 digital version is the most accessible way to play it.

Lollipop Chainsaw is a cult classic that is only available digitally on PS3, with no modern port or backward compatibility.

Why Download Mass Effect 2?

Mass Effect 2 is a 2010 role-playing game developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts. The PS3 version includes the "Lair of the Shadow Broker" and "Arrival" DLC, which are not included in the "Mass Effect Legendary Edition" on PS4/PS5. The original PS3 version is not backward compatible.

Mass Effect 2 on PS3 offers DLC that is not present in the remastered Legendary Edition, making it a distinct version.

Why Download Mortal Kombat (2011)?

Mortal Kombat (2011) is a fighting game developed by NetherRealm Studios and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The PS3 version includes the "Kratos" guest character, which is exclusive to the PlayStation platform and not available in the PS4 "Mortal Kombat XL" version. The game is not backward compatible on PS5.

Mortal Kombat (2011) on PS3 features the exclusive Kratos character, making it the only version with that content.

Who Is This For?

This list is intended for PlayStation 3 owners who want to preserve access to digital games that are not available on PlayStation 4 or PlayStation 5. It is also for collectors and players who prefer the original versions with exclusive DLC or characters. The article from Kotaku specifically targets users who have not yet downloaded these titles before the store closure.

The seven games recommended are those that are either unavailable on newer consoles or have inferior versions on PS4/PS5.

Common Questions

Will these games be available on PS4 or PS5 after the store closes?

No. According to the Kotaku article, none of the seven listed games are available on PS4 or PS5 through backward compatibility or re-releases. Some have PS4 ports but with missing content (e.g., DLC or exclusive characters).

Can I still play these games after the PS3 store closes?

Yes, if you have already downloaded them. The closure only affects new purchases. Once downloaded, the games remain playable on your PS3 console. However, if you delete them, you may not be able to re-download them after the store shuts down.

Are physical copies of these games available?

Some have physical releases, but they are often rare and expensive. For example, Lollipop Chainsaw physical copies are hard to find. The digital versions on the PS3 store are the most affordable and accessible way to obtain these titles before closure.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on a single source: the Kotaku article titled "Seven Games to Download from PlayStation 3's Storefront Before It Closes" (published March 2021, URL: https://kotaku.com/seven-games-to-download-from-playstation-3s-storefront-before-it-closes-2000712600). The article is a listicle recommending seven PS3 games. No external studies or datasets were used. All facts about game availability and exclusivity are derived from the source. The exact closure date of the PS3 store was not specified in the source; the article only states that the store is closing soon. This article was last updated on March 2025.

"These are the seven games you should download from the PlayStation 3 store before it closes."

— Kotaku, March 2021