PlayStation 3 Super Slim isn't worth the upgrade | VentureBeat

Sony just released its fifth iteration of the PlayStation 3 game console (affectionately named the “Super Slim.”) This new version is basically the same as the original PS3 that debuted in 2006 and is almost technologically identical to the Slim that hit stores in 2009, though it is not backwards compatible for PlayStation 2 titles. Sony will offer three models of the Super Slim: the 250GB (of internal storage) model ($270, tested in this review), the 500GB model ($300, due out Oct. 30 in North America, and currently available in Europe and Japan), and a 12GB Flash memory-only model that’s only available in Europe.

So, how is the Super Slim? It’s ugly and clunky, but it might have a redeeming quality or two.

[GribbleGrunger]

Tell that to the thousands of people who are buying it in Europe

[Tolkoto]

What does that have to do with anything?

[GribbleGrunger]

That's a bit of an odd question.

Clearly thousands of Europeans think it's worth buying... I don't think it's that difficult to put the two and two together here.

[LOGICWINS]

^^And millions rebuy iphones with minor upgrades on a yearly basis. Just because a lot of people do something doesn't make what their doing valid/logical.

[morganfell]

The difference in this instance is people can buy the new model of PS3 because they choose to do so. They do not have to make a purchase because previous versions of the console kept dying and they were forced to pay for a new model in order to have a modicum of reliability.

[LOGICWINS]

^^Ummm..no? In both cases, you aren't forced to rebuy anything. If your console breaks, whose putting a gun to your head to rebuy it?

[darthv72]

would "upgrade" be the right term to use?

i would classify it as a variant. neither upgrade nor downgrade but simply a variant.

@morgan. So if somebody's fat ps3 died and they bought the slim ps3 and it died and then oh...see the trend?

[shoddy]

I'm getting one.

[Anon1974]

I'm with darth on this one. These guys are clearly missing the point. This isn't an "upgrade", it's a hardware revision to save money on Sony's end.

These guys make it sound like this is the first time we've ever seen a company issue a hardware revision to save production costs without changing much of anything feature wise.

[sikbeta]

@GribbleGrunger

Got proof on that? if you know about sales, it could be that people are buying the V1 Slim before the new model replaces it, but that's only if you have something that proves your claim.

O-T

New model is a downgrade, I'd have no problems with that IF the price was Cheaper.

[mewhy32]

Let's see...I have an 'old' slim and it works fine. Would it be wise for me to go buy this, 'super' slim for 299.99 that doesn't do ANYTHING my 'old' slim can't do????? NO! Wow it amazes me how willing people are to just through their money at things. If you don't have a ps3 then this by all means get one. If you only have the FAT ps3 then get one. Otherwise you're just wasting your money to on this thing. Don't do it. Use you money on games.

[monkey nuts]

The 12g model is only £158.99 in the uk. Which is as cheap as chips. Gold leaf chips obviously, you get the point.......

[Yi-Long]

... and I'm very much hoping that I'll still be able to buy the 'old' slim (hopefully in Candy Blue), instead of the new ugly Super-Slim.

[darthv72]

you are correct in your assessment. If you have one that works then there is no 'need' to get one. There can still be 'want' however.

Like if someone is a collector and is looking to have a version of each model released. While i am a gamer at heart, i am such a collector. This one i will wait on as my thing now is retro systems.

I have amassed quite the collection of variants for the sega, and nintendo systems. it is my personal choice to do so but i know i'm not alone in the hardcore collecting world.

[Syntax-Error]

So I can't get the inexpensive model because Sony shuts out NA to it? Wow, that speaks volumes

[Rush]

Man this playstation upgrade mentality is so backwards...

Original PS3, Big super car premium build materials chrome trimmings all the options, costs a ton to produce sold at a loss but great value for money. Power steering (heat sensitive buttons) and automatic doors.

Old PS3 slim, Sports car good build quality less quality materials, most of the options, power steering removed although still with automatic doors. Smaller profile and more fuel efficient.

New PS3 slim, Hatchback decent build quality, lower quality materials. Similar options to a sports car with power steering and automatic doors removed. Smaller profile again, more fuel efficiency.

Unless size is a key deciding factor, why on hell would I downgrade my PS3 "Fat" to a hatchback with manual clip door instead of an automated one. An argument could be made for the old PS3 slim having a more premium design (not build) from the fat one. But am sorry the new PS3 is fisher-price compared to the original

[jamezrp]

They can get the last-gen Slim with a 320GB drive. That way their house doesn't lose retail value and they have a proper disc tray.

[StreetsofRage]

Well their are a lot of suckers in this world.

[Gridloc]

Exactly. How many 4GB Xboxs have been sold? How many Kinects? Yep, suckers born every day.

[kma2k]

Not all 4gb 360 were bought by suckers. I got one and bought a used 360hdd from eBay and a case from amazon and have a 360 with an OEM HDD for cheap

[Tolkoto]

Thousands of people buy all sorts of dumb products. You know how many shake weights have been sold?

