Product Description:
With over $70 in savings, the new PlayStation 3 250GB system and UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Game of the Year Edition bundle, showcase the intensity and realism of the best console for gamers.
UNCHARTED 3: Drake’s Deception Game of the Year Edition is Nathan Drake’s latest adventure that propels the fortune hunter on a trek into the heart of the Arabian Desert and includes over $45 of Bonus Content! DUST 514, a free to play game available exclusively on the PlayStation Network, thrusts you into the explosive ground conflict of the EVE universe.
Product Details:
- The new 250GB PlayStation 3 System, with a built in Blu-Ray player, can hold over to 1800 Games, 140 Movies, 99,000 Songs, and 40,000 photos
- The PlayStation 3 system includes a free PlayStation Network membership for online gaming, streaming movies and music, and access to the PlayStation Store
- UNCHARTED 3: Drake's Deception Game of the Year Edition showcases Nathan Drake's journey through new challenges and includes over $45 of Bonus Content
- With a 30-day trial of PlayStation Plus, access your instant game collection and download from a free library of hit games. Save over $70 with the PlayStation 3/Uncharted 3 Game of the Year bundle
- Dust 514, a free to play game available exclusively on the PlayStation Network, thrusts you into the explosive ground conflict of the EVE universe
- Included with this PlayStation 3 bundle is a promotional code for your personal DUST 514 ordinance pack containing a 7-day active skill booster, a permanent Armored Personnel Carrier, an assortment of digital items, and 2,000 Aurum to spend on in-game gear, weapons and equipment. Over $30 in total value
Customer Reviews:
Super Slim By A. Dent
STATEMENT OF PERSONAL BIAS: I've been a PS3 owner ever since the 60GB Classic became available in 2007 and I've been impressed with the PS3's reliability, versatility and its sheer power - I've owned both Classic and Slim models, upgraded most, gave away a couple. In the end one's choice for a gaming console is a matter of personal taste and preference but the PS3 is by far the more popular 'gaming' or 'entertainment' implement in our household. And we do own an Xbox.
The FAQ below and the more free-form text that follows are the outcome of the quick unboxing of the Uncharted 3: Game of the Year Bundle.
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THE FAQ:
Q: Why should I buy a PS3 at all? What's it good for?
A: With a PS3 you can play disc-based or downloaded games and this includes no-fee support for multiplayer, play Blu-ray, DVD movies or stream, rent or download movies or your own videos, play CDs or upload and play your own music, upload and display your photos, listen to Internet radio stations, access an ever-increasing number of Internet services such as Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Music Unlimited, browse the Web, play content off DLNA-compatible computers, laptops, media servers or network-attached storage (NAS) or allow your computers to play content stored on your PS3, integrate with your PSP or Vita portable consoles.
Q: In what ways is the new PS3 different from the current models?
A: The new model (Super Slim) is smaller, lighter, more quiet, more power efficient, has a larger HDD and has discs top-loaded vs. front-loaded on the Slim.
Q: Is the new model less expensive than the Slim?
A: The Super Slim is only available as a bundle at the time I'm writing this (will update). The current bundle consisting essentially of the console itself, a physical game, a downloadble game and 30 day Playstation Plus is slightly more expensive than the plain old model console but sells for less than a similar old model bundle - PS3 160GB with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows part 2 Blu-ray Disc Bundle which is $300 and it adds only a movie and a 30-day Playstation Plus membership.
Q: Can I get the console without the games and pay less?
A: Not at this time. But the console I helped unbox had the Uncharted 3 shrink-wrapped and it should be possible to sell it through Amazon as `new'.
Q: I am ready to order a PS3 but I'm undecided. Should I buy a Slim or a Super Slim?
A: If you would buy Uncharted 3 with the Slim, then you should pick the new model. If not... it's a matter of preference: front loading (Slim) vs. top loading (this model). Buy the Slim if you can't stand `top loading' your discs but buy this model otherwise because of the small improvements (see first answer)
Q: Should I buy this bundle or should I wait for more choices or a price drop?
