The Ultimate Guide to PlayStation 3 Models: Every Variant Explained

As a professional in electronics repair and a software developer, I've always been fascinated by the evolution of gaming consoles. One of the most iconic systems is the PlayStation 3 (PS3), known for its versatility and range of models. In this guide, we'll dive into every PS3 model ever released, highlighting their features and the subtle changes Sony implemented over the years.

Original "Fat" Models

1. CECHAxx (60 GB)

   • Features: 4 USB ports, SACD playback, flash memory card readers, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: Yes (Hardware-based).
   • Changes: This was the original, most feature-rich model.

2. CECHBxx (20 GB)

   • Features: 4 USB ports, Ethernet.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: Yes (Hardware-based).
   • Changes: No Wi-Fi or memory card readers compared to CECHAxx.

3. CECHCxx (60 GB)

   • Features: 4 USB ports, SACD playback, flash memory card readers, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: Yes (Software-based).
   • Changes: Software-based PS2 compatibility, removed some features of CECHAxx.

4. CECHExx (80 GB)

   • Features: 4 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: Yes (Software-based).
   • Changes: Increased storage, removed SACD playback.

5. CECHGxx (40 GB)

   • Features: 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Removed PS2 and SACD playback, reduced USB ports.

6. CECHHxx (40 GB)

   • Features: 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Similar to CECHGxx with minor internal changes.

7. CECHJxx (40 GB)

   • Features: 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Further minor revisions from CECHHxx.

8. CECHKxx (80 GB)

   • Features: 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Increased storage.

9. CECHLxx (80 GB)

   • Features: 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Minor hardware updates.

10. CECHMxx (80 GB)

    • Features: 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
    • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
    • Changes: Tailored for PAL regions.

11. CECHPxx (160 GB)

    • Features: 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
    • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
    • Changes: Increased storage capacity.

12. CECHQxx (160 GB)

    • Features: 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
    • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
    • Changes: Some internal hardware refinements.

Slim Models

1. CECH-20xxA/B (120/250 GB)

   • Features: Slimmer design, 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Major design overhaul, more energy-efficient.

2. CECH-21xxA/B (120/250 GB)

   • Features: Similar to CECH-20xxA/B, minor internal hardware revisions.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Hardware efficiency improvements.

3. CECH-25xxA/B (160/320 GB)

   • Features: Similar to previous Slim models, larger storage options.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Further internal architecture refinements.

4. CECH-30xxA/B (160/320 GB)

   • Features: Similar to previous Slim models.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Minor refinements over CECH-25xxA/B.

Super Slim Models

1. CECH-40xxA/B/C (12/250/500 GB)

   • Features: Significantly slimmer design, sliding disc cover, 2 USB ports, Wi-Fi.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Major design change with sliding disc cover, reduction in size and weight.

2. CECH-42xxA/B/C (12/250/500 GB)

   • Features: Similar to CECH-40xx series.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Minor internal changes from CECH-40xx models.

3. CECH-43xxA/B/C (12/250/500 GB)

   • Features: Similar to CECH-42xx series.
   • PS2 Backward Compatibility: No.
   • Changes: Small internal improvements from CECH-42xx models.

Conclusion

The PlayStation 3's evolution reflects Sony's response to market demands, technological advancements, and cost management strategies. From the feature-rich original 'Fat' models to the sleek and efficient Super Slim variants, each PS3 model offered something unique to gamers.

Whether you're a gamer, a collector, or someone interested in console hardware, understanding these variations can be invaluable. As a professional in electronics and software, I find the technological progression of the PS3 fascinating, and I hope this guide helps you appreciate the nuances of this iconic console.