Review on Sony PlayStation 3 (120GB)

I purchased my PS3 from Best Buy the day it was released and it hasn't been off since. I use it for everything, if I am not playing a game I am watching a BlueRay or letting it up-convert my regular dvds into near blueray quality. I have always been a Sony man and this is a testament to exactly why, my brother is loyal to the Xbox, uses it less than I use my PS3 and has already been through three "red rings of death".

I am on the same console and it shows no sign of stopping. I would recommend this system to anyone, whether hard core gamer or just someone who appreciates an excellent HD player as well as a multitude of downloadable movies and games. I don't rent movies from the store anymore, I just find what I want and rent it from the PSN, download while I am at work and it's done. Thank you Sony for a reliable and excellent system.

PS3 Slim vs. PS3 80/160GB

Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) Games and Accessories Buying Guide

PlayStation 3 plays PSOne games, PS2 games, and PS3 games. Some of the most popular video game titles in the industry are available for PS3, including the Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion role-playing game, NHL 2K7, NBA 2K7, and Madden NFL 07 sports game titles, and Call of Duty 3 and Resistance: Fall of Man first-person shooters. Also keep an eye out for titles from the Devil May Cry, Metal Gear Solid, and Grand Theft Auto franchises.

For help deciding which games might be right for you and your family, look for PS3 video game Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) ratings. Each rating is accompanied by a content description that tells you if a particular game contains cartoon violence, drug references, blood, suggestive themes, strong language or other elements that may not be appropriate for younger players.

It’s easy to make PlayStation 3 the hub of your digital media center with the right accessories.

Make the most of multiplayer games: PS3 can support up to seven controllers, and having several PS3 controllers on hand is essential for multiplayer gaming. You can find PlayStation 3 wireless controllers on eBay, including the SIXAXIS (identical to the controller that ships with the PS3) and the Logitech ChillStream Controller, which has a built-in fan to help keep your hands cool.

Import PS2 video games: While the PS3 is backwards-compatible with PS2 games, you’ll need a memory card adapter to get all your old saved games from your PS2 memory card to your new PS3.

Network your PS3: Sony offers several online services, and you can surf the Web from your PS3, too. Hook it into your broadband Internet connection with an Ethernet cable or tap into your home network. You can set up a wired connection to your router, or use PS3's Wi-Fi to tap into your wireless access point.

Put PS3 in your media center: PS3 can play DVDs and Blu-ray discs. For the highest-quality Blu-ray movie HD playback, you'll need HDMI cables to connect your PS3 to your HDTV or HD receiver. If you're looking for a universal remote that also works with your PS3, consider PS3 Blu-ray DVD Remote Controls from Sony.

Learn more about Playstation 3 Slim

PlayStation 3 Slim VS PLAYSTATION 3 "FAT"

Old PS3 "Fat" Image - Compare to PS3 Slim

So what’s different about it? For starters it’s much lighter, cooler and quieter than before – and it stores a whole lot more! With a smaller design, more energy-efficient operation, lower price tag, and built-in Blu-ray and multimedia capabilities, the PS3 Slim delivers a compelling package for an affordable price.

PlayStation 3 Slim VS PlayStation 3 "Fat"

A LOT SMALLER

I heard that it was smaller, but seeing is believing! The photos don't do the system justice, and it's not really till you see and feel the difference that you are impressed with it. If you can, go into your local game store and check it out for yourself! If you've previously owned a Playstation console, you already know the difference the slimmer version makes when compared to the original, bulky ones. What's really convenient is that the slimmer PS3 not only means your video gaming is more portable, but that you have a really convenient Blu-Ray player.
NOT A FINGERPRINT MAGNET

I love the sleek look of my PS3 Fat, but don't like how it constantly needs to be cleaned. The glossy finish is a fingerprint magnet! The matte finish on the Slim is much easier to maintain. That being said, it doesn't look as shiny and cool, but I think its convenience outweighs that.

