How to Buy Add-On Content (DLC) on PlayStation 3

The PS3 Store closed for new purchases in **October 2021**, but previously purchased content can still be downloaded. If you bought DLC before closure, here's how to access it. For new purchases, you must use a PS4/PS5 or web store for cross-buy titles.

Method 1: On the PS3 Console (For Owned Content)

1. Sign in to PlayStation Network.
2. Go to **PlayStation Store** icon on XMB.
3. Navigate to **Download List** (bottom of left sidebar).
4. Find your DLC (sorted by date). Press **X** → **Download**.
5. Install automatically after download.

Method 2: Via Web Store (For Cross-Buy / PS4/PS5 Owners)

1. Visit store.playstation.com on PC/phone.
2. Sign in with same PSN account.
3. Search the base game (e.g., "Borderlands 2").
4. Scroll to **Add-Ons** section.
5. If you own it (or it's free), click **Add to Library**.
6. On PS3: Download List → Download.

Note: You cannot purchase *new* PS3-only DLC via web store anymore. Only cross-buy titles (PS3+PS4/Vita) show as "Free" if owned on PS4/PS5.

Method 3: In-Game Stores (Some Titles)

• Games like Call of Duty, Battlefield, LittleBigPlanet had in-game stores linking to PSN.
• These now redirect to the main Store or error out. Use Download List instead.

Method 4: Physical DLC Codes (Rare)

• Some Collector's Editions included voucher codes on paper inserts.
• Redeem via **Account Management → Redeem Codes** on PS3 or web.
• Codes for delisted DLC *may* still work if servers accept them.

Important Limitations

• No new purchases: You cannot add funds or buy new PS3 content.
• No refunds: All sales final.
• Download List is permanent: Even delisted games/DLC remain in your list if purchased before closure.
• PS3 servers for online multiplayer: Most shut down (EA, Ubisoft, Activision). Sony first-party (Killzone, Resistance, MotorStorm) mostly offline.

Preservation Tip

Download everything you own *now*. Use a large HDD (PS3 supports up to 1.5TB 2.5" SATA). Back up to PC via **Backup Utility** (Settings → System Settings → Backup Utility) to external FAT32 drive.