Millions of gaming consoles and televisions are about to lose the ability to connect to Netflix, according to industry reports.
The good news is that if you’re watching the streaming service on anything made within the last 10 years, you’ll probably be fine. But if you’re using an older device, you might have to upgrade to continue streaming after March 2.
There doesn’t seem to be an official announcement from Netflix or Sony, but users of certain devices – including Sony’s PlayStation 3 – have been getting expiration warnings.
Men’s Journal reported that in 2010, three years after the PlayStation 3 was launched, Netflix released an app for the PS3. Sixteen years later, the site said, the PS3 has been the last seventh-generation console to maintain official Netflix support.
Sony sold about 87 million PS3 consoles globally, leading some sites to run headlines saying Netflix is cutting off up to 90 million customers.
That’s a serious stretch, in part because it’s based on a global sales figure. Only about a third of those units were sold in North America.
The PS3 was superseded by the PS4 and the PS5, which has been out for more than five years at this point. The number of PS3s still in service is an open question, but it’s probably a small fraction of those built.
However, users of other devices have been getting the same message. Tech site Tom’s Guide reports that “various smart TVs that are over 10 years old will be losing support for Netflix, as well as some older set-top boxes.”
Netflix maintains a list of supported devices at netflix.com/compatibledevices. As of Saturday, that site still gave instructions for connecting a PlayStation 3. – al.com/TNS
