Skip to main content

Consoles Compared: Sony PlayStation 3 vs. PS3 Slim


Playstation 3 Slim and Controller
Image used with permission by copyright holder



So you’re ready to take the plunge and buy a PlayStation 3 Slim. Congratulations, at $300, there’s never been a better time to buy. But the skeptical consumer can’t help but wonder: What’s the catch? Is it missing something? In short, the answer is “not much,” but Sony has made a handful of very slight changes to the new machine that are worth reviewing before you buy. Here’s what’s new.

Refreshed Design

This one’s impossible to miss. True to its name, the new PS3 is slimmer (just 2.5 inches wide, compared to 3.86 inches), lighter (down to 7 pounds from 12) and shorter (by a smidge) than its older brother. It’s also a bit deeper, though, and the finish goes from a glassy piano black to a matte charcoal color. The new dimensions are a definite win, but depending on your tastes, the new finish may look a bit dull (literally) compared to the old one. On the flip side, you won’t have to worry about fingerprints as much.

PS3 and PS3 Slim

Needs a Vertical Stand

As an unfortunate consequence of its waif new runway-model proportions, the PS3 Slim is no longer happy to stand on its own. If you want to set it up vertically like a tower, you’ll now have to drop $24 for an optional plastic stand.

PS3 and PS3 Slim

Bigger Hard Drive

Yes, the price goes down while the hard drive storage goes up. But considering how far hard drive prices have plummeted lately, that should really come as no surprise. Instead of an 80GB drive, the new PS3 now boasts 120GB. Both use standard 2.5-inch SATA notebook drives that require only two screws to get to, so you’re still more than welcome to rip it out and put something larger in, if you’re so inclined.

PS3 Slim


More Energy Efficient

Call it greener, if you must. As manufacturing processes for the PS3’s famed Cell processor have improved, so too has its efficiency. Sony hasn’t officially released any numbers on just how much leaner the PS3 Slim runs, but we do know it now uses a 250-watt power supply (compared to the old 280-watt model), and CNET claims it used half as much electricity as a first-gen PS3 in testing.

PS3 and PS3 Slim

No PlayStation 2 Game Support or Memory Card Reader

Both of these options are actually long gone, but they’re still worth pointing out, since scoring an older model on eBay or Craigslist is always an option if you’re looking for them. The 80GB model introduced in 2007 was the last of the breed to offer these luxury options, but the original 20GB and 60GB models offered it, as well.

PS3 Slim

No Linux Support

This might truly be the only feature axed from the PS3 Slim. While all older PlayStation 3 models permitted users to install third-party operating systems like Linux on them, that won’t be possible with the PS3 Slim. To be fair, the capability was mostly a novelty to begin with, and only the geekiest of users (who probably already own PS3 consoles) will miss it.

PS3 and PS3 Slim

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Mokey
As Digital Trends’ Managing Editor, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team delivering definitive reviews, enlightening…
PC compatibility for the PlayStation VR2 is being tested by Sony
Playstation VR2 headset on a PlayStation-themed wallpaper.

To celebrate the first anniversary of the PlayStation VR2, Sony revealed a new batch of games coming to its virtual reality headset and confirmed that it's testing a feature that would let people play PC VR games on their PSVR2.

"We’re pleased to share that we are currently testing the ability for PS VR2 players to access additional games on PC to offer even more game variety in addition to the PSVR2 titles available through PS5," the PlayStation Blog post about PSVR2's first anniversary teases. "We hope to make this support available in 2024, so stay tuned for more updates."

Read more
One year later, my PlayStation VR2 is collecting dust
The PlayStation VR2 sits on a table next to Sense controllers.

One year ago, I took my first step into virtual reality with the PlayStation VR2. One year later, I haven't walked much further.

I spent a long time watching the VR sect of the gaming medium from the sidelines, curious about this new form of interaction, but never taking the full plunge. Impressed with the PSVR2’s specs and confident in Sony’s first-party capabilities, I bought it at launch in February 2022. After a week of use, I wrote that I “anticipate it’ll be a very supplemental gaming style for me in the future, not something I’ll want to do for hours every day.”

Read more
Best PS5 bundles: Which PlayStation 5 bundles to buy today
The Playstation 5 system standing upright.

Gamers who are thinking about finally buying the PlayStation 5 should consider getting one of the many PS5 bundles, which will give you more value for your hard-earned money. With more PS5 exclusives on the way, now's a great time to finally purchase the console or to upgrade from the PlayStation 4. Check out the PS5 bundles that we've gathered here, just make sure that you hurry with your purchase because stocks may run out at any moment.
What are PS5 bundles?
Every purchase of the PlayStation 5 comes with a DualSense controller, but if you go with PS5 bundles, you'll be getting more. The extras come in the form of a copy of a game, so you already have something to install right after setting up your new console. Stocks of bundles can come and go though, so if you see one available, it's highly recommended that you proceed with the transaction immediately.
PlayStation 5 Slim Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III bundle -- $500

The PlayStation 5 Slim Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III bundle coincides with the launch of the PlayStation 5 Slim, an updated version of the console with a slimmer design and more storage space. This bundle comes with a copy of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, which is the latest entry in the popular first-person shooter series. The game's campaign features the return of Task Force 101 as they go up a ruthless Russian terrorist named Vladimir Makarov, though most players would probably focus on its multiplayer modes.

Read more