The console shipped with firmware version 4.xx. As of 2024, the console supports the latest firmware (4.90+), allowing it to connect to the PlayStation Network, purchase digital games (though the store is winding down), and stream media apps (Netflix, YouTube, etc.).
Between 2010 and 2013, the PS3 jailbreak scene exploded. Hackers realized that Sony's own Developer firmware (DEX) allowed unsigned code to run.
To convert a retail PS3 (CECH-20xx, 21xx, 25xx) into a "Fake Developer" console, you needed to spoof the hardware ID. But the real hardware hackers wanted the actual Dev Kit.
The "491 Top" became a meme/fetish item because:
To understand "PS3 491 top," you must first understand Sony’s firmware numbering system. The PlayStation 3 uses a versioning system that counts major releases (e.g., 4.90) and minor revisions.
The Sony PlayStation 3 model CECH-491 represents the final hardware revision of the PlayStation 3 console line. Commonly referred to as the "Super Slim" model, this unit was released late in the console's lifecycle (approx. 2012–2015) to reduce manufacturing costs, improve energy efficiency, and extend the market longevity of the platform. It is identifiable by its sliding disc cover and distinct matte finish.
| Model | CFW Possible? | Best Approach | |--------|----------------|----------------| | CECH-A/B/C/E/G (NAND) | Yes | Full CFW (e.g., Evilnat 4.91) | | CECH-H/J/K/L/M/P/Q (NOR) | Yes | Full CFW | | CECH-20xx, 21xx, 25xx (NOR) | Yes (check min FW) | Full CFW | | CECH-30xx | Partial | HEN only | | CECH-40xx (Super Slim) | No | HEN only |
Check minimum firmware version (for 25xx): use MinVerChk to see if it shipped with ≤3.56 – if higher, you need HEN.
The "PS3 491 Top" is more than a piece of plastic. It is a relic of a time when Sony allowed developers to run code without a license server.
For the retro gaming archivist, having a complete DECR-1400 with its original 491 top means you can preserve PS3 betas (like LittleBigPlanet Hub or the never-released Agent). For the homebrew developer, it is the most stable platform for running Linux (OtherOS++) without GPU lockups.
If you own one, you own a museum piece. If you are looking for one, understand that you are entering a niche market where a plastic hinge can cost as much as a used PS4.
Before the PS3 Slim, the "Fat" PS3s (CECH-A through CECH-P) used slot drives. However, the development world was different.