“Before you buy a Playstation 3” FAQ

[Hacksaw Jim Thuggin]

Please read this thoroughly before creating your own thread asking for info. if you wish for more clarification on an issue, please PM one of the PS3 sages (me, Ratedrko22, and Darth Venom). I have seen too much misleading information and I hope this thread will keep the information factual for the most part.

Hopefully this thread will help answer many questions before you make a decision to purchase the Playstation 3


How much does the playstation 3 cost?
There are 2 models of the Playstation 3 that are readily available at major retailers.
The 80 GB model retails for $399.99
The 160 GB retails for $499.99

You can also purchase older models from stores like Gamestop but these models are primarily used and refurbished. The Older models include a 20 GB model, a 40 GB model, a 60 GB model, and another 80 GB model.

NOTE: Please use caution when purchasing used and refurbished models. Purchasing used and/or refurbished models means you will not be covered under warranty.

What are the differences between each of the models?
The 2 available models both come with
2 USB 2.0 ports
Built-in Blu-ray player
Dual Shock 3 wireless controller
High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) out for 1080p resolution
Internet ready with built-in wireless network connectivity (Wi-Fi)
Free access to the PLAYSTATION Network, including online gaming, the PLAYSTATION Store

However, the 160 GB comes with a 160 GB HDD, a copy of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and a voucher for the PSN game PAIN.

Of the discontinued models, the 40 GB’s features are identical to the available 80 GB model except for the fact that it has a smaller HDD.

The 20 GB model and the 60 GB model both make use of the emotion engine for full backward compatibility with Playstation 2 games. They also feature 4 USB 2.0 slots and Flash card readers. The 20 GB has no Wi-Fi capabilities.

What is the difference between the 80 GB model that was discontinued and the model that is available now?

Great question. The discontinued model was almost identical to the 60 GB model. It featured 4 USB 2.0 slots, Flash card readers, and backward compatibility through software emulation. The available 80 GB model only features 2 USB slots and is missing the backward compatibility and flash card reader.

Does the Playstation 3 play Playstation 1 games?
Yes all of the models of the Playstation 3 can play Playstation 1 games. Remember, the only models that can play PS2 games are the 20 GB, 60 GB, and the older 80 GB model.

I want to buy an older 80 GB model for backward compatibility, how do I distinguish the newer and older models from each other?
Easy, check the box and find out how many USB slots it has. If it has 4 slots, you have a backward compatible 80 GB model. Remember that the older model was discontinued and you most probably only find them used from stores such as Gamestop.

If I buy a backward compatible PS3 can I use my old memory cards on it?
No, there are no slots for PS1 or PS2 memory cards. However, there is an adapter you can purchase to transfer your saves to your PS3. The PS3 allows you to create a virtual PS2 or PS1 memory card on its HDD and that is what is used to save your games PS2 and PS1 games.

I want to upgrade my HDD, is it hard?
It is not difficult at all. The systems manual takes you step by step on how to do this. You can also check out these links.
Knowledge Center | Support | Playstation.com

http://www.wiipals.net/Forum/f115/ho...ive-58350.html

I saw a 1 TB HDD online. Sweet, when I get my PS3 I’m upgrading to that.
Pump your brakes. Before you purchase an HDD for upgrading your PS3 you have to make sure it is a 2.5' Serial ATA drive. Chances are the 1TB is 3.5’

How much does it cost to play online?
Nothing. Using the PS3 to play online is free.

I know the PS3 can play Blu-ray movies, but can it play other formats (i.e. HD-DVD)?
The PS3 does not play HD-DVD (who wants to play a dead format anyway right). All models of the PS3 do play regular DVDs and CDs. You can also burn songs from your CDs to your HDD.

Do I have to have an HDTV to play a PS3?
No you do not. Of course, to get the best out of your gaming experience an HDTV is recommended but you can still enjoy the PS3 on a standard definition TV.

Does the PS3 come with a headset?
No it does not. You can, however, use any standard USB headset. Most BlueTooth headsets can be used as well. The game Warhawk can be found packaged with a blue tooth headset as well as SOCOM: Confrontation. The headset that is packaged with SOCOM is the official PS3 headset.

Are there any Parental controls for the PS3?
Yes, there are parental controls that can restrict the games and movies that are watched on the console. A parent can also restrict the use of the PSN store.

I heard that I can use my PSP with my PS3, is that true? How does it work?
Yes, you can use Remote Play to use your PSP to access some content on your PS3. You can use the PSP to turn on your PS3, access the content and even shut down the PS3 when you are done. If you have a PS1 game in your PS3 you can play that game using Remote Play. Some PSN games even allow you to play them using Remote Play.

How do I buy from the PSN store?
You can add funds to your PSN wallet in 2 ways. You can add your credit card information to your profile and add funds as you see fit. The second option is to purchase a PSN card and redeem the code on the back of the card. You must enter the PSN store and click the “redeem code” button and enter the code on the card. PSN cards can be found in some major retailers such as Blockbuster, Best Buy, and Wal-Mart.

What kind of content is available on the PSN Store?
There are many items available. You can:
rent and/or purchase movies
buy TV episodes
download free game demos
download game add-on such as map packs, costumes, music, etc. (some add-ons may be free)
purchase PSN games
purchase original PS1 games
purchase PSP games

Can I use a keyboard and mouse to play FPS games?
Unreal Tournament 3 is said to support this feature. As for other games, no. any keyboard and mouse you hook up can be used for web browsing, messaging friends, and text messages in Playstations Home.

[Hacksaw Jim Thuggin]

reserved

[Shazy]

With the arrival of the PS3 Slim, people are going to be more inclined to buy a PS3 and they'll be wanting to know how it differs from the other models.

Original PS3 (Standing Up)
Height: 12.81 Inches, 32.53 Centimeters.
Length: 10.79 Inches, 27.4 Centimeters.
Width: 3.86 Inches, 9.8 Centimeters.
Weight: 11 Pounds, 4.9 Kilograms.
2-4 USB Ports
20GB-160GB Hard Drive.
$299.99+

PS3 Slim (Standing Up)
Height: 11.42 Inches, 29 Centimeters.
Length: 11.42 Inches, 29 Centimeters.
Width: 2.56 Inches, 6.5 Centimeters.
Weight: 7.7 Pounds, 3.4 Kilograms.
2 USB Ports.
120GB Hard Drive.
34% Lighter.
34% Less power consuming.
No backwards compatibility, but there's a rumor that a firmware update in the near future will fix that.
The option to "Install Other OS" has been removed. That means no more Ubuntu.
If connected to a Bravia TV with an HDMI cable, you can control your PS3 with your TV remote.
$299.99

[Jima]

If want to add more/have questions feel free to ask either a PS3 sage or a staff member (Preferably Jima, DAmwake or Goten)