What are the three different PlayStation 3 consoles?

1. Original “Fat” PS3 (CECHA, CECHB, CECHC, etc.)

  • Release Year: 2006

  • Features:

    • Larger, heavier design — nicknamed the “Fat” PS3

    • Included a built-in 60GB or 20GB hard drive (varied by region)

    • Supported backward compatibility with PlayStation 2 games (early models only)

    • Used the “Cell” processor and had multiple USB ports

  • Notes: Early models are prized by collectors for PS2 backward compatibility, but they were more expensive and had higher power consumption.

2. PS3 Slim (CECH-2000 series and later)

  • Release Year: 2009

  • Features:

    • Smaller, lighter, and more energy-efficient design

    • Hard drives ranged from 120GB to 320GB

    • Removed backward compatibility for PS2 games but could still play PS1 titles

    • Quieter fan and cooler running system

  • Notes: The Slim is the most common and popular PS3 model, balancing performance and size.

3. PS3 Super Slim (CECH-4000 series)

  • Release Year: 2012

  • Features:

    • Even smaller and lighter than the Slim

    • Sliding top cover for disc access (instead of a slot-loading drive)

    • Hard drive sizes varied, commonly 250GB or 500GB

    • Continued no support for PS2 backward compatibility

  • Notes: The Super Slim was the final major revision, focusing on affordability and portability.

Summary Table

Model Release Year Size & Weight Backward Compatibility Hard Drive Size Range Notable Feature
Original “Fat” 2006 Large, heavy PS2 games (early models) 20GB, 60GB, 80GB PS2 BC & multiple USB ports
PS3 Slim 2009 Smaller, lighter PS1 only 120GB - 320GB Quieter, cooler design
PS3 Super Slim 2012 Smallest, lightest PS1 only 250GB - 500GB Sliding disc cover