# TLDR Review: PlayStation 3 160GB

*Published: 2025-12-27 | Updated: 2025-12-27 | Source: https://shopsavvy.com/reviews-tldr/playstation-3-160gb*

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## Product: PlayStation 3 160GB
**Brand:** Sony

## Pros
- Performs reliably after a factory reset and full update, running and starting up without problems.
- Includes everything needed to get started immediately: one wireless controller, a charging cord, a heavy-duty HDMI cable, and a power cord.
- Setup and updates are quick and straightforward, with clear walkthroughs that help beginners start playing quickly.
- Successfully brings older games back to life, offering a nostalgic experience with titles like Sly Cooper.
- Functions perfectly despite cosmetic wear or scuffs on the case, providing confidence in renewed unit purchases.
- Highly effective and performs well according to some users, recommended without hesitation for proper functioning units.

## Cons
- Some units have significant quality and cleanliness issues, including being filthy, dusty, and poorly maintained.
- Reports of chemical burns and partial melting on the bottom, raising concerns about internal damage and safety.
- Product often does not turn off properly and overheats quickly, indicating potential hardware problems.
- Controllers included are frequently low-quality knockoffs, with issues such as jammed buttons, broken analog sticks, and failure to register inputs.
- The HDMI cable included sometimes does not work, and wires may show signs of melting upon unboxing.
- Disc eject mechanism can be problematic, requiring online troubleshooting to manage.
- Cosmetic damage like cracked and bubbled glass near the power button is common and expected in pre-owned units.
- Some users experience trouble loading games or overall unreliability, making it a risky buy for certain buyers.

## Bottom Line

The Sony Playstation 3 160GB System (Renewed) can deliver solid performance and nostalgia for older games if you get a well-maintained unit with functional accessories. However, many buyers report serious concerns with cleanliness, overheating, poor controller quality, and cosmetic or internal damage that reduce reliability. If you want a hassle-free experience with better accessory quality, consider looking for a new or better-certified refurbished console. Otherwise, be prepared for potential troubleshooting and replacement accessories to get the most out of this renewed system.

## Pros vs Cons at a Glance

| Pros | Cons |
|------|------|
| Performs reliably after a factory reset and full update, running and starting up without problems. | Some units have significant quality and cleanliness issues, including being filthy, dusty, and poorly maintained. |
| Includes everything needed to get started immediately: one wireless controller, a charging cord, a heavy-duty HDMI cable, and a power cord. | Reports of chemical burns and partial melting on the bottom, raising concerns about internal damage and safety. |
| Setup and updates are quick and straightforward, with clear walkthroughs that help beginners start playing quickly. | Product often does not turn off properly and overheats quickly, indicating potential hardware problems. |
| Successfully brings older games back to life, offering a nostalgic experience with titles like Sly Cooper. | Controllers included are frequently low-quality knockoffs, with issues such as jammed buttons, broken analog sticks, and failure to register inputs. |
| Functions perfectly despite cosmetic wear or scuffs on the case, providing confidence in renewed unit purchases. | The HDMI cable included sometimes does not work, and wires may show signs of melting upon unboxing. |
| Highly effective and performs well according to some users, recommended without hesitation for proper functioning units. | Disc eject mechanism can be problematic, requiring online troubleshooting to manage. |
|  | Cosmetic damage like cracked and bubbled glass near the power button is common and expected in pre-owned units. |
|  | Some users experience trouble loading games or overall unreliability, making it a risky buy for certain buyers. |

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*About this review: We pulled together findings from professional and user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.*