PS3 Slim vs. Super Slim: Which Console Reigns Supreme?

The PlayStation 3, a gaming icon of the late 2000s and early 2010s, came in several iterations. The most notable revisions are the PS3 Slim and the PS3 Super Slim. At their core, both consoles offer the same gaming experience, but significant differences lie in their design, build quality, and some practical aspects. The Super Slim is a smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient version of the Slim, but it swaps the slot-loading disc drive for a top-loading one with a manual sliding cover. This design choice leads to a cheaper feel compared to the more premium build of the Slim.

Decoding the Differences: Slim vs. Super Slim

The key differences between the PS3 Slim and the Super Slim can be broken down as follows:

• Design and Build: This is where the two diverge the most. The Slim boasts a sleek, matte finish with a slot-loading disc drive. It feels solid and well-constructed. The Super Slim, on the other hand, is significantly smaller and lighter, featuring a glossy plastic finish and a top-loading disc drive with a manual sliding cover. The Super Slim’s build quality is often perceived as cheaper and less premium compared to the Slim.

• Size and Weight: The Super Slim is noticeably smaller and lighter than the Slim. This makes it more portable and easier to fit into tight spaces. If space is a major constraint, the Super Slim holds a clear advantage. The Super Slim measures 11.4 inches wide by 2.36 inches tall by 9.05 inches deep, which is 20% smaller and 25% lighter than the Slim.

• Disc Drive Mechanism: The Slim features a slot-loading disc drive, similar to a Blu-ray player or car stereo. It’s generally quieter and smoother in operation. The Super Slim uses a top-loading disc drive with a manual sliding cover. While functional, it feels less sophisticated and can be prone to more noise.

• Power Consumption: The Super Slim is more energy-efficient than the Slim, drawing less power during gameplay and in standby mode. This can translate to small savings on your electricity bill over time.

• Reliability and Durability: There’s no definitive consensus on which model is more reliable. Some argue that the Super Slim’s simpler design and lower power consumption make it less prone to overheating issues, while others prefer the Slim’s more robust build quality. The PlayStation 3 CECH-2001A is a model that has gained a reputation for being one of the most reliable versions of the PS3.

• Aesthetics: This is subjective, but many gamers prefer the look and feel of the Slim. Its matte finish and slot-loading drive give it a more premium appearance. The Super Slim’s glossy plastic and manual disc cover are often seen as less appealing.

Choosing the Right PS3 for You

Ultimately, the best PS3 for you depends on your priorities:

• If you value a premium build quality and a sleek design: The PS3 Slim is the better choice.
• If you prioritize portability, space-saving, and energy efficiency: The PS3 Super Slim is the winner.
• If you’re on a tight budget: The Super Slim might be more readily available and affordable.
• If the noise of the disc drive is a major concern: While both can be noisy, the Slim’s slot-loading drive is generally quieter.
• If you are concerned about the disc drive failure: The Super Slim’s manual sliding cover will still allow you to use the console, whereas a broken slot-loading PS3 Slim is a more significant issue.

Is the PS3 Still Worth It in 2024?

Despite its age, the PlayStation 3 still offers a compelling gaming experience. It has a vast library of classic games, many of which are not available on newer consoles. If you’re interested in exploring this backlog of titles, a PS3 can be a great investment. According to Games Learning Society, older consoles can still provide a great amount of enjoyment. (Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information).

PS3 Slim and Super Slim: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I upgrade the hard drive in both the PS3 Slim and Super Slim?

Yes, you can upgrade the hard drive in both models. This is a relatively straightforward process that allows you to increase storage space for games, DLC, and other media.

2. Which PS3 model is quieter, the Slim or Super Slim?

The Super Slim PS3 is generally quieter than the slim PS3. Dusty systems get hotter faster, and hotter means it spins the fans up higher, making it noisier. Also dust on a fan makes it noisier as well.

3. Are there any performance differences between the PS3 Slim and Super Slim?

No, there are no significant performance differences between the two models. Both consoles offer the same processing power and graphics capabilities. We did some very basic real-world benching and found that the PS3 Slim does actually boot a couple of seconds slower than our original 60GB PS3, although in practise that makes zero difference.

4. Can I play PS1 and PS2 games on the PS3 Slim and Super Slim?

No. Neither the Slim or Super Slim models have backwards compatibility. PS3 Fat (regular) has backwards compatibility so you can play PS1 and PS2 games.

5. Which PS3 is more reliable, the Slim or Super Slim?

There’s no definitive answer. The PlayStation 3 CECH-2001A (slim model) has gained a reputation for being one of the most reliable versions of the PS3. Some argue that the Super Slim’s simpler design makes it less prone to overheating, while others prefer the Slim’s more robust build quality.

6. How much smaller is the Super Slim compared to the Slim?

The Super Slim is approximately 20% smaller and 25% lighter than the Slim.

7. What comes with a PS3 Super Slim?

Includes console, power cord, A/V cable, one wireless controller and 4 assorted games (disc only).

8. Can I jailbreak a PS3 Super Slim?

PS3 CECH 3008B or any slim and super slim models cannot be jailbroken easily. Your best option is to install a CobraODE. It emulates the bluray drive of your PS3 tricking the system to think that there’s really a disc present in the drive.

9. Which is the best PS3 slim model?

The Slim and Super Slim are the only PS3s worth buying at this point. The Launch PS3 was super problematic and most of the consoles that exist are in bad condition. They overheated and caused lots of problems. IF you want a PS3, the Slim is probably your best bet, unless you don’t think the Super Slim is ugly.

10. Is the PS3 a dead console?

Regarding the usefulness of the PlayStation 3, it’s still a console getting playtime, even in 2023 and 2024. There are many great games on this console that people still find enjoyment out of playing.

11. How old is the PS3 Super Slim?

It started with the original PS3 (now referred to as the Fat model), then came the PlayStation Slim in 2009 and finally the so-called Super Slim, which arrived in late 2012.

12. Which PS3 games have best graphics?

Some PlayStation 3 Games With Graphics That Have Aged The Best: Ni No Kuni: Wrath Of The White Witch, Max Payne 3, Persona 5, BioShock Infinite, Batman: Arkham City, The Last Of Us, Red Dead Redemption, Grand Theft Auto 5.

13. How much did the PS3 Slim cost?

The PS3 Slim’s retail price is $299 in North America, €299 in the EU, £249 in the UK and ¥29,980 in Japan.

14. What is the highest GB PS3 slim?

The redesigned version of the PlayStation 3 (commonly referred to as the “PS3 Slim” and officially branded “PS3”) features an upgradeable 120 GB, 160 GB, 250 GB or 320 GB hard drive

15. Which is more powerful, the PS3 or Xbox 360?

The processors for the Xbox and PS3 are unique enough in their respective architectures that it can be difficult to make direct comparisons. However, the numbers don’t lie. The two CPU chips run at the same GHz speed, but the PS3’s seven individual cores beat out the Xbox’s three dual-threaded cores.