Can You Change Your PSN Name on PS3 Without Deleting Your Account? No—Feature Added Later

No. The PlayStation 3 firmware does not support PSN Online ID changes. This feature was introduced system‑wide in April 2019 (PS4 Firmware 6.50) and is managed via the Account Management website/console on PS4/PS5.

Your Options on PS3

1. Create a New Local User / PSN Account on PS3:
   • Settings > Users > Create New User.
   • Sign in to PSN with a different Email/Online ID.
   • Downside: Separate Trophies, Friends List, Saves, Digital Licenses (Games/DLC tied to purchasing account). You cannot transfer purchases.
2. Keep Current Account, Change Name on PS4/PS5/Web Later:
   • Your PS3 account is your PSN account.
   • On a PS4, PS5, or account.playstation.com → Profile > Edit > Online ID.
   • First change FREE. Subsequent: $9.99 (PS Plus) / $4.99 (Non‑Plus).
   • Risks: Some PS3/PS Vita/PS4 games have “Known Issues” with ID change (Leaderboards, Saves, DLC, Online). Check Sony’s List before changing.
3. Abandon Old Account: Create new primary account on PS4/PS5 with desired ID. Leave PS3 account behind.

Critical Warning

Do NOT delete your PS3 User Account thinking it frees the Online ID. It does not. The Online ID remains locked to the deleted account’s history for a period (or permanently) to prevent impersonation. You lose saves/trophies/digital licenses forever.

Bottom Line: If you must keep PS3 functionality intact, do not change the ID. If you have a PS4/PS5, change it there and accept the small risk of PS3 game issues.