PlayStation 3 buying guide

The PS3 caused quite a stir when it launched thanks to limited supply and crazed gaming fans struggling to bring it home, and now that it's closing in on three years in the market, it's still just as hotly desired but much more affordable. With its cutting edge cell processing ability and sci-fi-quality Blu-Ray disc drive, the PS3 is undeniably the most technically powerful console of its generation, easily surpassing the Xbox 360 and Wii. It's slim, and stylish enough to blend in with your home entertainment equipment, which is perfect: not only is it one of the cheapest and best Blu-Ray players available, but it also serves as a complete entertainment media center for listening to music or viewing photos and movies stored on the device's generously sized hard drive or from any of your other elctronics via bluetooth or a USB port. Best of all, it's unbelievably easy to stream content from the internet or from other computers on a network. The functionality of the PlayStation 3 is ever-expanding as developers find new and innovative ways to use the device's power, which rivals that of some supercomputers.

Three models are on the market today. There are two old-style PS3s that are being phased out. The 80GB PS3, available in black, white, or silver, retails for $299--extremely modest for a Blu-Ray player, let alone an all-in-one media device with thousands of other games and applications. A limited edition 160GB PS3 is also currently available for $399, sold as a bundle with the popular game Uncharted, a DualShock 3 controller, and a voucher for the downloadable game PAIN so you can get your feet wet with one of the many pieces of content available on the free-to-access PlayStation Network. Finally, the most exciting model is the PS3 Slim, a redesign of the system that is about half the size of the original, uses 34 percent less power, has no obtrusive power brick, and has all the same great features, plus a larger 120GB hard drive. Best of all, it still costs just $299.

For more information about the check out our Video Game Console Buying Guide.

The Controller

The wireless Sixaxis controller was the first controller available for the PS3, a modified version of the DualShock 2 used on the PlayStation 2. It introduced the new PlayStation button, located in the center of the controller, and was equipped with an accelrometer for motion tracking technology. The Sixaxis contained a rechargable battery and used a mini-USB connector on its top side. Connecting it to a USB port on the front of the PS3 would allow it to recharge and simultaneously be used as a wired controller. Its Bluetooth compatibility allowed for the connection of up to seven controllers at once. It was replaced in 2008 by the DualShock 3, which contains all the same great features of the Sixaxis but with built-in force feedback (also known as rumble).

The machine also communicates with the handheld PSP which can be used as a controller for compatible games. For instance, the PSP acts as a rear view mirror in Ridge Racer 7.

Cool Features

Previous models of the machine played almost all PlayStation and PS2 games, though new models are only compatible with PSOne games. Additionally, the memory cards from the old systems won't work on the PS3. If you want to access old game saves, you'll need to buy an adapter in order to make it work. If you're starting a new game, you can save those files right to the PS3's hard drive or to an external storage device through one of the PS3's USB ports.
The PS3 is always connected to the internet and will alert you when updates, such as free system updates, are made available.
Online play is completely free. Unlike the Xbox 360, which has a subscription-based online service, the PS3's PlayStation Network is 100% free to use for all games that have online play.
In addition to free online gaming, the PS3 offers a near-endless and always growing supply of downloadable content, some free and some for a small fee. This includes TV shows, movies, expansion packs for games, original downloadable games and software designed just for the PlayStation 3, games for the first PlayStation, and much, much more. Sony has said that in the very near future they will begin offering PlayStation 2 games for download as well.
Access to PlayStation Home, a virtual world similar to Second Life, is also free. You can customize your virtual home and avatar with a near-limitless number of items and interact in real-time with other virtual users from all around the world.
Features full 1080p HDTV compatibility.
The RSX GPU roughly equals the quality (resolution-wise) of two top-of-the-line Nvidia GeForce graphics cards, and it will be 30% faster than the Nvidia 7800 GTX. Translation for non-geeks: it has the best graphics of any console available and blows even the highest-end gaming PCs out of the water.
Plays all types of media: DVDs, Blu-Ray discs and CDs. Memory wise, it supports a variety of formats: CompactFlash, SD/MMC chips and Memory Sticks. Get the PS3 Blu-Ray Remote Control to use when playing Blu-Ray movie discs on your HDTV.
Through USB and Bluetooth connections, you can access files on your electronic devices: digital cameras, camcorders, MP3 players, and Sony's own PSP.
The PlayStation 3 features a full internet browser and network connectivity to download or stream media from computers and network devices.

Great PS3 Deals


Get your first taste of the action with a PlayStation 3 Starter Bundle : the all-in one solution containing a system, games, movies, controllers, and the accessories you need to get your house rocking to the PS3 beat in no time and on the cheap.	If you want to see your PS3 shine as both a media device and as a phenomenal video game system, you can't go wrong with an Entertainment Bundle, with enough movies, games, and accessories to turn your living room into both the perfect home theater and a gamer's paradise.	This limited edition PS3 won't be around forever, but while it lasts, you should definitely snatch one up. It comes with a massive 160GB hard drive, the popular game Uncharted, and a voucher for the downloadable game PAIN, giving you just a sample of the PS3's infinite potential.	A PlayStation 3 Greatest Hits Bundle comes with multiple games, accessories like extra controllers, and bonuses like Blu-Ray movies. Best of all, the games are the crème de la crème of gaming: by selling half a million copies, they are certified as Greatest Hits.