the ps3 was infinitely ahead of its time

 

specifically, the cell architecture the ps3 used an "8+1" design, which consisted of 8 SPU's (Synergistic Processing unit) and 1 very powerful PPE (power processing element). 

these 8 SPU's allowed the console to "lessen the load" on the singular PPE which increased performance.

however, this feature was impossible to utilise unless you were specifically developing for it. that's why most third party/multiple console games played so poorly on the ps3, as it was a direct port that resulted in crappy performance (see 2nd diagram) and only used the main core (PPE).

additionally, developing for the ps3 was famously difficult for this reason, as you had to essentially code for both the PPE and at at least about 6 SPU's simultaneously to handle different tasks.

but this multi core design is why titles such as the last of us still look graphically impressive today and run well. though sony went back to a single core design for the ps4 and ps5, i can definitely see computers and consoles in the far future returning to a multi-core design such as this.