Hobbies And Interests
Functionality
In most ways, the 160GB and 320GB PS3 slim models work identically. Both can play all PlayStation 3 games whether run off a disc or downloaded from the PlayStation Network. Both models support the same apps and extra features, such as media streaming. Unlike the original PlayStation 3 models, neither of the slim models support playing disc-based PlayStation 2 games, though both still support running PlayStation 1 games.
Space and Price
Hard drive space and cost are the only two differences between the 160GB and 320GB models. Sony no longer produces PS3 slim models, so prices on remaining stock may vary, but during production the 160GB model cost $300, while the 320GB model cost $350. The 320GB model doubles the available drive space built in to the system, but otherwise works exactly the same as the 160GB model.
Picking a System
To decide how much space you need on a PlayStation 3, consider how you will use the system. If you exclusively play retail games off of discs, you will not need very much drive space, and a 160GB drive should prove sufficient. If you buy full games from PSN, or if you're a member of PlayStation Plus and receive many free downloadable games, you will quickly use up your drive space, and the 320GB model will let you store more items before running low on space. If you also use your PS3 to buy or store video files, a larger drive will let you keep more movies on the console.
Hard Drive Upgrades
Both models allow you to further upgrade the hard drive if you want even more space on your system. If you want to buy and install your own hard drive, you can have a terabyte or more of space on your console. In this case, you could buy the 160GB model to save money, since the built-in drive will not matter. You can also attach an external hard drive to your PS3 to play videos or back up your content, but you can't run games directly off an external drive.