Based on community reports and technical discussions, here are the most frequent problems players face when trying to access DLC characters on their PS3:
A. Preliminary confirmations (do these first)
Even after successfully downloading DLC files, players sometimes find that the new characters simply don't show up in the character select screen. This often indicates a version mismatch or incomplete installation.
Note: This will not delete your save files, but it will reorganize your console’s file system and fix corrupt pathways. Summary Checklist for Missing Roster Checks
For persistent issues, perform a complete data wipe:
Go to the column on the XMB and select Account Management .
Your game disc region does not match the region of your PlayStation Network (PSN) account.