OK to purchase a used/refurbished PS3?

[Voor]

Been wanting to play Ico and Shadows of the Colossus since they came out years ago, and considered picking up a cheap PS2 for this purpose, but I saw where they were rereleased for the PS3, which has some other games that I may enjoy (Last of Us, etc).

Since I usually like to go the cheaper route, I've been looking into used/refurbished units, but wasn't sure if in this case, it would be safer to go the brand new route instead.

Also, how does memory work for the PS3? Cards, hard drive? Sorry...I've just been out of the modern gaming loop since the GameCube.

[Shapur]

All PS3's include some kind of internal storage(12-500 GB). Brand new is always safer of course, but some of the older models included backwards compatibility which could be nice since you don't seem to have a PS2. I'd go ahead and pick up an older model from ebay, but if space or electricity consumption are a concern then the latest models are preferable.

[Hardcore Sadism]

Refurbished is your best bet. I'd rather have a fresh hard drive than wake up one day to hear it clicking incessantly...

[Rookie1]

Everything is always better brand new, but you should be just fine with a used one. Gamestop has used ones starting at $100 or so. As for storage, it uses a hard drive. I would get the biggest you can as some of the installs are pretty heft.

[Rev]

The only ones I'd watch out for are the original PS3 models as they're notorious for dying.

[Tron]

I have a theory about refurbs. I think all consoles tend to have common problems. For example the Xbox 360 had the red ring. Now if a refurb fixes the common occurring problem wouldn't it be better to get the refurb that is fixed. Since the new systems are prone to a problem get one that has been fixed.

[Voor]

What's the difference between the older and newer versions?

[MoarRipter]

What's the difference between the older and newer versions?

Fat models (with Playstation 3 written in the Spiderman font) with 60gb and 20gb hard drives originally, the CECH A and B models, have the PS2's EE and GS chips built-in and as such can support playing PS2 discs. CECHE models that originally came with the 80gb hard drive removed the EE so they only support partial compatibility with PS2 discs. Starting with the 40gb model (CECHG) and beyond PS2 disc compatibility was entirely removed. The Fat PS3s support Linux with OtherOS on system software 3.15 and earlier. PS3 slims and super slims don't support either PS2 discs or OtherOS, but they have larger hard drives, lower power draw with smaller Cell and RSX chips and are arguably more reliable. As far as I know all PS3s however support compatibility with PS1 discs. Getting an older Fat PS3 that can support PS2 discs is risky and people tend to overcharge for them for that PS2 compatibility, personally I'd rather get a Slim PS3 and a separate PS2 for cheap. The Slim PS3 is the best of the bunch in my opinion. The new Super Slims have that sliding poptop instead of the slick slotload drives of the earlier models. Also, the 20gb Fat PS3 models (CECHB) did not come with Wi-Fi built-in, and the models that support PS2 discs also have SD memory card readers integrated and feature 4 USB ports instead of only 2.