Where Is the XMB Menu on PS3? It's Gone - Replaced in 2013

The XrossMediaBar (XMB) was the PS3's original interface. If you boot a PS3 today, you won't see it.

What Happened?

In 2013 (firmware 4.50), Sony replaced XMB with the "PS4-style" What's New / LiveArea UI across all PS3 models via mandatory system update. The old horizontal icon bar is no longer accessible.

What the New UI Covers

• Games (disc & digital)
• PlayStation Store
• Video/Music/Photo apps
• Settings, Network, User Management
• Trophies, Friends, Messages

Note: As of October 2021, Sony shut down most PS3 online services (Store purchases, multiplayer for many titles, cloud saves). The console still works offline for local games and media.