Overview

Phenomenal graphics make for absorbing gameplay, great looking & compact console, iconic PlayStation controller, expandable hard drive, excellent online services, plays DVD as well as Blu-Ray, but there is no SD card or flash drive support, PlayStation 2 games are not compatible and no HDMI cable is supplied.

Some products hardly need any introduction at all and one such device that speaks more than loudly enough for itself is Sony’s PlayStation 3 Slim (PS3) games console. Sony has been at the sharp end of the gaming market for quite some time now and the fact that the PS3 can still arguably be considered the best overall console out there six years after it was first released is a testament to just how good it really is.

Although the PS3 has remained largely the same over the years with Sony sensibly not deviating from a winning formula, there have been a few updates to make the current incarnation of the console more appealing than ever. It’s still all about amazing graphics and enjoyable gameplay, but Sony has made the latest PS3 accessible to a wider audience with a lower price tag than previously, as well as a new ultra compact ‘Slim’ form. In addition to the space saving convenience of the Slim design, Sony also gives you a wireless PlayStation DualShock controller so that you can play in maximum comfort, without the restriction of cables. The PS3 comes in two models, a more affordable version with a 160 GB hard drive, or the pricier full 320 GB of storage space for the hardcore gamer. Users who opt for the smaller hard drive can also upgrade at a later stage if more storage space is needed.

Whilst the graphics, gameplay and huge selection of games available for the PS3 are reason enough to want one, it’s the PS3’s multimedia functionality that sets it apart from the competition. As well as being able to interact with other users via Sony’s vibrant online community, PS3 owners can take advantage of subscription or free on-demand services (like iPlayer or Lovefilm) and even use the console to watch Blu-rays or DVDs. Throw in the ability to store music as well as photos and it becomes clear that the PS3 isn’t just a great console, but an outstanding multimedia hub. If you want a console that outdoes the competition on multimedia functionality and still achieves supreme gaming, the PS3 is the right choice for you.

Unboxing

Tearing a new product out of its packaging is always exciting, and with the PS3 it’s a particularly satisfying experience as it comes securely wrapped in the premium sort of packaging we expect from a brand like Sony. Everything’s pleasingly secure in the box, so there’s no fear of damage from parts bouncing about inside.

In the box you’ll find the PS3 slim console itself, a DualShock wireless controller, the power cord, a USB cable and an Audio/Video cable. There’s everything you need to get gaming straight out of the box, but Sony’s failure to include an HDMI cable is frustrating as you’ll have to get your own to connect to an HD TV.

Setting Up

The last thing you want to deal with when a new gadget arrives is a lengthy set-up that requires constant reference to the manual before you can get going. Fortunately setting up the PS3 could hardly be any easier, letting you dive straight into gaming in next to no time!

Simply connect the console to a plug socket, as well as to your TV and you’re ready to go. The controller has to be connected to the console with the supplied USB cord to charge before you can use it wirelessly, but you can start gaming straight away whilst it charges.

Connecting the PS3 to the internet is similarly simple and can be done wirelessly or using an Ethernet cable according to your convenience. Follow the comprehensive on-screen instructions and you can use the PS3’s pre-installed web-browser to get online straight away. Once online you can perform a System update to ensure that your system has all the latest features working fully.

Graphics & Games

When it comes to graphics the PS3 is still a world beater, delivering stunningly realistic graphics that make for some of the most immersive gameplay you can find. Although the Xbox 360 may just shade the PS3 on graphics performance, there’s not a lot in it and we found the levels of in-game detail truly realistic.

There’s also a huge selection of games available for the PS3 including famous series like Gran Turismo, Final Fantasy and GTA. Whilst there are some family friendly titles available for the PS3, we think it’s a console best suited to a slightly older audience with a firm focus on titles aimed at more mature gamers (e.g. Call of Duty & GTA series). The only slight disappointment is that the PS3 can’t be used to play PlayStation 2 games, although several PlayStation 1 titles are backwards compatible.

