PS3 does more than play games
Reviewers say Sony's PlayStation 3 Slim offers the most for your money among all of the modern gaming consoles. The PlayStation 3 has an integrated Blu-ray player that reviewers say compares favorably to many stand-alone players. "An upgradeable Blu-ray player that can also double as a game system makes the versatile PS3 the best hardware value," Scott Stein writes at CNET.
For 2011, the PlayStation 3 Slim comes in 160 GB (*Est. $250) and 320 GB capacities, though the latter is offered only as part of a bundle with popular accessories or games (*Est. $300 and up.) Perhaps the most interesting bundle (*Est. $350) includes a 320 GB PlayStation 3 with Sony's motion-sensitive Move controller, Eye camera and Sports Champions game. Features include built-in Wi-Fi, two USB slots and an HDMI output. The PS3 connects with the PlayStation Network for online gaming, chatting with friends or downloading games. A user-replaceable hard drive is another plus.
Reviewers say the PlayStation 3 Slim is the best video game console if you want to do more than play games, especially if you're in the market for a Blu-ray player as well. David Carnoy at CNET says the PlayStation 3 Slim stays near the top of his list of the best Blu-ray players, and Matt Peckham at PC World notes few performance changes from previous generations. However, some reviewers say the slim PS3 is slightly slower than its predecessor in loading discs and dealing with complex menu commands. That means that although the PS3 is fast, it's no longer the fastest Blu-ray player on the planet. Still, reviewers say Blu-ray movies played back on a PS3 look great on an HDTV. Additionally, although budget Blu-ray players are now appearing for less than $150, and sometimes less than $100, the player included in the PS3 is advanced, including on-board support for all high-definition audio formats, all Blu-ray player profiles and for 3D Blu-ray Discs. See the ConsumerSearch report on Blu-ray players for more information on the PS3's capabilities in this area.
The PlayStation 3 can also act as a set-top box for streaming video, music and more. You can rent TV shows or movies from the PlayStation Store or stream them from providers such as Netflix, Hulu Plus and Vudu (subscription required). Sports fans can also stream live games via MLB.TV or NFL Sunday Ticket. Finally, the PS3 is DLNA compliant, meaning it can stream video, audio and more from a computer running the appropriate software.
The PS3 Slim is quieter and more efficient than its predecessors, although some owners report loud fan noise after several hours of use. Most reviewers like the slimmer design -- especially compared to previous iterations of the PS3 that were fat and bulky -- but many say the Xbox 360 Slim is more appealing with its glossy black exterior. Games are output in high definition, and there's support for 3D gaming. Most experts agree that the graphics look excellent and realistic. The PS3 also has a large game library, and there are many exclusive titles. The Xbox 360 used to handily beat the PS3 when it came to exclusive games, but reviewers say that's no longer the case.
However, reviewers say Sony's online gaming component is no match for Microsoft's Xbox Live (*Est. $50 per year). "Xbox Live set the bar for an online gaming service and continues to get better. The ease of use and its community make it worth the $50 yearly fee," Brian Tong writes at CNET. Sony's PlayStation Network, on the other hand, is awkward and makes it harder to interact with fellow gamers. "The online community for PS3 feels really cold and deserted to me," one owner writes at Amazon.com. The security breach of the PlayStation Network in April 2011 certainly hasn't helped matters.
Sony's Move Motion Controller (*Est. $50) gets rave reviews for accuracy and realistic motion. To really take advantage of all Move has to offer, you'll also have to buy the PlayStation Eye (*Est. $40) , a camera that tracks the Motion Controller for more precise movements. A secondary controller, the Move Navigation Controller (*Est. $30) and the Move Shooting Attachment (*Est. $20) are also available. You can save some money by buying the PlayStation Move Bundle (*Est. $100) , which includes the Move Motion Controller, PlayStation Eye and the "Sports Champions" game, which bundles several different sports games, much like the Wii's Sports Resort. A similar bundle that substitutes "Tiger Woods PGA Tour 12" for the Sports Champions game is also available (*Est. $100)
Reviewers say the PlayStation Move is comfortable, easy to use and accurate. "PlayStation has really learned from its competitors and delivered a compelling and entertaining experience complemented by the hardware's ability to push HD visuals," Ross Miller writes at Engadget.com. On-screen movements are nearly instantaneous. The biggest downside is that not all PS3 games are compatible with Sony's Move technology. A few reviewers also note that you'll need a large room to ensure the Move Controller stays in range of the PlayStation Eye camera.
The older PlayStation 2 (*Est. $100) is available, and it sells for a rock-bottom price. It can double as a DVD player, but it does not support Blu-ray Discs. The PlayStation 2 has a good game collection that numbers more than 1,800 titles, and the latest version is slimmer than its predecessors. Users report faster loading times too. Few professional reviewers evaluate the PlayStation 2, but the console gets high marks from owners. At Amazon.com, users say the PS2 is a proven platform and a great value; the game selection also earns mostly raves, especially since PlayStation 2 games are often cheaper than those made for the PS3 or Xbox 360. "The real value doesn't lie in the console itself as much as the massive library of games available for it, and the fact that currently most of those games are dirt cheap," one owner writes.
The PlayStation 2 can be a good choice for budget gamers, but keep in mind that any games you buy won't work with the PlayStation 3 if you eventually decide to upgrade. A few users also say that the console overheats easily.