MORE STORAGE

Storage was never an issue for me on my 80GB system, but for those who wanted more storage, you get 40GB more with this system (120GB in total). It may not seem like much, but you can hold MANY movies, pictures, and music albums with 120GB. If that's still not enough, you can always install a 2.5" hard drive yourself, or better yet, plug in an external hard drive in one of the USB ports. You can easily get a portable 500GB external hard drive for less than $100, or a bigger, bulkier one with around 1TB of storage for roughly the same. That being said, I think 120GB for $300 should be more than enough for most users, and is a significant improvement over the 80GB for $400 that people were paying just a few weeks ago!

STILL NOT BACKWARDS COMPATIBLE

This is my one major gripe with the Playstation 3. It really wouldn't have killed Sony to include this feature, as the original Playstation 3's did in fact include backwards compatibility with older Playstation 2 games. A lot of people counter by either saying (1) it doesn't make sense to buy a PS3 to play PS2 games, (2) the graphics on the PS3 are better anyway so why bother with older games, and (3) including backwards compatibility would cannibalize PS3 game sales.

While those arguments might have their merits, I'm still frustrated that my massive PS2 library can't be played on the PS3, and was really hoping that Sony would include backwards compatibility on the Slim! I loved the fact the PS2 was backwards compatible with PS1 games, and really wish that Sony would reconsider this decision.

Read more

Should you buy PS3 Slim or PS3 80/160GB

Sony PlayStation 3 120GB Slim Console

The new Playstation 3 Slim weighs in approximately two-thirds the size of the first PS3, but packs a hard drive of twice the original’s size – now a comfortably large 120GB.

And thanks to its completely revamped internal architecture (with Cell Broadband Engine™ processor) the PS3 Slim runs cooler and quieter than its PS3 predecessors. Just what you need to enhance those terrifying late night zombie romps!

PlayStation 3 utilizes The Blu-ray disc media format, which gives you The best high-definition viewing experience on your television, by way of The format's ability to hold six times as much data as traditional DVDs. This tremendous capacity, combined with The awesome power of The system's processor and graphics card, promises an endless stream of mind-blowing games, and other multimedia content. This doesn't mean though that The PS3 is limited to Blu-ray discs. It also supports CD-ROM, CD-RW, DVD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R formats. In addition, PlayStation 3 system software includes BD Live support that allows you to play discs that support Blu-ray Disc Profile 2.0 (BD-LIVE), meaning you can also connect to The Internet while playing discs that support this format to obtain additional features. And of course PS3 owners also receive free access to The PlayStation Network (PSN), where through The PlayStation Store and PlayStation Home, they can download games, game demos, movies, and other content, as well as chat with friends, play mini-games, compete in tournaments and explore dedicated game spaces.

The Dualshock 3 wireless controller included with The PlayStation 3 120GB system provides The most intuitive game play experience, with pressure sensors in each action button and The inclusion of The highly sensitive Sixaxis motion sensing technology. Each hit, crash and explosion is more realistic when The user feels The rumble right in The palm of their hand. It can even detect natural movements for real-time and high precision interactive play, acting as a natural extension of The user’s body. Dualshock 3 utilizes Bluetooth technology for wireless game play and The controller’s detachable USB cable to seamlessly and automatically charge The controller when connected to The PlayStation 3. By integrating all of these features into The popular PlayStation controller design, The Dualshock 3 further enhances The advanced gameplay experience only available on The PlayStation 3 system.

With the PlayStation 3 120GB system, you get free PlayStation Network membership, built-in Wi-Fi and 120GB of hard disk drive storage for games, music, videos and photos. And every PS3™ system comes with a built-in Blu-ray player to give you pristine picture quality and the best high-definition viewing experience available. Whether it’s gaming, Blu-ray movies, music or online services, experience it all with the PlayStation 3 system.

The new PlayStation Operating System (V 3.0), included in the package, gives you even more interactive and user-friendly features, making the console much more than ‘just’ a gaming machine.

Content and services will be available, too, through the ever-growing PlayStation Network. With the PS3 Slims spacious 120GB, you’ll have plenty of room to download your choice of game titles, trailers, demos, movies and TV shows from over 30,000 currently available.

The PS3 Slim is a powerful new design that uses less power in the process! In this mean machine, power consumption is reduced by a third, making it kinder on your electricity bill and on the environment. And you’ll notice the added benefit of reduced fan noise.

PS3 Slim – it's so much more than ‘just’ a gaming machine ...