[Console] PS3 Slim 120GB Review ($299 USD)

I have to say, for the most of the next-gen console wars, I was on the XBOX 360’s side and I didn’t ever expect that to change. However, I eventually felt the need to accommodate my PS3-Fanboy friends and wanted some access to the PS3-Exclusive games and features (like BluRay) so I got a 120GB PS3 Slim when they first went on sale. I have been seriously impressed by this console every time I use it.

            I’ve always played on my friend’s fat PS3 when I had the chance, and it seemed as if there was always a problem you had to worry about. There were little annoyances like the paint and material being a huge fingerprint magnet, or some BlueTooth headsets not working properly with it, but sometimes there were bigger problems like overheating, and the BluRay laser going out. It was also loud and fat. I have never had any of those problems with my PS3 Slim so far. While it does get a little warm, it never reaches the point of overheating and it stays quiet. The new material and paint doesn’t attract fingerprints at all or even dust, and is a lot smaller than the original PS3.

There are a few things that are free with the PS3 that almost doubles the price when you pay for them on the XBOX 360; online play, wireless internet connectivity, wireless headsets. PSN (PlayStation Network) is the PS3 equivalent of XBOX Live for playing online and downloading content, and it’s absolutely free! Anyone can sign up and play games like Call of Duty or BattleField Bad Company 2 online for free, whereas on the XBOX 360, XBOX Live costs $50 a year. The PS3 also has built in wifi and BlueTooth connectivity so that you can connect to your PS3 to your wireless network without having to buy a $100 wifi adapter. While you still have to pay for a wireless headset for the PS3, the BlueTooth connection for it is much more reliable than the controller-synced wireless headsets on the XBOX 360.

The large 120GB HDD (to match my 120GB XBOX 360 Elite HDD) definitely has enough space for all of my games and downloads with plenty to spare. While a 250GB HDD would be nice, it’s really not worth paying an extra $100 for.

Overall, the PS3 Slim is a great console. It’s fun to play, and a great improvement from the previous PS3. I’d consider it the best buy for price in comparison to the XBOX 360 and the Wii.

Of course, I could mention the amazing BluRay quality, but I’d rather not start a flame war =P …