I don't own a PS3 super slim, so I can't speak for its quality, but you can't base it off of sales.

[Hellsvacancy]

I know, check this women out http://www.snotr.com/video/...

Some people out there dont even know WHY they buy stuff

[attilayavuzer]

Tug Toner

[kwyjibo]

I really doubt the buyers are "upgrading". They're going to be people buying it new.

[ZombieKiller]

Personally, if you have a working PS3, there is no reason to buy another. I had a 60gb that has the start of the YLOD (the RSX is starting to disconnect from the motherboard) so I bought a slim and i felt that the original is just way better. Apart from the BC, it just seems to run alot smoother for me, less buggy too (I don't know how but ok).

If it isn't broken, why fix it.

[wastedcells]

Dont get why you would upgrade if you have a perfectly fine ps3 already. I get why you would buy it if you didn't have a ps3, I know I would but this article seems pointless. People don't need a website to tell them if they should upgrade or not. If you want something you buy it because you want it, especially when it comes to a new console redesign.

[Derekvinyard13]

here we go again

[Knushwood Butt]

I actually pretty much agree with darthv.

This isn't really an upgrade, and nobody is pitching it as an upgrade either.

There are some benefits (larger HDD, smaller form factor, lower power consumption, supposedly quieter than previous models) and also some cons (sliding top loader drive may not be to everyone's taste, personally I like my current slim better, build quality may feel a bit cheaper).

[Wuu]

Yeh, sealing my Xbox and buying some sweat slim PS3. Will pump it full with free games from PlayStation +

[Conzul]

You mean "sweet".
"Sweat" is what drips down your brow while you're playing God of War on the highest difficulty level.

[morkendo23]

If phat ps3 isn't broken, why fix it.

[Tsar4ever01]

I don't know why this reviewer keeps referring the PS3 slim .v2 as in UPGRADE, I think a better word should be UPDATE. In term of hardware quality expenses, the orig PS3/K. Kutaragi version is still of the highest HW quality and most expensive to build, which is why they made ALL these cheaper versions over the years with removed parts(*EE+GS chips, multi-SD card slots, 2 usb slots) & capabilities(*Linux support, OS changes) here and there.

These PS3 "UPDATES", not upgrades, was never for the expense of the consumer, it was for expense of Sony. This is why they won't lower the cost. Build and cheaper console & not change the cost and the profit margins would much better.

[GamerElite]

But will this new model blend ? The age old question

[jamezrp]

Find me a big enough blender good sir, and I shall find out!

[IQUITN4G]

There's no denying it looks good on the box but getting up close reveals it's not quite so grand. Word of mouth will likely play it's part in how well it continues to sell after the spike

Not that it matters anyway if you just want to play games on it but yes both previous versions are gorgeous in comparison

[BitbyDeath]

Shouldn't this be marked as opinion?

[deantak]

kinda sad.

[ChunkyLover53]

I don't really consider the slimmer version an upgrade, it's a cost saver for Sony. It looks a bit like the Atari Jr from the 80's and not having a disk slot is a bit of a turn off for me personally.
I have a fat PS3, but if I needed another one it would be the first slim for me.

[SybaRat]

I like thin. I don't like anorexic.

[ziggurcat]

ahhhh there's the ol' doom article... surprised it took as long as it did following the handful of positive sony articles that showed up the last two days.

[Neko_Mega]

Its not a upgrade, at best the only upgrade would be mainly the hard drive. Maybe the top side because of the less chance of your disc being stuck in your PS3 if it dies.

[mt]

I don't understand what upgrade you are looking for ?
do you want for example 4 gb of ram as an upgrade ?

it is a matter of preferences, people have more choices to choose from.

you and I don't like it so we just move along.

[IWentBrokeForGaming]

It's the same console in a slimmer package...

Now 360 damn near became a entirely different console with its slim model...

The 360 Slim model that is out now is exactly what we should have had in our consoles day 1 at launch. The consoles (NOT THE GAMES mind you) have bettered themselves in reverse!

[GraveLord]

Ugly and Clunky? Wow what an exaggeration.
You may not like how it looks but it is not ugly. The only thing clunky about it is the Blu-Ray drive which slides open.(the plus side is that you can open it while PS3 is off!)

[DEATHxTHExKIDx]

Well I already own the slim so I'm pretty sure I don't need this.

[kasasensei]

It's a downgrade, actually.

[bubblebeam]

I wouldn't call it a downgrade. It is just worse because now the only ps3 you can get at the shops are these ones, and they are more expensive for some reason, despite being cheaper to make.

It doesn't really bother me, just that I have a "fat" PS3 and a normal slim, and the slim is playing up. So I'm going to need a new PS3 soon (only use my fat for Backwards compatibility, I worship that thing).

I feel sorry for those in Europe that get the 12gb lol. Luckily it is only partial installs.

