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Sony PlayStation 3 (80GB): Review

Posted to Video Components 2009-01-31

The Sony PlayStation 3 (80GB) gamebox is Sony's latest addition to its PlayStation 3 line. It features HDMI output with 1080p support, an 80 GB hard drive, and built-in WiFi. All games are in HD, which means that the unit is not backwards compatible with your PlayStation 2 games.

It comes with a new Dual Shock 3 wireless controller with rumble.

The unit uses the Cell Broadband Engine, has two USB ports for controllers, and can play Blu-ray high def discs and DVDs with 1080p upscaling. The PlayStation 3 80 GB also features an Ethernet connection and includes free membership in the PlayStation Network. The unit also includes analog AV outputs and an optical digital AV output. It comes in a sexy piano-black cabinet and has an internal power supply, The unit includes a total of 512MB of ram.

Rating:

4.6 out of 5

Value

The reason this rating is 4 stars is mainly due to what the Playstation 3 80 GB is lacking. It lacks backward compatibility with Playstation 2 games, so you'll have to replace all of your existing games if you're moving from this platform. There are only 2 USB ports for controllers and there's no infrared port, meaning you can't use it with existing IR universal remotes. In addition, there is no flash card or memory card reader built-in. Sony is definitely after your repeat dollar. The only reason that this rating is not 3 stars is that you get a Blu-ray disc player with 1080p upscaling for about the same price as comparable competing Blu-ray players alone.

Performance

Everything else aside, the performance of the unit is outstanding. Needless to say, since all game titles are in HD, the graphics and motion are superb. The new controller performs flawlessly, and fixes something that was missing from the earlier PlayStation 3 models with the addition of rumble to the controller. The Blu-ray player also delivers excellent performance and the 1080p upscaling of DVDs performs without a hitch. Compatibility with CDs is also a plus.

Summary

If you have an original Playstation (some of its games are compatible with the Playstation 3 80 GB) or if you're changing platforms, you definitely want to give this unit a look. While lacking in some key features, it does provide a true HD gaming experience, the new controller is excellent and the Blu-ray disc player is just about thrown in for free. If you're coming from the PlayStation 2, you may have to think a little harder about this one.

Pros

HDMI output 1080p compatible
Wireless controller with rumble
All games in HD
Built-in Blu-ray disc player with 1080p upscaling

Cons

Lacks some important features