Which model of PS3 is best?

[Parshias]

Well, well, well, Sony, you've worn me down. There was a lot of kicking and screaming, and a good bit of crying, but I think I'm finally going to go ahead and buy a PS3. My problem is that I haven't really paid much attention to the different models of PS3s, and so I have no clue about which one is best. I know some models have backwards compatibility, and some of the newer ones don't. What types should I be looking for if I want a PS3 that is backwards compatible, yet still relatively available? I'd rather not have to hunt for one on eBay, so I'd prefer a PS3 I can just get from amazon or Best Buy or something like that. Or even a clue as to what I should look for used at Gamestop, if it truly must come to that.

[virusiidx]

From what I've heard, it would be the first gen 60GB version, which is the one I have. Mainly because it has full hardware backwards compatibility with PS1 and PS2 games and the emulation is hardware, not software based. It's not available in retail anymore though. I know some of the newer PS3's don't play PS2 games, but not exactly sure which SKU models though. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Kaisha]

http://www.bluegartr.com/forum/74612...uld-i-buy.html

General consensus is that the MGS4 PS3 model/bundle is the best bang-for-your-buck since it's the only available PS3 model that has software backwards compatibility.
(which works for most PS2 titles without issue, although a few have visual glitches/slowdowns)

[Ragnell]

60 Gb > 80Gb (MGS4 version too) > anything else

[aers]

edit: beaten

[Kaisha]

Thing is, the 60gb isn't 'readily available' as the OP asked.

[Hiryo]

Thing is, the 60gb isn't 'readily available' as the OP asked.

Yeah this is true, but its still a great system.
But for the OP, that Which PS3 should i buy thread covers pretty much everything you may ask about xD

[Auspice]

The MGS bundle isn't readily available in retail either. Even with my launch 60 gig I get slowdown and glitches when playing PS2 games(don't even try FFXI; it's unplayable).

The only models Sony stocks retail are the new 80 and 160s that are NOT BC with PS2(although they do play some PS1).

You're going to be better off sucking it up and tracking down a 60 gig or you'll be disappointed. :/

[Shojin]

The MGS bundle isn't readily available in retail either. Even with my launch 60 gig I get slowdown and glitches when playing PS2 games(don't even try FFXI; it's unplayable).

The only models Sony stocks retail are the new 80 and 160s that are NOT BC with PS2(although they do play some PS1).

You're going to be better off sucking it up and tracking down a 60 gig or you'll be disappointed. :/

I've never had a problem with the BC on my launch 60gb. FFXI plays perfectly fine also, just the graphics aren't improved at all, if anything, probably slightly worse.

Anyway OP, if I were you the MGS bundle would be the best option for buying new. Although you should wait until after E3, no idea what Sony might have up their sleeve.

[Null]

Yeah, I'd be pissed if I bought a PS3 today and next week at E3 they dropped the price. Might as well wait. Get MGS4 bundle, because every PS3 owner needs to own that game anyway.

[Minions]

Amazon.com: PlayStation 3 80 GB Metal Gear Solid 4 Pack: Video Games

It's still for sale on Amazon 499.99 + free shipping.... so to say its still not readily available idk about that. I still find cfw'able psp 2000's in stores these days and those should have ended about the same time.

[Auspice]

Amazon.com: PlayStation 3 80 GB Metal Gear Solid 4 Pack: Video Games

It's still for sale on Amazon 499.99 + free shipping.... so to say its still not readily available idk about that. I still find cfw'able psp 2000's in stores these days and those should have ended about the same time.

*most* retail stores haven't had them in stock for almost a year given that Sony only sent them out for the first few months after MGS came out last summer.

XI on my 60 gig runs choppier than I remember playing back on my PS2; maybe it was because I was running around in campaign.

Also, MGS3 has noticeable lag especially on certain boss fights(hi2u Fury) among several others.

Even though it has the PS2 chipset and stuff in it it's NOT 100% perfect emulation of the PS2 hardware.

[Minions]

No one said it was perfect, Kaisha states perfectly right there that some games have slow downs, but over all most games are in working order

http://www.bluegartr.com/forum/74612...uld-i-buy.html

General consensus is that the MGS4 PS3 model/bundle is the best bang-for-your-buck since it's the only available PS3 model that has software backwards compatibility.
(which works for most PS2 titles without issue, although a few have visual glitches/slowdowns)

[Ragnell]

Thing is, the 60gb isn't 'readily available' as the OP asked.

I still know places that sell 60gbs, but it's not worth the price since they try to rip people off

[Minions]

Yeah most of the "new" 60GB run u around a grand, used it varies... from around 300-600.

Amazon.com: Sony Playstation 3 PS3 60GB Game Console: Video Games

has two links apparently, one says 60GB other says "older models"
Amazon.com: PlayStation 3 (60GB): Video Games

Still run the risk of getting the "wrong" system, seen people scammed before. Its a risk reward thing, its not to say the systems are not out there, its whether you want to go through the trouble of getting a used one and the risk involved with it.

[Ragnell]

The place I know, sells them New, they horded them in thier warehouse, Shit they even pulled out a fucking Neo geo in the box before

[Zilong]

Buy a mini PS2 for $100 or less if backward compatibility is such an issue is my take on it.

[Ragnell]

I just find that to be annoying having 2 systems connected when you can just make it one system, less space, less heat, less power consumption

[Eticket]

I bought a 60GB off eBay with no HD and just tossed a 160 sata in it. It's been by far the best console decision I ever made.

[Yugl]

If I send in my PS3 for repair, will they fix it with the original chip and such (20GB) or will they change it to software emulation?