Sony has just rolled out a new update, version 4.92, for its venerable PlayStation 3 console, which first hit the market an impressive 19 years ago.

Clocking in at 200MB, the 4.92 system software update promises improved system performance and, more crucially, updates the Blu-ray player's encryption keys to ensure continued disc playback, according to the official patch notes.

These annual updates are necessary due to the periodic expiration of Advanced Access Content System (AACS) encryption keys.  AACS is a copyright protection technology requiring matching keys on both the disc and the console for movie playback.

While the PS4 and PS5 also utilize AACS, their encryption keys are updated automatically, according to their respective user manuals.  The PS3, however, requires a manual system update for this process.

It's anticipated that Sony will continue to release similar updates for the PS3 until the console is officially retired.

Sony discontinued the PS3 in 2017, roughly a decade after its initial launch. By March 2017, the PS3 had sold over 87.4 million units worldwide, placing it behind the lifetime sales figures of the PlayStation 1, PlayStation 2, and PlayStation 4.  For comparison, the PlayStation 5 has sold 75 million units as of a more recent date.