Update August 2009 – Updated to include the PS3 Slim model, new price updates, and some new specs have been added.
Let’s face it – both the Playstation 3 and XBOX 360 are pretty complicated when it comes to differentiating between all the models and revisions that have been released over the past 2 years. This is especially the case with the PS3, as revisions don’t necessarily mean improved features – newer models have supplanted older ones that had better backwards compatibility, more USB ports, and larger hard drives for instance.
In an attempt to make sense of all the models, we have put together this handy chart for your reference. It applies mainly to the North American versions of the consoles. This guide should be a quick way to see which features are supported by which consoles. Curious if your unit is backwards compatible with Playstation 2 games in hardware mode, or if it’s emulated, or if it will play them at all? Get your model # and refer to the chart below:
| 120 GB CECH2000 | 160 GB CECHP01 | 80 GB CECHK01 CECHL01 | 40 GB CECHG012 CECHH01 | 80 GB CECHE01 | 60 GB CECHA01 | 20 GB CECB01 | |
| Release Date | 09/2009 | 11/2008 | 09/2008 | 11/2007 | 08/2007 | 11/2006 | 11/ 2006 |
| Manuf. After 08/2009 | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Launch Price | $299 | $499 | $399 | $399 | $599 | $599 | $499 |
| Price After 08/2009 | $299 | $399 | $299 | ||||
| Colour/Trim (NA Market) | Matte Black | Piano Black/Satin Silver | Piano Black/Satin Silver | Piano Black/Satin Silver Gunmetal Grey/Satin Silver4 | Piano Black/Chrome | Piano Black/Chrome | Piano Black/Black |
| Hardware | |||||||
| Cell Fab Process | 45nm | 65nm | 65nm | 65nm3 | 90nm | 90nm | 90nm |
| GPU Fab Process | 65nm | 65nm | 65nm | 65nm | 65nm | 90nm | 90nm |
| Power Consumption | 73W | 110W | 110W | 135W | 135W | 180W | 180W |
| USB Ports | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Flash Card Reader | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| WiFi | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Bundled Accessories | |||||||
| Ethernet Cable | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Video Cable | Composite (Analog) | Composite (Analog) | Composite (Analog) | Composite (Analog) | Composite (Analog) | Composite (Analog) | Composite (Analog) |
| Gamepad | DualShock 3 | DualShock 3 | DualShock 3 | SixAxis | SixAxis1 | SixAxis | SixAxis |
| Compatibility | |||||||
| Linux | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| SACD | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Playstation 2 | No | No | No | No | Software | Yes | Yes |
| Playstation 1 | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
1 The 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle is a CECHE01 console bundled with a DualShock 3 controller 2 CECHGxx is the first 40GB model, which was released in Europe in 10/2007 with PAL/NTSC hardware. It was introduced in North America a month later, and then replaced by new hardware in 03/2008 (CECHHxx) that was 3 identical except for a 65nm Core CPU 4 40GB Metal Gear Solid 4 Bundle only | |||||||
Now, to make sense of it all. As you can see, there are only two models currently under production; the new 80GB with 65nm CPU and GPU, and the 160GB that comes bundled with Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and Pain. For a $100 difference, you basically get twice the storage capacity, and a decent game (as well as a crappy one). And that’s it – both consoles suffer from having no PS2 backwards compatibility at all, no flash card reader, no SACD support, and only 2 USB ports.
As of the introduction of the PS3 Slim, you have two choices: A 120GB hard drive for $299, and a 250GB hard drive for $50 more. The “bigger” version adds nothing more than hard drive space, so it’s up to you to decide whether you think you need that space. For me, 60GB is plenty (even 20GB would be enough) and if there is ever need for more, it’s easy to just upgrade the drive yourself (and $50 is enough to get you a 250GB hard drive anyway).
The Slim also takes away one more feature: Linux support. This is a very niche feature anyway, and not very useful to most people. Still, it’s interesting to see all the features change from “yes” to “no” as the chart progresses to newer models… It still only has a pair of USB ports, which can be limiting if you like to plug in external drives to play media from.
There is still no sign of PS2 emulation being added, but it’s always a possibility.
Whether any of this stuff is important to you is up to you to decide. Personally, in the 2 years I’ve owned my PS3, I haven’t used any of those features besides the PS2 support (there were many PS2-era titles I missed)
As far as the older models go, you can see how they have changed over the last 2 years going from right to left on this chart. It’s clear that the sole purpose of these revisions is to make the console cheaper and more profitable. The CPU and GPU dies have shrunk from 90nm to 65nm (with the CPU finally hitting 45nm on the Slim) which saves Sony a significant amount of money on each console made (and should also lower power consumption significantly. Which is a good thing; the original PS3 is a real power hog).
