Guide
Playing PES 2013 Today: Original Hardware, Real Discs, Honest Advice
How to play PES 2013 today the legitimate way: PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, PC and even PS2 and PSP originals, what still works offline, and what to check when buying.
Contents On this page
The best thing about PES 2013 today is that it asks for so little: a disc, a console, and an evening. This guide covers the legitimate ways to play it now, what still works, and how to buy a copy that will actually run.
The PlayStation 3 version
The PS3 edition is the fullest home console version and the one most fans kept. Second hand PS3 consoles and PES 2013 discs are inexpensive and plentiful. Check the disc for deep scratches, confirm your controller holds charge, and the whole offline game, Master League included, works exactly as it did in 2012.
The Xbox 360 version
The 360 version plays to the same standard and its controller suits the game's right stick feints beautifully. As with any disc of its age, install the game to the hard drive if your console allows, to spare the disc and quiet the machine. Offline modes are complete without any servers. For the complete picture of the game, start from the PES 2013 guide home page and work outwards from there.
The PC version
On PC, PES 2013 runs happily on modest modern hardware when bought through legitimate storefronts that still carry classic titles, or from an original PC disc. Its settings are simple by modern standards, and it remains the easiest version to pair with community made content you create or obtain lawfully for personal use.
The PS2 and PSP versions
Do not overlook the little versions. The PlayStation 2 edition carried the series' old school feel to a huge installed base, and the PSP version put a recognisable PES 2013 in a coat pocket. Both are cheap as physical copies and make charming ways to revisit the era, with the PSP ideal for Master League on a train.
What no longer works
The online servers of 2012 are closed, so Master League Online and ranked matches are history. Everything offline survives untouched: exhibitions, leagues, cups, the Champions League and Libertadores, Master League and Become a Legend. For most returning players, the offline game was always the point. We go deeper on the connected topic in our history of the magic boots debate, which pairs well with this one.
Buying a good copy
Buy the disc version matched to your console's region, check photographs of the actual disc where sellers offer them, and prefer complete copies with the manual if you collect. For digital storefronts, buy only from the storefront itself. Avoid any seller offering game files or codes from unofficial sources; original media is cheap enough that there is no reason to risk it.
Setting up for the best experience
Play on the highest difficulty you can handle honestly, set matches to ten minutes for a proper rhythm, and switch passing assistance down a step from your comfort zone. A wired controller removes input lag on older televisions, and game mode on your TV does the same at the other end. We go deeper on the connected topic in our fan history of why PES 2013 still matters, which pairs well with this one.
Keeping the ritual
Part of playing PES 2013 today is the ritual: the disc, the menu music, the Master League save that outlives console generations. Back up your saves, keep the disc clean, and this small piece of 2012 will keep working for decades. Some games are content. This one is furniture in people's lives.
Quick Answers
Can you still play PES 2013 today?
Yes. All offline modes work fully on original hardware with an original disc or legitimate copy. Only the old online servers are closed.
What is the best way to play PES 2013 now?
An original PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 disc, or a legitimate PC copy, gives the full experience. The PS2 and PSP versions are charming, inexpensive alternatives.
Does PES 2013 need an internet connection?
No. Master League, Become a Legend, cups and local multiplayer all work completely offline.