A: Either or both are likely to happen post Black Friday but if Uncharted 3 is your kind of game this could still be a good buy,
Q: Isn't Sony expected to announce the PS4 soon?
A: It is likely that Sony's next generation console will be launched in 2013. Sony recently committed to support the PS3 at least through 2015.
Q: If I already have a PS3 is this model worth the upgrade?
A: See the answer to the first question. The new model has an additional 90GB of HDD storage when compared to the 160GB Slim.
Q: I am planning to buy my first Sony console? Should I buy the Slim, the Super Slim (this bundle) or wait for the PS4?
A: We bought our first PS3 in 2007 and we paid a lot for it. The reward was us enjoying it for the 2 years between the time of our purchase and Sony announcing some less expensive models. In our case it was well worth it. I would expect the PS3 to remain a viable gaming platform and home entertainment center for at least two more years.
Q: Is the new model compatible with all my existing peripherals: controllers, Move, Eye camera, keyboard, charger?
A: Yes.
Q: Does this model come with HDMI, USB cables?
A: There is a USB cable in the box but you will have to supply your own HDMI if you need one.
Q: What is actually in the box?
A: The console itself, power cord, composite video cable, USB cable, the controller, Uncharted 3 game in a sealed case, DUST 514 voucher and Playstation Plus 30-day membership, User Guide.
Q: Once I buy this bundle, what else will I need to have a fully functional console?
A: You should buy an HDMI cable if you are going to connect your PS3 to an HD TV. You may also want a second controller. A Move bundle (controllers, camera) is highly optional. A charger should be okay but it's not needed because controllers charge through the PS3's USB ports.
Q: If I buy the 250GB model can I upgrade later to a larger size?
A: Yes, Sony will allow you to replace the existing HDD with a compatible 2.5" SATA drive without voiding the warranty. There are dozens of step-by-step guides on YouTube.
Q: Will I have to pay Sony if I wanted to play co-op or multiplayer games?
A: No. The basic PSN access is free. There is the Playstation Plus option that adds some perks such as free trial games, betas and demos and some discounts on downloaded titles but `non-essential' is the key word. I never felt I needed to pay for that service.
Q: Is there a complete list of services currently on the PS3?
A: This is what is available at the time I'm writing this: NFL Sunday Ticket, Hulu Plus, Netflix, YouTube, Vudu HD Movies, Crunchyroll (anime), NHL Gamecenter Live, MLB.tv, XOS College Sports, CinemaNow, Laugh Factory Live (beta), Music Unlimited.
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SLIMS vs. SUPERSLIMS
It's likely that Sony may stop making/selling the existing 160/320GB Slim models and this 250GB and the upcoming 500GB models with their various 'bundles are going to be the only models to choose from in the near future. At the time of my writing this review this 250GB Uncharted 3 Game of the Year bundle is the only 'super slim' configuration available with the 500GB bundle expected to launch in October.
The few hands-on hours I spent with this model convinced me that the new PS3 is a slight improvement over the models it replaces and here are the changes:
- Price - yes, the 250GB Super Slim's bundle costs more than a plain 160GB Slim but it's a bundle - it comes with a physical game and a download voucher in addition to the console. There is a resalable, shrink-wrapped copy of Uncharted 3 inside and you could probably sell it at Amazon for more than the price difference between the bundle and the Slim. It's quite likely that we are going to see an unbundled 250GB configuration for under two hundred dollars during the holiday season.
- Smaller - I believe Sony stated that the new model is 20% lighter than the Slim.
- Larger HDD - the extra 90GB (250GB vs. 160GB) may not sound like a lot but the extra storage is enough room for maybe 30-40 downloaded games or 20-30 DVD-quality movies.
- Burns less electricity - the Super Slim comes with a 190W power supply which is 60W less than the Slim's 250W.
- Fans are more quiet - the smaller model has smaller fans and I could hardly hear them.
- Disc loading - it's changing from the front-loader to a top-loader method. This method guarantees that you'll never end up with a stuck disc but the sliding door can be noisy.
