Hobbies And Interests
Initial Release
The PS3 launch consisted of two models, differentiated mainly by hard drive size (20 gigabytes and 60GB). Both models included two features that were removed in later models: hardware-based backward compatibility with PS2 games, and the ability to install the Linux operating system. (The ability to install Linux was removed in firmware update 3.21.) Aside from hard drive size, launch PS3s differ in that the 20GB lacks both a flash card reader and built-in Wi-Fi. Launch units can be easily identified by the presence of four, rather than two, USB ports.
Updates to Original Design
The first update to the original PS3 design came in August 2007. The new model was largely identical to the launch 60GB unit, with two important exceptions. First, it featured an 80GB hard drive. Second, its PS2 compatibility was software-based. A new 40GB unit was released in November 2007, which removed PS2 backward compatibility, SACD audio support and the flash card reader. It also dropped the number of USB ports from four to two, and reduced power consumption from 180W to 135W. Mostly identical 80GB and 160GB models of this iteration, which further reduced power consumption to 110W, launched in fall 2008.
Slim Models
The completely redesigned PS3 Slim was released in fall 2009 in 120GB and 250GB models. These models were the first to ship without Linux support. Aside from their sleeker design and greater storage capacity, they are comparable to the 80GB and 160GB models released a year earlier. In August 2010, Sony released a new 160GB PS3 Slim. It also announced a 320GB model that was scheduled for release on September 19, 2010, and bundled with the company's new Move motion controller, the PlayStation Eye camera and the Move game "Sports Champions."
Finding the Right Model
As of August 2010, Sony is only producing the 120GB, 160GB and 250GB PS3 Slim models. If you want to buy a new PS3, those are the only options. However, all other models are available used. Which model is right for you depends on what you want it to do. Models with the full functionality of the launch units are increasingly difficult to come by (especially those without the 3.21 firmware update), but are the only option for playing PS2 games on a PS3. Non-Slim models without PS2 backward compatibility or Linux support are easier to find, but the only advantage they have over the PS3 Slim models is the lower price that comes with buying used.