On Buying a Playstation 3

[DustyDrB]

I'm going to be purchasing a PS3 very soon, and most likely used. I've never (yes, never) owned a Playstation console of any generation, so I'd very much like to get one with backwards compatibility capability and experience some older games I've missed out on. So help me out on this: I think I'm right that NO PS3 Slim model has this capability, but which "Fat" models have it?

Any other things I should watch out for, considering I'm most likely buying it used?

 

[Netrigan]

Only one with backwards compatability is the very first model (check Wiki for the numbers). Be mindful of prices, because a used PS2 will run about $50 (often with a memory card). If you can get a later model cheaper, it might be smarter to buy both.

 

[omega 616]

I know the 60 GB phat ones do (as I have one), although I bet the chances of getting one would be like finding rocking horse shit.

If you have one of a few that can go backwards, chances are you won't give it up. I am sure there will be some floating about from people who don't like the console or don't realzie they have it on there.

 

[pulse2]

I'm going to be purchasing a PS3 very soon, and most likely used. I've never (yes, never) owned a Playstation console of any generation, so I'd very much like to get one with backwards compatibility capability and experience some older games I've missed out on. So help me out on this: I think I'm right that NO PS3 Slim model has this capability, but which "Fat" models have it?

Any other things I should watch out for, considering I'm most likely buying it used?

Best idea mate is to buy a cheap PS2, some of the prices I have encountered for a BC PS3 are more expensive than a new PS3, if you got a used PS3 and a used PS2, you could experience the best of all three console generations.

Though it all depends on what you want, some of the most popular PS2 games are beginning to pop up on PS3 in HD, but if you are looking for MGS3/2 for example (two of some of the most awesome games I have ever played), yeah, you'd need a PS2.

 

[DustyDrB]

Thanks for the suggestions so far.

I'm going to be purchasing a PS3 very soon, and most likely used. I've never (yes, never) owned a Playstation console of any generation, so I'd very much like to get one with backwards compatibility capability and experience some older games I've missed out on. So help me out on this: I think I'm right that NO PS3 Slim model has this capability, but which "Fat" models have it?

Any other things I should watch out for, considering I'm most likely buying it used?

Best idea mate is to buy a cheap PS2, some of the prices I have encountered for a BC PS3 are more expensive than a new PS3, if you got a used PS3 and a used PS2, you could experience the best of all three console generations.

Though it all depends on what you want, some of the most popular PS2 games are beginning to pop up on PS3 in HD, but if you are looking for MGS3/2 for example (two of some of the most awesome games I have ever played), yeah, you'd need a PS2.

I'll definitely keep that option open. I would like to get the a backwards compatible one for convenience (and space, about a quarter of my 360 is off hanging off the edge of where I keep my consoles), but I can cope without it.

Regarding backwards compatibility, I saw one tidbit that I'm not sure is true. It breaks down like this:
-4 USB slots, it has bc
-2 USB slots, it doesn't have bc

That true? If so, then seller I'm talking to now is lying to me...

 

[Savagezion]

I know the 60 GB phat ones do (as I have one), although I bet the chances of getting one would be like finding rocking horse shit.

If you have one of a few that can go backwards, chances are you won't give it up. I am sure there will be some floating about from people who don't like the console or don't realzie they have it on there.

Bold part made pop come out of my nose! XD

I can attest to the second part. The 80G phat do as well (The one I have - MGS4 release) but the main issue you will have is if you got a backwards compatible one, it means you paid 600 bucks for the thing. That was sort of your "reward" for buying out the gate. Not saying that is the best way to go but it just makes me damn glad I happened to make that purchase. And that is why I think most people who bought bc ones won't have traded them in.

If you can't find one, get a slim and you should be able to find a PS2 pretty cheap. Just make sure you test the console before you leave the store on the PS2. Those things were fickle machines.

EDIT:

Regarding backwards compatibility, I saw one tidbit that I'm not sure is true. It breaks down like this:
-4 USB slots, it has bc
-2 USB slots, it doesn't have bc

That true? If so, then seller I'm talking to now is lying to me...

