A List of Sony PS3 Video Games that are Region Locked - Oooh with Pictures!

🎮 Region-Locked PS3 Games? Yes, They Exist! It's a Fairly Short List....

When the Sony PlayStation 3 launched back in 2006 (yes, two zero zero six - Feel old yet?), it set itself apart—not just with HD graphics and Blu-ray movies, but with something collectors still love: region-free physical games.

Most PS3 titles work on any console, whether you bought them in Japan, Europe, or the U.S. But surprise—there’s a very short list of PS3 games that are region-locked, meaning they won’t work on an NTSC-U (North American) system if imported from certain regions.

Here’s a breakdown of games that could trip up (yes, I said trip up) import collectors 👇

🔒 Region-Locked PS3 Games (NTSC-U Warning)

Persona 4 Arena
🎭 Fighting game spin-off of Persona 3 and 4

• Rating: ESRB (NTSC-U), CERO (Japan)

• Region Codes: BLUS / BLJM

• ❗ This title was deliberately region-locked by Atlus due to licensing complications.

Way of the Samurai 3 (Asian Versions)
🥋 Feudal Japan action-RPG with branching stories

• Rating: ESRB (NTSC-U), CERO (Asia)

• Region Codes: BLUS / BCAS

• ❗ Some Asian versions are not compatible with NTSC-U consoles.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle (JP Version)
💥 Stylish anime brawler based on the manga

• Rating: CERO (Japan)

• Region Code: BLJS

• ❗ May not boot on NTSC-U PS3 systems depending on firmware.

Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers (Japanese Version)
⚔️ Battle with iconic Saints in this anime fighting game

• Rating: CERO (Japan)

• Region Code: BLJS

• ❗ Not guaranteed to work on NTSC-U consoles.

Aquanaut’s Holiday: Hidden Memories (Asia Version)
🌊 A relaxing deep-sea exploration experience

• Rating: Unrated (Asia)

• Region Code: BCAS

• ❗ Even though it includes English, this version may not boot on NTSC-U consoles.

🧠 Pro Tip for Collectors:

Check both the region code and rating system before buying an import:

Mixing regions and DLC? Don’t. DLC must match your game’s region code.

🛒 Featured Import Gem of the Week:

[Insert Game Title] – A region-free fan-favorite that plays perfectly on NTSC-U consoles.
🔥 Grab yours before it’s gone: [Insert Shop Link]

Need help figuring out which import PS3 games will work on your NTSC-U console? Or want to score a rare Japanese title without guessing? We’re here for that. Shoot us a message or browse our shop at Videogame Gem Vault!

🖼️ Image Sources:

• Persona 4 Arena: IGN

• Way of the Samurai 3: Pwned Games

• JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Push Square

• Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers: GameFAQs

• Aquanaut’s Holiday: eBay
  

Welp! That's basically it that we know of, but as my colleague Lauren always says, "The day you know everything is the day you know nothing at all." So, comment, email, call, or text with your thoughts and please let us know if we got something wrong! We aren't walking dictionaries! 

Happy gaming! 

- Rae @ Video Game Gem Vault

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