If you are archiving games to save space on a backup drive, use the .7z format, set the compression level to "Ultra," and use the "LZMA2" method.
For real PS3, you can install games to an external NTFS drive up to 2 TB. No compression needed – just direct ISO loading via webMAN MOD.
If you own the original discs and want compressed backups, or if you are looking for public domain/homebrew compressed games, here are the most reputable names in the repack community: Ps3 Game Highly Compressed
A: 7-Zip . It's free, open-source, and incredibly easy. Download the emulator, use 7-Zip to decompress your game archive, and play. For creating your own compressed archives of legally owned games, 7-Zip's .7z format is the gold standard.
Game archivers and modders use two primary methods to shrink PlayStation 3 titles: 1. Lossless Archiving (RAR, 7z, ZIP) If you are archiving games to save space
For advanced users, the official PSARC tool can manipulate the proprietary Sony archive files found inside many PS3 games. You can use it to repack game assets into .pak files with to improve performance on emulators or real hardware.
An older tool famous for extreme compression rates, though it requires immense computer processing power and long periods of time to extract files. Step-by-Step: How to Extract and Play Compressed PS3 Games If you own the original discs and want
The is "backups": If you own a physical PS3 disc, you have the right to create a backup copy for archival purposes and format-shift it (e.g., compress it) for use on your PC or modded console. The only fully legal way to acquire PS3 game files is to dump them yourself using your own disc and a compatible Blu-ray drive.
: These are used for distribution. While they significantly reduce size for downloading, the RPCS3 emulator cannot play them while zipped; they must be extracted first.
Extracting a highly compressed 7z file can take hours on weaker CPUs.