To save more money, they are removing more and more hardware from the console with each revision; first to go was the Playstation 2 CPU on the first 80GB model. They left the PS2 GPU on there to maintain some level of backwards compatibility, which is a highly sought after feature that Sony pushed heavily when the Playstation 3 was first announced. Unfortunately, it proved to be difficult to get the Playstation 3 to properly emulate the PS2 CPU, as compatibility on that model was extremely poor. On all later revisions, PS2 support was dropped completely, and Sony changed their tune to express that today’s gamers want to play next-gen games, and if they want to play older games they can keep their PS2 or buy a new one which can still be found in stores. Other hardware followed suit, as Sony continued to trim down the extra features that very few people actually used – does anyone actually buy SACD’s anymore? Or regular CD’s for that matter?
As far as how the bundles accessories have changed, it’s good to see that they are including the DualShock 3 now, without increasing the price of the console. However, I have no idea why they haven’t yet started to bundle an HDMI cables or even component cables with what is supposed to be a next-generation video device…
What’s interesting to me is that the original 20GB and 60GB versions may retain their value on the used market better than subsequent models. Those are the only ones with proper backwards compatibility, and drive size is not an issue since it is easy to install a hard drive yourself.
80GB backward compatibility for PS2 games is extremely good. The link provided in this article is from more than an year ago, and there were major updates to BC in firmware 2.10 and beyond (early this year)
MGS, FF, Xenosaga, Ico, GoW, GoW2, Shadow of Colossus, Dragon Quest etc and pretty much all other PS2 classics you can think of run without any issues on the old 80GB PS3.
who needs hd cables? only consoles like the crapbox 360 include hd cables. sony knows what i need, and i dont need hd cables. suck it ms.
Is there any easy way to look at a PS3 box and figure out if it is the 80 gig model with PS2 compatibility?
It should have the model # on the box. Just look for CECHE01, or look at how many USB ports it has. If it has 4, it has software backwards compatibility. If it has 2, it’s the new one without any backwards compatibility at all.
So the new PS3s play all PSX games fine or do I need to look out for bad models with this issue also?
Yeah, PS1 games play on all models.
[...] Model Guide | HCW Tech Blog on XBOX 360 Elite – The new “Retard Edition”Carl Nelson on Playstation 3 Model GuidePotato on Playstation 3 Model GuideCarl Nelson on Playstation 3 Model GuideDimReturns on Playstation [...]
There is at least 1 model missing from this chart.
I purchased the 80gb PS3 with a Dual Shock 3 controller and while I don’t have 90 PS2 games my son has collected quite a number of them as they are often in the $20 range rather than the $60 of the PS3 games. Even less if you can find them used at EB or GameStop.
In this current economic climate you would think Sony would offer a Trade Up plan to some kind of Ultimate platform that has all the bits for full compatiability and something crazy large like a terrabyte drive.
Face it Sony really makes their money on the software and not the hardware so why not make the platform expandable ?
My new brand new PS3 80g CECHKO1 is going bye bye…Back to Target, and when I want to buy the next generation of games, they won’t be Playstation. I mean how much programming space do you need to keep PS2 onboard? Not to mention, IT’S THE BIGGEST PART OF YOUR GAMING HISTORY TO DATE.
Your marketing people are just plain stupid for eliminating the PS2 format. What’s up with PS1 playing but not PS2? So no thanks. I’ll continue playing my PS2 and just buy a better flatscreen, and upgrade with something else later.
Adios dummies.
what’s up with compatibility with ps1 games and not ps2? they don’t even make ps1 games any more, you can’t get them in stores, not even gamestop. I think sony made a big mistake here. now gotta pay probably twice as much for a refurbished model and then upgrade the hard drive just so I can buy and play both ps3 and ps2 games.
I cannot imagine the reason why Sony took out the ability to play PS2 games. The PS3 is already losing the console battle, especially in the game department. This, to me, is probably going to be remembered as the worst video game decision in history. I was interested in the PS3 to play some PS2 games, as well as maybe 1 or two PS3 games, and watch blu-ray. Now I can buy a blu-ray player for way under $399. So, good job Sony, you lost another customer.
[...] in the past year as well, especially in the case of the PS3. We have been tracking their changes here and here, so you should go there to see what the latest features are. This is especially important [...]
the newest playstation all come with 2usb port, so can someone tell me how do you play rock bacn or guitar hero world tour with the compelte band( drum, vocal, guitar/bass) if you only have 2 USB port when it takes at least 3? Is sony so stupid to make a game you can play only on some ps3?