[madjedi]

You realise that will be bought by casuals or people planning to install their own hdd right?

[bubblebeam]

@madjedi

Yes, I do. That is my point. The casuals still need to install the **mandatory** installs do they not?

I myself could put a big 3rd party hard drive in there, where as a casual will be scratching their head, and fork out on an expensive ps3 one. Same thing happens with the 4gb Xbox 360.

[Benjamminkno]

Idk, it's lame whatever it is.

[kopicha]

worthless article.... in the first place, all PS3 are the same except they become smaller and lighter (other than they keep removing stuffs as they are being compared to the one they first release) so none of them are even really being an upgrade if i would to say. hardware refresh from these hardware makers are pretty normal in the entire life cycle. it is really dumb to keep buying the same console which does the same thing across over and over again. if one likes to upgrade might well go play a PC. you can upgrade it every 6-12mths to keep it top notch. it is better than any consoles out there. really dumb article imo...

[Conzul]

You just contradicted yourself. You are....how you say....contrary.

[bunfighterii]

I never got people who bought the same version of a console to 'upgrade' anyway, seeing as the performance doesn't change. It's a stupid premise for an article anyway.

[Ulf]

I don't get it. When was this version of the console ever advertised as an "upgrade"?

If anything, it is practically the same as every PS3 made in the last 4-5 years. Unlike, for example, the Wii, which lost BC with the GameCube about a year ago, just like the original PS3 did.

[uncharted56]

As much I love my PS3, this new PS3 super slim is just ugly. I dont get what they were trying to do with it. Were they high, while designing it? If you wanted it to be cheap just should had gone for a PS2 slim type of look and material.

[bladesofagony]

well said

[bladesofagony]

My 40GB phat ps3 suddenly stopped reading any disc i put in, the clock keeps on spinning but nothing happens, i sense its the laser, unfortunately its not in warranty, either i have to replace the drive or get a new one, this might be a good bet

sure its ugly looking, sony is surely losing on aesthetics with every iteration, i dont know why

[Segata]

I live in the US and got one. My first PS3 and I love it.

[tweet75]

the 500 GB model is worth it. It will be nice to get all my downloadable games and DLC on the system at once . I have gotten more than 250 gb on my slim that i have gotten over the last 6 years. I now have one ps3 for the living room original fat, one for the game room (super slim)and one for the bedroom.

[dirthurts]

An upgrade normally involves better performance...which this offers no performance benefits. What's the point?
I agree, not worth the upgrade.

[Clarence]

Sure it is bigger hard drive free game

[etowntwo]

I'll be waiting for a price drop and the 12 gig model to hit the USA. I'm in no hurry.

[MadMen]

Im a much bigger fan of the previous model, I am currently looking for the one with the lights on the buttons if anyone knows the actual SKU

let me know want to scoop one up.

[ginsunuva]

Who upgrades their ps3 if it's not broken? Ps3 users arent iphone users.

[Yodagamer]

Well no duh it's not supposed to it's suppose to be a replacement model for the current one.

[Soldierone]

It's not an upgrade. Don't see why people are looking at it as that. its just a new model of the PS3. Sony isn't Apple, they are not going to release slightly upgrade systems every year.....

A slim just allows Sony to sell the console cheaper and sparks interest in the SAME product again, its nothing more than that. Its not worth upgrading because if you own a PS3, you already have what this offers....

[OmniSlashPT]

And your article isn't worth the read.

I sincerely wouldn't trade my ps3 slim for the super slim. But what about people who still dont have a ps3? A bundle with FIFA and Uncharted 3 seems like a great deal.

[Ck1x]

This is pointless to even be arguing, any hardware that can't perform to the abilities that it did upon release is a downgrade. The PS3 Fat has PS2 backwards compatibility and the new iterations have lost such features upon release. The original Wii could play GC games and the current version cannot, that's a downgrade as well! A proper example of an upgrade but keeping things familiar to the original hardware design would be the 3DSXL. It does everything the original does and better, with added battery, better 3d, larger screens and added button functionality...

[cedaridge]

I'm cool with my current slim. not even a year old yet!

[C_Dub]

This PS3 looks like something from out of the early 80's. No thanks.

Still rocking my original 60GB.

[RavageX]

How dense are some of you?

Why are you calling this an upgrade when it isn't?

If you have a working PS3 regardless of whether it is an old fat PS3 or a newer slim, then there is no reason for you to buy this unless you are just, "one of those kinda people"...and by that I mean the type that has to have every new little thing that comes out, just because it is new.

Don't like the looks? Buy the other slim(which they are still selling).

The amount of crying over this is just stupid.

I plan on buying one simply because my fat ps3 has died again and I feel that a new PS3 would be better(simply because of the fact they run cooler).

I figure that they have the heat issue nailed down by now completely with this super slim, which means it would be perfect for me. THAT is my only concern. Don't give a damn if it is pretty to look at.