TLDR Review: PlayStation 3 - 80GB (Renewed)
Pros
- •The system performs well and meets expectations during testing and regular use.
- •Compatible with older PS3 games and controllers, providing a solid gaming library.
- •Comes with a controller included, making it ready to play out of the box.
- •Works like new despite being a renewed/refurbished unit.
- •Includes all necessary components for plug and play, ensuring easy setup.
- •Provides a nostalgic gaming experience that many users appreciate.
- •Seller generally offers good customer service and sometimes includes extra video games like Final Fantasy as freebies.
- •Preferred choice over other consoles like Xbox for some users, especially teenagers.
- •A PS4 controller works fine with the system, which is handy if the included controller has issues.
Cons
- •This 80GB PS3 unit is likely a later model, not the original firseneration console, meaning it does not support backward compatibility with PS2 games.
- •The hard drive design and orientation confirm it is not the original 80GB model with PS2 support.
- •Cosmetic imperfections are present, though mostly tolerable.
- •Some users faced issues with the included controller not working, possibly due to the controller itself or the charging cable.
- •HDMI output may fail to work, forcing the use of loweuality component cables with smaller displays and black borders.
- •There are reports of the console stopping completely after a few hours of use.
- •Seller communication and follop, especially regarding refunds, can be unresponsive or problematic.
- •Swapping hard drives will not restore PS2 backward compatibility on this model.
Bottom Line
If you're after a renewed PS3 with 80GB storage primarily to play PS3 games and want a dependable, nostalgic gaming experience, this system delivers solid performance and even works with PS4 controllers. However, do not buy this expecting PS2 backward compatibility, as this model lacks it due to being a later revision. HDMI issues and occasional hardware glitches may also require patience or technical workaround. If PS2 game support is a must-have, consider hunting for a confirmed first-generation 80GB model instead, or explore other vintage consoles designed specifically for backward compatibility. ShopSavvy suggests checking prices and availability carefully, especially as the seller’s service can be hit or miss.
How we researched this
About this review: We pulled together findings from professional reviews and hundreds of user reviews, and cross-referenced them with ShopSavvy's pricing data from thousands of retailers to give you the short version.
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