PS3 Model Guide

The PlayStation 3 (PS3) was released in 2006 and 2007. The successor to the PlayStation 2 (the best-selling video game console of all-time), it didn’t sell as well but was still a highly popular gaming device. The initial technology was considered groundbreaking. With solid multimedia capabilities, its wide ranging game library kept enthusiasts coming back for more.

This guide will review the storage, connectivity, design elements, and unique features of each PS3 model. Whether you’re a gamer with fond memories for the original “Phat” or just someone interested in Sony’s journey with this famous gaming console, we’ll provide an understanding of the different PS3 models.

PS3 Original model – Known as the Phat

The PS3 came in several hardware models. Each was differentiated by the size of their hard drives: 20, 40, 60, 80, or 160 GB. The different consoles capabilities weren’t determined by the size of the hard drives, however, but according to release date and region. The colour trim was the only difference in appearance for the first five models.

As mentioned, the main feature of the PS3 was its backward compatibility. Starting with the original PS3, it was heavy and bulky and kickstarted high-definition gaming. The PS3 became more compact with the introduction of the Slim model. Backward compatibility was sacrificed for a more streamlined design, with the gain of improved energy efficiency and increased storage. The final PS3 model was known as the Super Slim model which had an exclusive top-loading disc drive. Its finish was both elegant and practical.

Model Numbers: 20 GB (CECHBxx, NTSC) and 60 GB (CECHAxx, NTSC)

• 4 USB 2.0 ports
• Hardware-based PS2 Backward Compatibility
• SACD playback
• Linux support
• Sixaxis controllers
• Flash memory card readers
• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi

Model Numbers: 60 GB (CECHCxx, PAL) and 80 GB (CECHExx, NTSC)

• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• Flash memory card readers
• 4 USB 2.0 ports
• Partially software-based PS2 emulation
• SACD playback
• Linux support[a]
• Sixaxis controller
• (MGS4 bundles sold with DualShock 3 controller)

Model Numbers: 40 GB (CECHGxx, CECHHxx, CECHJxx, PAL, NTSC), 80 GB (CECHKxx, CECHLxx, CECHMxx, PAL, NTSC), 160 GB (CECHPxx, CECHQxx, PAL, NTSC)

• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• Linux support
• Sixaxis controller (40 GB only)
• DualShock 3 controller (80 GB and 160 GB only)

When first launched, the PS3 provided backward compatibility for the PlayStation 2. However, this tailed off with later models. The last model to offer backward compatibility was the NTSC 80 GB (CECHE) Metal Gear Solid 4 Bundle (game) so it wasn’t around for long.

PS3 Slim Model

The first Slim model was the 120 GB version. It launched in 2009 and was shortly followed by the 250 GB model. The new model’s case was 32% smaller than the previous PS3 and 36% lighter. Plus, it used a third less power. It came with a motorised, slot-loading disc cover . The new design enabled the Slim model to run cooler and more quietly than the earlier PS3s, thanks to a cooling system. The Slim model, as you would expect, didn’t provide backward compatibility. However, Sony announced a new series of PS2 remastered games called Classics HD. From October 2011, PS2 classics became available for purchase. Sony announced two new sizes of the Slim PS3 in July 2010: the 160 GB and the 320 GB.

Model Numbers: 120 GB slim (CECH-20xxA, CECH-21xxA, PAL, NTSC), 250 GB slim (CECH-20xxB, CECH-21xxB, PAL, NTSC), 160 GB slim (CECH-25xxA, CECH-30xxA, PAL, NTSC), 320 GB slim (CECH-25xxB, CECH-30xxB, PAL, NTSC)

• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• BRAVIA Sync XMB control (CEC)
• Slimmer form factor
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bit streaming
• DualShock 3 controller

PS3 Super Slim Model

The PS3 Super Slim was released in 2012 in three different hard drive versions: 500 GB, 250 GB, and 12 GB Flash Storage. The 12GB version wasn’t a gaming console. Rather, it was a home entertainment system designed to play Blu-Ray, DVDs, CDs, and watch TV (internet connection required). The 250 GB model wasn’t made available in Europe, New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, India, and South Africa. However, you could get a separate 250 GB hard drive to upgrade the 12GB model. The early models weighed in at roughly 25% smaller and about 20% lighter than the original PS3 Slim.

Model Numbers: 12 GB super slim (CECH-40xxA, CECH-42xxA, CECH-43xxA, PAL, NTSC), 250 GB super slim (CECH-40xxB, CECH-42xxB, NTSC), 500 GB super slim (CECH-40xxC, CECH-42xxC, CECH-43xxC, PAL, NTSC)

• 802.11b/g Wi-Fi
• 2 USB 2.0 ports
• BRAVIA Sync XMB control (CEC)
• Super slim form factor
• Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio bit streaming
• DualShock 3 controller

What Comes With a PS3?

As previously indicated, each PS3 model comes with certain extras. In most cases, your product is shipped with a composite cable, DualShock 3 controller, USB cord, and power cord. Although you don’t need any more equipment to use your console, this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t upgrade your experience with a few more items.

PS Eye

What better way to improve your video game performance than to record your sessions and review them afterward? That’s precisely what PlayStation Eye enables.

Doubling as a microphone and camera, the device is the ideal companion for competitive games. It’s usually installed under or on top of your PS3 and records your skirmishes. Since this is a microphone and a camera, you get a complete audiovisual experience with your Eye.

Headset

If you’re a serious gamer, you won’t let anything distract you from your session, not even street noises. That’s where headsets come in.

A high-quality headset contributes to more immersive PS3 gaming. By isolating any noise outside your video game, it keeps you locked in and eliminates distractions.

You’ll be glad to know that all PS3 models are compatible with a variety of headsets. However, you’ll most likely need a Bluetooth gadget.

When choosing a Bluetooth headset for your PS3, keep the following considerations in mind:

• It should have a USB port – If you can find a device with a USB port, you won’t need to use as many cables when gaming from your PS3.
• It should come with an ear loop configuration – Having a headset with an ear loop makes all the difference. It prevents the headset from moving excessively and detracting from your listening experience.
• It should have intuitive controls – You should be able to access the volume/power buttons directly from your headset.

Bluetooth Remote Control

Although infrared sensors are convenient, they’ve become outdated. Nowadays, they’re generally only used for DVD players, TVs, and satellite dish systems, not PS3s. In fact, PS3s don’t even have an infrared sensor, meaning you can’t use a standard remote with your model.

The good news is that you can always switch to a Bluetooth remote. Once you set it up, you no longer need to control your console from DualShock 3 only, making your device more flexible.

One of the Most Influential Gaming Consoles – the PS3

The groundbreaking PS3 was one of the first consoles to enable gamers to play together online. As such, the console had a big impact on the gaming industry. Its early popularity was due to its backward compatibility with games from earlier models, although this was fairly short-lived. The PS3 went on quite a journey, from the Phat to the Super Slim, and showed the world what a games consoles could do.

Did you ever own a PS3? If so, which model? Let us know in the comments section below.