Netflix has more than 325 million subscribers, but a large portion of them may lose access to the service this week.
More than 80 million devices will be unable to access Netflix after March 2, and some subscribers aren’t happy with the news.
Netflix is ending support for the PlayStation 3 after more than 15 years of support on various versions of the device. Subscribers have had access to the service on the system since 2009, three years after Sony first released it to the public.
Last month, PlayStation 3 users learned of the app’s eventual shutdown via a message on the platform that read: “Unfortunately, Netflix will no longer be available on this device after March 2, 2026. Please visit netflix.com/compatibledevices to see a list of supported devices.”
Netflix is a pioneer on this platform
In its infancy, subscribers needed to access the Netflix app by using “Instant Streaming Discs” to get content. Native apps for the PlayStation 3 were developed in 2010, making the console one of the first popular streaming devices in homes today.
The PS3 was a pioneer in home media in many ways, including giving users a place to access streaming content before the advent of products like the Amazon Fire Stick and Roku devices. Nowadays, many of these “smart” features are built into TVs by default – rendering apps like the PS3’s Netflix app are outdated.
Sony ended support for the PlayStation 3 for gaming a few years ago, but many people still use the system as a Blu-ray player and hub for streaming content.
Netflix users react before app shuts down
“I know people who use PS3 as a media streamer but don’t even play games anymore. I’ve been using it that way for a few years,” said one commenter on social media.
“It’s really nice and relaxing to play music using the built-in graphical interface. Love it! Too bad Netflix, my subwoofer would just stop.”
Another subscriber said: “Netflix will no longer run on PS3 or older smart TVs (about a decade ago).”
“Basically, these devices aren’t spyware, and Netflix can’t clutter the screen with ads. There’s no loss here, and I have a better experience on my old TV than on a ‘smart’ thing that’s full of ads.”
“I think I’m one of about 10 people frustrated by this,” one user said on Reddit.
“The Netflix ps3 is very convenient for watching old shows in 4:3 on a CRT, and there are no black bars on the side. Glad I can use it while it still works, at least they gave me a hint.”
Some other subscribers said they were surprised to see the PS3 app supported for so long, given Sony’s move to the PlayStation 4 and eventually the PlayStation 5. The fifth console in the series is the latest hardware and features many of the same streaming apps you’ll find on their choice of set-top box or smart TV.
Like the PS4 and PS3 before it, the PS5 can also play Blu-ray discs natively as long as a disc drive is connected to the system. Sony’s consoles are great for those who prefer physical media, but the emergence and popularity of streaming services like Netflix can’t be ignored.
This article was originally published by Men’s Journal on March 2, 2026, and first appeared in the Entertainment section. Click here to add Men’s Diary as your go-to source.
