Which PS3 to buy?

[Electroshock Therapy]

Because I can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars for a PS4, and I want to finally upgrade from a PS2, I'm curious to know which version I should buy? Should I buy the old model that has backward compatibility, or should I keep my PS2 and get a slim?

I heard somewhere that the old version with backwards compatibility have low lifespans, and that if I buy them now then they probably will not last long. Can anyone confirm whether that's BS or true? Should I try it, or just get a newer model?

[metagloria]

Keep your PS2 for sure. It's not like you could get any value for it selling/trading anyway. I have no experience with the old-style PS3s, although I wish I did.

[Rez09]

Unless software modification is a primary concern there isn't any reason not to get a Super Slim PS3, especially if you already have a PS2. That said, if you intend to perform a soft mod there are currently no options for the Super Slim, so you will need to hunt down an older model.

[Electroshock Therapy]

What would a software mod be used for? And is it really necessary if I want to use the console solely for gaming? I don't ever use those special features that come with consoles nowadays (except for downloading games). I just use consoles for games. Everything else, my computer can do and sometimes better.

[Rez09]

Console modification would allow you to pirate games; I only mentioned it because it is the sole argument against getting a Super Slim I was presented with when I was asking around.

[fat_moogle]

If you don't mind switching between a couple consoles then you may as well keep your PS2 and get a slim PS3. Other than the top loading disc, 2 less USB ports and the lack of backwards compatibility it's the same thing.

Just don't bother with the 12GB model unless you want to upgrade the HDD yourself.

[Leigh]

But you can get a hardware mod for the PS3 Super Slim. That's probably what I would do if I was to purchase one at this stage.

[Electroshock Therapy]

It looks like the winner is Super Slim. That's fine with me! Thanks, everyone!

[Mirage]

The super slim has a noisier fan than the slim and fat versions.

Also, the disc loading mechanism is dumb on the super slim.

Depending on how big a HDD you get with the PS3, you might save money by buying the cheapest thing with 12 GB flash storage and put in your own HDD.

[sharkythesharkdogg]

I have an.....80GB ps3? maybe a 120? I can't remember.

How hard is it to add an external HD for extra space?

Keep in mind one thing. You know how I'm known for being the car person? Well it's the opposite with electronics. I just know the basics.

[Freya]

If you can get one of the original ones, I recommend those. The newer ones have this weird top slider thing that can easily break. The middle of the production ones tend to break a lot too but the original ones surprisingly, besides the occasional disc getting stuck, had less problems.

[Mirage]

Funny you should mention this. My fat PS3 sometimes needs a few extra seconds to spit discs out.

@sharky it is really easy to change HDDs on PS3s. Like, super easy.

[Egami]

I've been rocking this one since 2010 with no problems: Linky

I had one of the original models before but it died some months after I bought it.

[Mirage]

Unless software modification is a primary concern there isn't any reason not to get a Super Slim PS3, especially if you already have a PS2. That said, if you intend to perform a soft mod there are currently no options for the Super Slim, so you will need to hunt down an older model.

But there is. Annoying disc loading system and increased fan noise are real reasons .

[Rez09]

Well, I haven't had any real problems with the disc tray, but I do agree it is a bit noisy at times. But that's just so I know it's working though, right?