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| | | The PlayStation 3 (PS3) is Sony's third home video game console. The system features wireless capabilities, plays Blu-ray discs, and includes a hard disk drive for online content and multimedia storage. However, current models are not backwards compatible with original Playstation and Playstation 2 game software. With an Internet connection, games, TV shows, and movies can also be purchased for download onto the PS3. | | |
| Typical costs: | - The new PS3 Slim has a 120GB hard disk drive and becomes available on September 1, 2009 with a $299 MSRP.
- On August 18, 2009 Sony lowered the price of the older PlayStation 3 80GB system to a $299 MSRP.
- The older Limited Edition PlayStation 3 160GB system has a $399 MSRP and includes the game "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune."
What should be included: | - In addition to the game console, both models also include a DualShock3 wireless controller, free PlayStation Network membership, an AV cable and a USB cable inside the box.
- The system has built-in Wi-Fi and is Internet ready. No additional wireless adapter is needed.
Additional costs: | - Popular, new games cost $60. Less popular and older titles range from $20 to $55. Used games can run from $5 to $55. A current list of the more popular games can be found on Amazon.com.
- Additional Sony DualShock3 wireless controllers have a $55 MSRP. This controller features rumble and vibration feedback during game play. Third party controllers (made by other companies other than Sony) typically range from $25 to $40 and may not necessarily include the rumble feature.
- Depending on the game or function, other hardware accessories such as a Sony Bluetooth headset ($50), remote ($25) or wireless keypad ($50) are also available.
- There are two ways to make purchases from the online PlayStation Store: Credit/debit cards or prepaid PlayStation Network cards, which can be bought from various national retail stores and are available in $20 and $50 denominations. Both of these methods are used to fund the owner's PlayStation Network online wallet.
- Purchasing exclusive downloadable games from the PlayStation Store for the PS3 can cost anywhere from $3 to $40. TV shows and movies are also available for purchase or download. TV show downloads begin at $2. Movie purchases range from $10 to $15, and movie rentals are $3 to $6.
- Buying Blu-ray movie discs to watch on the PS3 can cost anywhere from $4 to $40.
Discounts: | - The following discount is only available if one signs up for a PlayStation Visa Card. Applying for a PlayStation Card and getting approved will yield a $100 card credit when a PlayStation 3 is purchased, with additional possible credits based on credit card usage.
- GameStop/EBgames currently offers a trade up offer where one can trade in a PlayStation 2 console and 3 games to get $100 credit towards a purchase of a new PlayStation 3 80GB system.
- Sometimes discounts are available on the Limited Edition PlayStation 3 160GB bundle at Amazon.com.
Shopping for a ps3: | |
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Article updated August 2009 |
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