How to Delete and Install Game Data on a PS3 Hard Drive
By Joshua Phillips
Unlike the Xbox 360, only certain games on the PlayStation 3, such as "Resistance 3" and "Skyrim," allow you to install game data on the system. In most cases, these installs are mandatory and occur the first time you insert the game; in other cases, they occur on the game's main menu or Options screen, depending on the game. Install sizes are typically 2GB to 6GB worth of data; in time, your PS3's hard drive can fill to capacity on just installed games. For this reason, it is a good idea to delete the game data when you are done playing the game.
Step 1
Navigate to the "Game" menu on your PS3.
Step 2
Select "Game Data Utility."
Step 3
Highlight the game data you want to delete, and then press the "Triangle" button on your controller.
Step 4
Select "Delete," followed by "Yes" to delete the game data from your PS3's hard drive.
References
Tips
- For game with mandatory installations of game data, such as "Skyrim," you will need to reinstall the data before you can play the game again.
- Many PS3 games, such as "Final Fantasy XIII" and "Dark Souls," do not offer installations of game data. Consult your game's manual or website to see if it offers an installation option.
Warnings
- Information in this article applies to a PS3 running version 4.30. It may vary slightly or significantly with other versions of the software.
Writer Bio
Joshua Phillips has done it all when it comes to video games: strategy guides, previews, reviews, in-depth interviews with developers and extensive public relations work. He has written for websites such as Hardcore Gaming 101 and MyInsideGamer.