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RPCS3 is an emulator, but that alone does not determine whether a particular game copy, firmware file, or copying method is legal. Laws differ by country. RPCS3’s guidance tells users to dump their own game data; for discs, it documents using a PS3 or a compatible Blu-ray drive. Get PS3 firmware from Sony, then install it in RPCS3 through File > Install Firmware.
Is RPCS3 legal?
The emulator program and the copyrighted files used with it are separate issues. The fact that RPCS3 is software does not make every game download, firmware copy, or method of copying or decrypting a disc lawful.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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God of War: Saga - Dual Pack | $54.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Call of Duty: Black Ops - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $14.92 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 - Playstation 3 (Renewed) | $9.62 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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Call of Duty: Black Ops II - PlayStation 3 (Renewed) | $14.34 | Buy on Amazon |
In the United States, the Copyright Office says section 1201 of the DMCA generally prohibits circumventing technological measures used to prevent unauthorized access to copyrighted works, including video games and software. The law also provides for limited, class-specific exemptions determined through a rulemaking process. The Copyright Office describes those exemptions as temporary; they do not establish a general right to copy any game. See the Copyright Office’s 2024 Section 1201 overview and the text of 17 U.S.C. § 1201.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Those U.S. sources do not settle every set of circumstances, and they do not describe the law in other countries. Owning a disc does not, by itself, establish that every copying or decryption method is lawful. If the legality matters to your situation, check the rules that apply where you live.
#1 Best Overall
- Includes
- God of War collections 1 and 2
- God of War 3
- God of War Collection (Chain of Olympus and Ghost of Sparta)
How to install PS3 firmware in RPCS3
Use Sony’s official PS3 system software update file—not a third-party firmware download. Sony’s console-update instructions and RPCS3’s emulator-installation instructions are separate workflows.
- Download the official update file from Sony’s PS3 system software support page.
- In RPCS3, select File > Install Firmware and choose the downloaded update file.
If you are updating a physical PS3 instead, Sony’s instructions say to save the update file to a USB drive at PS3/UPDATE/PS3UPDAT.PUP, then use the console menu path Settings > System Update > Update via Storage Media. Sony warns against using update data from other sources or installation methods outside its instructions.
Rank #2
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
How to dump PS3 disc games
RPCS3’s Quickstart Guide documents two routes: dump from a PS3, or use a computer with a Blu-ray drive that can read PS3 discs. Choose based on the hardware you already have and the current project instructions.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesDump using a PS3
Follow RPCS3’s current Quickstart instructions for the PS3-console method and the title you are dumping. The guide calls for self-dumped game files; it does not direct users to obtain game data from unauthorized download sites.
Rank #3
- Disc only. Original case and manual not included. Will come packaged in a generic case.
- This renewed game has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
Dump using a computer
The computer route requires a Blu-ray drive with PS3-disc support. Not every Blu-ray drive can read PS3-format discs, and no specific model is established here. Check RPCS3’s current drive guidance before buying or setting up a drive.
RPCS3 describes a typical dumped Blu-ray game folder as containing PS3_GAME and PS3_DISC.SFB. For the game folder described in its guide, the PS3_UPDATE directory is not required. Follow the Quickstart’s current steps for preparing and opening the dump.
Rank #4
- This renewed game may come repackaged in a generic case. It has been cleaned, tested, and shows minimal wear.
How to use your own digital PS3 game data
RPCS3’s Quickstart describes copying digital game data from the console’s dev_hdd0/game/GameID location to the corresponding path in the RPCS3 folder. Use the project guide’s current instructions for the specific title and any required licensing files. A third-party game download is not a substitute for data you dump yourself.
Which disc-dumping route should you use?
| Route | What you need | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| PS3 console | A PS3 and the equipment or software specified by RPCS3’s current instructions | Follow the Quickstart procedure for your setup and title. |
| Computer | A computer and a Blu-ray drive that supports PS3 discs | Verify the particular drive against RPCS3’s current compatibility guidance; not every Blu-ray drive works. |
RPCS3’s Quickstart is the place to check for current dumping directions and drive guidance: https://rpcs3.net/quickstart.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