Buy a USB expander…just like you’d get for your computer….works just fine. Turn one port into four
I bought an 80GB PS3 last xmas as an upgrade for their PS2s so they could play all their games and upgrade to PS3 games later but alas it doesnt work with PS2 games. I ended up spending £400 on an 80GB thats just collecting dust. The Wii they got is constantly on but the PS3 is binned. THANKS Sony I ended up buying a BD player for BDs I dont have and not much of a games console. I use an HDMI lead to connect to my sons HDTV and the results in games is nothing worthy of note. I am tempted to eBay the thing and buy an old 80GB UK one. Problem is everyone has caught on and these are more expensive than the new ones. If Sony catches on they might sneak in a few of the old ones and make a mint, more than the new console is doing.
i’d like to say i bought the new ps3 and im not entirely satisfied like. i’m hoping they might bring out a revised model sometime this year with ps2 compatability. Im thinking of buying one for my nephew, should i buy or wait? nice one lads.
im so glad i bought the last 60 gig ps3 in town (bought it right out from under this kids nose) and have any of you noticed that the 80 gigs dont have the shiny “chrome” on it just the gray looking trim i know its kinda pointless but its just something my friend pointed out because he has the 80 gig and it looks cheaper so to say
Ok, i was pissed about the backwards compadibility issue mainly becuase i have been waiting to buy this damn console since it came out. I STILL WENT OUT TO BEST BUY AND BOUGHT A 80 GIG PS3 6-30-09, The best point made was, IF YOU WANT TO PLAY PS2 GAMES USE A PS2. I considered buying a used ps3 that did have backwards compadibility and the extra usb ports, But im not spending that much money and not getting some kind of warranty. 360’s break just the same as PS3’s. Just google it. PS3 is just so much better than a 360. wi-fi, free online, Better hardware, BLU-RAY, if you hooked a 360 up to do the same things it would end up costing you more, ALOT MORE. So yah the backwards compadibility sucks but hey, guess what, PS2 is then. PS3 is the now. live in the now.
This chart needs to be updated with the new PS3 Slim model, pricing and details.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312144-1.html
I am still incensed that Sony has refused to include PS2 compatibility in this “new” PS3. Wii plays Gamecube games. 360 Plays Original XBOX games. Why would Sony choose not to ensure compatibility with the enormous catalog of games created for the most successful game system ever produced? Retail compatibility for PS1 but not PS2? I just don’t get it. And I won’t be getting a new PS3 either.
I want to update it, but I need to figure out how to get everything to fit on the page. Been busy working on reviews lately, so I haven’t had time to play around with html.
Carl,
Appreciate your review on Playstation vs Xbox. I know that you aren’t making suggestions on recommendations in your article about which system is better and i understand why, however i need to ask for guidance based on a couple of criteria that i am looking for.
1. I am looking for a system that won’t crash too much
2. I would like one that operates quietly (Playstation according to you correct)?
3. I would like to purchase a system that has more selections as far as game titles go.
4. Do any of these systems have the capability of running games made for the non U.S market (example the Ashes Cricket game) ?
5. Massive storage / hard drive is not a necessary for me. I don’t plan to surf the web or watch or store movies on my gaming system.
Based on the above criteria, which system would you recommend? Appreciate your input.
Thanks,
Sean
1. My PS3 hasnt crashed yet and i watch movies play games music go online etc. I heard that go out after a year, we will see…My nephews xbox did go out after a year though lol
2. Honestly cant comment on the “silentness” of the system when i have it on the surround sound is on full blast etc, so i couldnt tell you lol.
3. Honestly, how many games do you plan on buying? cuase from what i see there is allot for both machines now.
4. Google it.
5. the only system that i see without a HD is the xbox arcade, my nephews bought this one, then bought memory cards, then they bought the smallest hd, now are saving for a bigger one…regardless if u save movies or music on the HD you need it for save games files updates etc and are better off just getting one from the start. btw save game files are huge for certain games.
Honestly to sum it up, get what you like. both systems are good, imo ps3 is the one to buy, but if you like halo and microsoft titles xbox is the way to go, If you want a better system, bigger HD better controllers, blu-ray, wi-fi out of the box, etc etc etc, then PS# is the choice. PS3 will cost a little more i think at the counter but it is well worth it down the line.
Sean,
If I may try to help…
1. Personally, from working retail in a gaming store, I see people bring back XBoxs than PS3s. Aside from the overheating problems of the 360, it also has a bad habit of burning a ring into your game discs, which can be expensive and frustrating. Usually, people solve this by laying their 360 flat(since moving the system while it’s on seems to cause the problem) and installing the game to the hard drive. This makes it so you still need to have the disc in the machine to play, but it will read the files off of the hard drive instead, sparing it the possible burn ring.