I am almost positive that's true. I think they only recently started making 2 slot ones. Ask for hard drive size, if its 40G he is lying. But if he is lying about that... not sure how to see HD size for sure. Phat 60+G is bc afaik.

 

[pulse2]

Just make sure you test the console before you leave the store on the PS2. Those things were fickle machines.

Indeed they were, slims were more reliable though

 

[jboking]

The new PS3 slim models are BC with PS1 titles. So if it's the classics you want to experience, you're good. However they aren't PS2 BC. That shouldn't be a huge issue though. Even at gamestop, where they overprice quite often, a PS2 is only around $50 right now. I'd say go for what you can afford. A lot of the old fat models of PS3 are more expensive than the new slims, just go with what you think will be the best value. It's entirely up to you from here.

 

[feebstalicious93]

ps2s are cheap, and it has a shitload of games
but ps3 is really good.

 

[TheRightToArmBears]

I have an near launch day 80GB Fat bastard that does.

 

[DustyDrB]

Allright, seems that going with one of the newer Slim models is the better bet. The bc capable ones are generally more expensive and not in great condition. With PS2's being as cheap as they are, it would be silly to pay more for a console that already has a good amount of wear on it.

Thanks, guys. I'll update later to brag about what (hopefully) great deal I get.

 

[New Troll]

In all actuality, a new slim PS3 and a new slim PS2 are together smaller than a PS3 "fatboy". Would still take up more shelf space though.

I have an 80G BC PS3 /w built in card readers I paid $600. I've had someone offer me $500 for it since I don't use it anymore (have a new slim that works a whole hell of a lot more reliably.) If you feel like beating thier offer I'd probably consider it.

Oh, and all PS3s are PS1 backwards compatible.

And yeah, slim PS3s do only have 2 USB ports but it's not too big of a deal since you can use hubs.

 

[teisjm]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PlayStation_3

Heres a huge chart a bit down the page describing all the differences between the different versions of the PS3. Should answer all your questions.

On a side-note, rememebr to get a HDMI cable, the PS3 doesn't ship with one for some weird reason.

 

[JoshGod]

dont go with the 60 gb with backward capatability. Firstly they die often. secondly, many ps2 games just dont work. for example Ratchet and clank is very laggy. and i know that the second one can only go up to about level 3. Also 60gb are probly more expensive as are rarer (is that a word?).

Here's my advise, get a ps3 slim and a ps2.

 

[Stim78]

I can say with all honesty that 60GB Original PS3 is well worth the money for BC. Yes they do break, I just got the Yellow light 2 days ago.. but that's after easily 30+ hours use a week.. since launch!! And at only £70 for repair with 6 month guarantee I know what i'd prefer to spend my money on. The only version with 4 usb slots and memory card readers was the 60GB, and all PS3's will play PS1... has been like that since launch too.

 

[fingerbang143]

Don't mean to troll but..... Do you already have an XBOX?

 

[DustyDrB]

Don't mean to troll but..... Do you already have an XBOX?

Yes. How would that question be trolling?

 

[DustyDrB]

OK. I lied. I got a fat PS3 from a guy. It was one that came bundled with Metal Gear Solid 4 (the last ones to have backwards compatibility if I'm remember correctly). So the console, a controller, a remote, an HDMI cable for it, and 80GB (I guess this is where I could have done better, but I do already have a 1 Terabyte external hard drive that just has some music and work and school files that take up only a negligible amount of space) for $185. I'm happy with that.

I made a list of games to get. #1 on that list is Demons' Souls, but I thought up about 14 others that I'll get to as well. Thanks for the help, everyone!

 

[New Troll]

I made a list of games to get. #1 on that list is Demons' Souls, but I thought up about 14 others that I'll get to as well. Thanks for the help, everyone!

Walmart has Demons' Souls for $15 right now. Pissed me off since I bought it a couple months ago on sale for $30 and have yet to play it.

And you got a REALLY good deal on the system! Grats!