What Is the 60GB Playstation 3?

Playstation 3 has undergone many changes in recent years as Sony searched for the middle ground in features and affordability. As hard drive size has increased, several features have been phased out of models. The most significant of these is the removal of backwards compatibility for playing Playstation 2 games. The 60-gigabyte model is the last version of the Playstation 3 to offer this feature, making it even more valuable than newer models to devoted gamers.

Types

When Playstation 3 launched, the systems featured 20-gigabyte and 60-gigabyte hard drives. Both versions of the Playstation 3 have been phased out to make room for the latest 80-gigabyte and 120-gigabyte models.

Features

The 60-gigabyte model features a Blu-ray player, Wi-Fi Internet reception, wireless controllers and backward compatibility for playing Playstation 2 games. It is the last model to offer backwards compatibility, which was removed by Sony in an effort to make the console more affordable.

Availability

The 60-gigabyte Playstation 3 is no longer in production. It is not even listed on Sony's website. The console is still available to purchase from used game stores or from private owners. It is important to note that such consoles are not covered by manufacturer warranty, according to gamestop.com.

Retail Price

Sony shaved $100 off the price just before discontinuing the 60-gigabyte model. At the time, the new $499 price tag for the model was in the same ballpark as an Xbox 360 but was still more than double the cost of a Nintendo Wii, according to Techspot.com.

Refurbished Price

A person purchasing a refurbished 60-gigabyte Playstation 3 may pay more than a new 80-gigabyte model. According to Gamestop.com, the 60-gigabyte model is more coveted than the most current models, due to its backward compatibility and two more USB ports.