The Price of the PS3

The Price of the PS3 on Launch Day

When the Sony PlayStation 3 launched in the United States in 2006, there were two versions available. In this way, you could say that the price of the PS3 was dependent on which model you selected.

Generally speaking, the different versions of the PS3 are categorized or identified based on the size of the hard drive found within. By and large, the outward appearance of these video game consoles were much the same. It was the capacity of the hard drive that was used as the key differentiating factor. This is also how Sony marked the boxes on the PlayStation 3.

On the day of the PlayStation 3 launch, the entry-level model contained a 20 gigabyte hard drive. The price of the PS3 with a 20GB hard drive at that time was $499. There were limitations to this model, like the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and a flash card reader.

The higher-end PlayStation 3 at launch had a 60GB hard drive and was priced at $599 in the United States. It had slightly enhanced features compared to the 20GB model, as well as the larger capacity hard drive.

Improved Capacity and Features

After the console matured, Sony felt that it was necessary to upgrade the PlayStation 3 even further. As such, in August 2007, the 80GB PS3 was introduced to the North American market. Many of the features were the same as the 60GB model that it would effectively replace, but the PS2 backwards compatibility is software-based rather than hardware-based.

Today, the price of the PS3 with the 80GB hard drive is generally $399 at most American retailers. This includes such popular stores as Wal-Mart and Best Buy. Included in this price is a single PS3 wireless controller, media card reader, Blu-ray movie playing capability, HDMI out (with 1080p support), and that 80GB hard drive.

Planned for late 2008 (October or November) is a 160GB version of the PlayStation 3. The price of the PS3 with this substantially larger hard drive has not yet been announced, but it seems that the larger capacity hard drive comes with reduced functionality: only 2 USB ports, no flash card reader, no chrome trim, no SACD support, and no PS2 compatibility.

Save Money with PS3 Bundles

It's understandable that you want to save some money. When you look at the price of the PS3, you also have to consider what is included in the box. The standard retail boxes will get you started with some great gaming at home, just like the Xbox 360, but you can stand to save some serious cash by looking into bundles. You may also want to look into bundles that include an HDMI cable so that you can take full advantage of the high-definition graphics offered by the PlayStation 3.

Some PS3 bundles are officially sanctioned by Sony, whereas others are unofficial bundles put together by individual retailers. In both cases, you can typically expect the package to include one or more PlayStation 3 games. The price of the PS3 with these bundled games is typically a little lower than if you were to purchase the PS3 and the games separately. Just be sure that you actually want the games included; otherwise it's a waste of money.

One of the most notable bundles that you may find is the PlayStation 3 80GB Limited Edition Metal Gear Solid 4 Pack. Typically retailing for about $499, you get the 80GB PlayStation 3, Metal Gear Solid 4, a DUALSHOCK 3 controller, and a voucher to download the PAIN game from the PlayStation Network. If you're lucky, you may also find the special steel silver model rather than the regular piano black.