Sony PlayStation 3 Super Slim Console 500GB

After the recent death of my launch Playstation 3 from 2007, I was in the market for a new console. This coincided with prefect timing from Sony, with the launch of their 2012 slim model. Having owned both a launch and slim Playstation 3 from 2009, I felt it was fair to share my views on Sony's latest offering. As with all Sony consoles, the packaging was attractive and neat! Included in the box is: a 500GB PS3 slim console, wireless Dualshock control pad, power cable, av cable, usb charging cable and instructions.

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FIRST IMPRESSIONS
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-The first thing you notice about the console is the size and weight reduction. Admittedly, I did not see much of a difference between the launch console and slim model from 2009. However, this machine is (almost!) the PS3 slim I had been waiting for.

-The machine is a combination of both a charcoal matt and glossy black finish. This actually looks a lot nicer in person than in pictures.

-There are two usb ports on the front, as with the previous slim model. The rear has all the usual ports form previous models; ethernet port, HDMI, optical cable, AV multi-out and of course the power adapter input.

-Discs are now inserted by the sliding across of a disc tray, located the top of the PS3.

-The included Dualshock controller is essentially the same as previous generations, and as comfortable and trustworthy as ever!

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POSITIVE POINTS
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-My launch PS3 had a 60GB hard drive, and my 2009 slim a 120GB. This is my first console with such vast disc space (500GB). It is a very welcome addition, considering that many games can now be downloaded from the PSN store (this is particularly useful if you have a Playstation Plus account).

-While playing games, I have noted that disc spinning noise is reduced when compared to previous models. This is apparently due to better ventilation (as claimed by Sony). Without discs, noise levels are virtually zero.

-The slim form factor allows for easy portability of the console, as well as discrete positioning.

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NEGATIVE POINTS
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-Although the console is nice enough to look at, I do feel some compromises have been made in the design. Overall, the previous machines were definitely more classy, with their slot loading mechanisms. Build quality seems a bit hollow, despite pleasing aesthetics.

-Again, no PS2 backward compatibility. Also gone is the SD card reader that was found only in launch models.

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CONCLUSION
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The price of this new model is a little steep, considering that the PS3 is now over half a decade old (and with rumours of a PS4 around the corner). But overall, I am pleased with the new Playstation slim. It does have some flaws in build quality, but these can be easily overlooked due to the slim form factor and new design. There are some places I feel Sony could have improved on to make the 'ultimate' Playstation console. However, if you are in the market for a new PS3, you can't go far wrong with this. 4/5

First thing to note is that this console was a surprise for most people, i can remember seeing it on the internet at first and saying "oh is that the new PS4" ... sadly not!

This is the PS3 but in super slim form so it went down to weight watchers and came out a leaner fitter machine. It does nothing more or less than the standard "slim" model and comes with the same accessories and controller. The main difference is the size which really makes it the smallest HD gaming console on the market and the top loading blu-ray drive which i will talk about later. The main difference in terms of "whats under the hood" is the hard drive which is now 500GB (in my view this is overkill yet it would allow you to boast about the size of your hard drive). All the ports on the back are identical as are the two USB ports on the front!

As usual the fit and finish on this console is second to none and it's finished in a stylish gloss finish. The top is a rigid finish which allows the top loading drive cover to slide the full length of the console. On the mater of the top loading drive, it works well and the sliding cover is easy to operate... but this does create a problem or two. First as the drive is now on the top and all there is to cover it is the thin sliding cover the drive is more audible than before although it's nothing that's going to distract you from gaming or watching a movie, the bigger problem is because the drive is top loading you can't exactly put the console under your TV and leave it there as how can you change disks?? There just wasn't enough room to get to the disk drive so ensure you have a deep shelf to place it on.

Other things to note:

In terms of software this console is exactly the same as any other PS3. In my experience after testing the wireless out and comparing it to the previous slim this one has a better range. The controller is the same great controller as you got before which features a built in battery and operates off blu-tooth which means it's very efficient and uses little power while gaming.

PROS: Well made, this is the size the PS3 should have been from day 1, 500GB of storage so enough to last a lifetime, excellent connectivity in terms of wireless and blu-tooth, controller is brilliant, online is free to use, can stand vertically!

CONS: top loading drive cover feels cheap, thin and is not noise insulated.., because it's top loading you need extra space to gain access to the drive (so those narrow shelves under you tv are out), 500gb is overkill for most people yet it's the only option that makes sense as the 12GB model will get filled very quickly if you play a lot of games, expensive!

VERDICT: To be honest i fail to see why they brought the super slim console out, it does nothing new except it has a bigger hard drive and is smaller. Yet because of the top loading drive you can only place it in certain places. Don't get me wrong i like the idea and the console looks good and works well but be in no doubt the reason they did it was to save money compared to slot loading drive they had before. Yet at the same time the console is expensive...

My recommendation is to stick with the current "slim" model if thats what you have as it's NOT WORTH upgrading unless you specifically want to pay extra for this new one! If you're new to the gaming world then sure this would make a great console, just be aware of the top loading drive and where you're going to put it!

Yes, £15 makes all the difference sometimes, and when your saving £15 rather then spending more, and still getting better value for money, you start thinking have Sony really thought about their prices:

To do this, all you have to do is Buy the Super Slim 12GB model, buy a Hard Drive mounting bracket, and any standard SATA II 2.5" hard drive, (there are 1TB's out there) and these are all based on Amazon prices, you might be able to get a different hard drive for a smaller price.

Yes, it does mean a bit of DIY, but it is so easy to do, and Sony even tell you how to do it, on their website and on the instruction manual itself.

Now about the "Super Slim" itself,
yes, it can look a bit "cheap", and I wasn't too fond of the top door loading mechnisim, what are we back in the 90's?
I know it was all done to save on cost, and to reduce size and weight, but really? I don't see Ninteno having trouble with the same style loading system, on their console?

The fact that the console is still a PS3, will make this review very short, I am not going to blather on about the PS3 graphic capabilities, or the online features and how it compares to other consoles in the market (although I will say, 360 or PS3 doesn't matter plays most of the same games anyway!)

I just wanted to offer advice on how you can get a Super Slim, 500-1TB for roughly the same price or cheaper (although I would like to stress, some 1TB hard drives say they are 2.5" but are slightly bigger then that, so keep an eye on the dimensions, oh and never expect the full 1024GB capacity, as with all hard drives the size it says on the box is a rough guide of how much you should be able to get So a 1TB might even say 960GB)