Internet & Multimedia

Whilst there’s no doubt that the PS3 is a games console first and foremost, gaming alone is only scratching the surface of the device’s potential. It’s much more than a console, indeed it’s more of a multimedia hub with the ability to be used to play CDs, mp3s or DVDs. A trump card that the PS3 has over its rivals is the ability to play Blu-rays too, negating the need for a costly separate device. If you’re lucky enough to have a 3D TV you can even watch 3D Blu-rays via the PS3 and although picture quality isn’t quite up to a dedicated Blu-ray player, it’s impressive nonetheless.

Controlling video or audio playback is surprisingly easy with the PS3 DualShock controller, although for comfort’s sake it may be worth investing in the separately available remote control if you plan on using your PS3 as your primary video source. As previously mentioned you’ll also need to get an HDMI cable to connect to an HD TV and output Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD to an external receiver.

If you run out of DVDs and Blu-rays the PS3 also has a wealth of content available via its built-in internet services. It’s true that the web-browser isn’t great, but it’s doubtful you’ll want to surf the net through the PS3 anyway, instead you’ll likely be busy taking advantage of its excellent online multimedia support. There’s a shortcut that gives you immediate access to BBC’s iPlayer, ITV player or Channel 4 On Demand so that you can catch up with any shows you’ve missed free of charge directly through your PS3. You can also subscribe to the on-demand movie service LoveFilm, allowing you to stream movies from their huge library straight to your TV. You also get access to the PS3’s Vidzone, an area with a collection of multimedia that can be streamed for free or downloaded for a fee.

Sony even has its own PlayStation store that you can access directly through the PS3, providing a variety of content like game expansion packs and customised themes to jazz up your system’s interface. Games are also available for download through the store with some titles available at bargain prices, whilst you can expect to pay more for the latest releases. You have to sign up for the PlayStation Network to use the store which is easy to do, as well as free of charge. For a monthly fee serious gamers can opt into the ‘PlayStation Plus’ service which provides regular exclusive content downloads like early releases of new game demos.

PlayStation Move

One of the most exciting recent updates to the PS3 comes in the form of PlayStation Move, Sony’s interactive motion control system. PlayStation Move uses the PlayStation Eye camera (which connects to the PS3 and sits in front of the person playing) to track the real-time movements of the PlayStation Move controller and recreate the actions on-screen. This creates a hugely fun, interactive method of gameplay that is ideal for mirroring actions like tennis racket strokes or golf swings.

Inevitably comparisons will be drawn between the PlayStation Move system and Microsoft’s Xbox Kinect motion controller, as well as the fully motion controlled Nintendo Wii console. PlayStation Move is more like the Wii than Kinect in the sense that you use a handheld controller, but it’s far more precise in recreating movements than either of those systems thanks to the PlayStation Eye camera. It’s unlikely that hardcore gamers will drop their DualShock controllers in favour of Move, but it’s a fun alternative way to use your console with a steadily growing number of titles available for the technology and it’s brilliant for kids.

Conclusion

Sony’s PlayStation 3 Slim continues the PlayStation tradition of gaming excellence and justifiably sits right at the top of the game console market. It’s undoubtedly one of the best consoles currently available, with its huge selection of games and impressive graphics arguably making a case that it’s the very best overall console around.

The PS3 is so much more than just a console too, it towers over its rivals for multimedia functionality with the ability to play Blu-rays as well as DVDs and audio files. With a 3D TV you can even watch Blu-rays in 3D via the PS3. The PS3’s outstanding internet options also mean that it’s unlikely you’ll ever run out of content thanks to direct access to TV catch-up and subscription on-demand services. You can also buy new games for immediate download from the PlayStation Store and interact with other gamers through the PS3’s online community.

Although it has to be bought separately, the PlayStation Move system adds an interactive, fun new way of using your PS3 that will go down well with all the family. It’s brilliant for parties and kids won’t be able to get enough of it.

If you want a console that provides the highest level of gaming along with unrivalled multimedia functionality and the option of adding innovative motion controls (PlayStation Move), look no further than the PS3 Slim.