2. They sound about the same, really. My 360 may be a little louder. (I have the 40-gig PS3. I don’t know how the new “Slim” sounds)
3. Right now, the Xbox 360 has a bigger library. You may also want to look at the exclusive games for each system, too, though. 360 has the Halo and Gears of War series, as well as Tales of Vesperia, while the PS3 Has Killzone, Little Big Planet, and Metal Gear Solid. To name a few.
4. I may be wrong, but I think the 360 is region coded. The PS3, however, will play foreign discs(but only for PS3 games, since the PS2 and PS1 discs are still region coded). My friend bought me the Korean Demon’s souls and it works fine on my Japanese PS3, as well as his American PS3. Oh, and of course I mostly play American games on my foreign system. :)
5. It really depends on if you want to play online or not. If not, an XB360 Arcade will run you $199.99 plus tax. That comes with a memory card, but no hard drive.
If you DO want to play online you’ll need a hard drive. You could buy the XB360 Pro(With 60 gig hard drive) for $249.99 while stores still have them. If you could find a Microsoft Refurbished one, it’ll come with a 20 gig HD, two controllers, and a headset for only $199.99(Really good deal). However, you’ll still need to buy either an Ethernet cord(~$20.00) or a wireless adapter(~$100), as well as a monthly subscription. The cost will vary on which plan you get(1 month for ~$8, 13 months for ~$50).
As far as the playstation 3, a new system costs $299.99, has a wireless adapter already built it, and the online service is free.
Also, as far as the cost of additional controllers goes…
XB360 Wireless with AA batteries ~ $49.99
XB360 Wireless with Play and Charge kit ~ $64.99 *
PS3 Wireless Dualshock ~ $54.99 **
*Will come with a charge cord
**Will not come with a charge cord. One comes packaged in with the system, and you can take turns charging your controllers. If you want another cord, you just need to buy a USB cord with a mini USB end. :)
Despite the additional costs and the “red ring of death” of the 360, most of my friend’s prefer it to the PS3. They like the online service better, but I also hear sony’s customer service is better.
Hope this helped, if I’m not too late. :)
~Beth
I lucked out and got the 60 gig ps3 when it first came out so i can play ALL my ps games on it. I bought the original ps console when it came out and the ps2 when it came out. Now I have went and bought the new slim ps3 so i can put my 60 gig in storage. I also have a 360 and a sega genesis. All of these consoles still work. the only problems I have had with any of these is when I bought my 360 and my new slim ps3 I had to send them back for replacements. The 360 had the red light syndrome and the slim ps3 wouldnt play ANY disc whatsoever. My xbox 360 crashes every now and then when i play fable 2 but other than that Im satisfied with it. When i wanna play an original ps game i put it in the original console same with ps2 and 3. I try not to be bias because they all have good and bad qualitys BUT….if I had to give them all up but 1 I would keep the 60 gig ps3, thats why its in storage…..
[...] to update the PS3 Model Guide again. AKPC_IDS += [...]
i baught the 80 gig ps3 on ebay refurb november 1st its the ceche01 model and has 4 usb ports and the sd reader plays all blurays fine and my parents have a bluray player and it wouldnt play the crank 2 bluray but i stuck it in my ps3 and it played no problem didnt need an update the bluray player did. it plays all ps2 games no problem ps1 no problem. if you want a ps3 the best model to look for is the ceche01 model its the one that does everything . so my parents 200 dollar bd player couldnt handle the crank 2 bluray and its brandnew my ps3 played the crank 2 bluray wright away makes you think even if your not a gamer it plays any bluray disc out there. most bd players need firmware upgrades my refurb ps3 doesnt.another reason too get a ps3 even if your not a gamer.
the reason why your parents bd player did not play is because it needs a firmaware upgrade, that’s not new to all bd players.
I found the info helpful though thanks for the info
Some 60 gb models do not have ps2 hardware compatibility. some 60 gb do. how do you tell if it has a HARDWARE compatibility. because both have software but i want to know of the hardware.
All 60GB models have PS2 hardware
If you are thinking of the 80GB’s, just refer to the model numbers in the chart above
wish there was a way to mod a 60Gb model with the 45nm cell/65nm GPU chipsets. there probably is, its just over my head :-/ That was the only reason i traded in my 60Gb for a 40Gb, got YLoD. way too much heat. after a few hours of running, my 60Gb could double as a space heater
everyone needs to quit crying about the ps2 playback yea it sucks the newer models dont have it. but at the same time it was costing sony a fortune to include that into the ps3 i bought my 80gb with backwards compatability and it cost me $600 (US) why dont you buy a new one for 300 and a new ps2 for 100 and youll save yourself a lot of money so stop crying about it and saying well xbox does this and wii does that. who cares Playstation will always be the better console.
i cannot find the model of my ps3 anywhere can someone please help its a cechco3 has anyone else got this model?