- Finish - the shape is more streamlined but the overall impression if 'cheaper looking' when compared to the Slim or the Classic. I personally don't care because my PS3 lives under the TV and it's not seen.
RATING THIS BUNDLE
I tend to like this new model for the several small improvements over the Slim. Because I don't mind `top loading' and `looks' for a console that's not seen don't matter. I would pick this model over the Slim because of the several small improvements. If this was my first PS3 purchase I would buy one with the knowledge that a new model may be announced one year from now because paying less than a dollar a day for one fine gaming and overall entertaining center is well worth it but that's just my view.
I am going to rate this bundle a four stars, mainly because at the time I'm writing this review and at least for the next few weeks we won't have the freedom to choose between a bundle and a just plain Super Slim for a lower price. Uncharted 3 is a great Sony exclusive and we already own a copy and I'd prefer to buy a copy because I wanted to, not because I have little choice.
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>> Brush your teeth, it's the law! <<PS3 Unboxing By JCC
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1FVYY3UGI4OAO Hi, I just wanted to share my unboxing video of this new ultra slim PS3. I know that it's not really available for people to check out at the moment as not many places have it in stock. I had a hard time finding a video or photo of just how the new manual disc sliding door works. In any case, you can see it right on my video.
One thing I discovered after this video was filmed was that there's actually a small ejection button on the front lip of the unit about 4 inches to the left of the PS3 logo. It's a mechanical switch that releases the spring loaded door so that it slides open. I think most people will probably just bypass that and use their hands to open and close. It's a lot faster and easier.
The overall size of the unit is noticeably smaller even from the the latest model. I am swapping from the original launch FAT version which is really fat next to this. Also, it runs fairly quiet and cooler: only a small whirl and heat from the lower back of the unit.
Yes, the unit construction does feel a bit cheap as Sony no doubt is looking to make as much money back from their investment in the PS3. I know that they were losing money for many years after the introduction. But like I said, I'm swapping out a FAT that I got on launch day when it was introduced so it's worth it to me. The FAT always put out so much heat into the room that it was almost impossible to play it during the summer. I would rather they have included a internal loading disc drive like the predecessors. If you have the previous version it's not worthwhile for you to upgrade just for a reduction in power consumption and a smaller footprint.
Update:
Sept. 30, 2012 - I wanted to add a couple more thoughts from the comments section. First, after playing with the unit for a couple of days I can say that the disc drive is definitely louder during game play. In certain games you can clearly hear the drive head moving from sector to sector. Whereas the FAT was nearly inaudible during game play, the new super slim model has a loud drive sound which is amplified by the thin skinned hollow chamber of the drive compartment. Second, I weighed the new unit and it weighs approximately 4.7lbs.
Oct. 7, 2012 - Now that I've had time to play with the console for a week I would say that I noticed an improvement in the display output from the original FAT. I guess they improved the HDMI driver chipset used and the picture from games and movies are definitely sharper than the launch model. It's also noticeably cooler than then FAT. The room no longer gets hot from the console being on.Good deal By Brandon R.
I already own a fat PS3 and since it is in my living and my family uses it for Netflix i bought this so i could have it in my room. I dont see why people are slamming it with bad reviews.....it's a normal PS3 just smaller...if you bought it thinking it had better graphics are a better processor you are a moron, seriously. Everybody is saying "It's cheap, it feels cheap" What do you sit there and feel up your PS3? It just sits there and plays games so why does it matter? It has a nice design and since i have it on my computer desk it's a nice fit and size for a PS3. I personally like the simplicity but as always there are cry baby's and bring down things for no reason when they are perfectly fine.
Some have even been crying about the sound. This thing is quiet as a mouse, especially with your TV on it's unnoticeable unless you literally sit with your ear next to it. Mind you it's on my computer desk hooked to my monitor so it's literally like 4 inches away from me and i don't hear it.
In short if you want a new PS3 this is the way to go, small, good price for what it comes with, good design all that good normal PS3 stuff.
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