Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Collectible Consoles: The PS3 (Part II - The First Three Generations)

Quick Note: I am sorry about how the layout looks. Blogger.com decided to erase ALL my images for ALL my posts as well as my entire template. I am working on the problem. 

I am releasing this blog a tad bit early since I will also be releasing the blogs for Part III ("Slim" PS3) and Part IV ("Super Slim") this week. As mentioned in my update blog, I have broken this up because this project ended up being larger than I anticipated.

For this blog I will present each PS3 released and its cosmetic differences as well as some of its specs, the generation it belongs to (those model numbers will begin to become handy), and their rarity. As previously stated, I will only be covering the first 3 generations of the PS3 for now. The other 2 will be covered in the other blogs. If I missed a PS3 by chance, please let me know in the comments and I will add it!
CECHBxx - 20GB
I thought it would be appropriate to start with the first PS3 released. This is the CECHBxx, otherwise known as the 20GB launch PS3. As discussed in my previous blog, it was discontinued shortly after production. This was most likely due to the lack of Wi-Fi support or a flash memory card reader. It has four USB ports and like all "fat" PS3s, a main On/Off switch in the back. One major cosmetic difference between it and the other standard black PS3s to follow is its all black trim. This would soon be replaced with a chrome trim for the 60GB model made during the same generation. Perhaps this look didn't test well?
Keep this trim in mind though. I have seen many sellers try to scam people on Ebay with 60GB PS3s. A CECHBxx will always look like this. No exception. Speaking of trying to find one...most I found were being sold for parts. Basically, if you are looking to find one used, be prepared for either a scam or a broken console. On the other hand, there are plenty of new ones still out there. The problem is that they will run you about $1000-2000.
CECHAxx - 60GB
Even though this is a picture of a launch 60GB (CECHAxx) PS3, this is what any Piano Black "fat" PlayStation 3 is going to look like, regardless if it is generation one, two, or three. There are a couple of details that will change over generations. The most noticeable is that by the third generation there are only two USB ports instead of four. These are fairly easy to find and generally won't cost much, although it depends on what generation you are buying and if you are buying new.


The first one is called Ceramic White while the second is called Satin Silver. Both were Japan exclusive releases and were third generation models. Originally released as 40GB consoles, they were later released with 80GB. Their model numbers could be CECHHxx (most likely this one) and/or CECHJxx and CECHLxx. As far as prices: Used, they can go for as little as $300-500. New, in a bundle, they can go as high as $2500.
MGS4 Gun Metal Black -  40GB CECHHxx
The Metal Gear Solid 4 Gun Metal Black 40GB bundle was sold in the US and in Japan exclusively, although it was not region locked. The system had a matte finish. In tiny writing at the bottom of the console reads "Metal Gear Solid 4 - Limited Edition". Finding one of these can be simple...but finding one working, undamaged, or in a box is a bit more tough. For ones that simply "work" I have found consoles for as little as $300. If you manage to find one that has not been taken out of its box, it will set you back about $800. There seems to be no in between with this one. (Where are the "lightly used" ones you guys?)
Piano Black Resident Evil 5/Biohazard 5 - CECHLxx 80GB
This was released only as a bundle and was not region locked, although it seems to have been sold exclusively in Japan for a very limited time. It is a third generation 80 GB in standard piano black with matte stencil of the Tricell logo on the bottom of the console. While rare, they CAN be found on Ebay, Amazon, and Craigslist. However, be willing to shell out some money as I have not seen them run under $2,000 in the time I have been looking. I will however, update this if I see anything lower.
Cloud Black 160GB - CECHQxx
The Cloud Black was released alongside Advent Children in Japan. It is 160GB and its model number is CECHQxx. This means that it was produced at the tail end of the third generation. It was only released as a bundle, but they seem to have made plenty of them. Finding one on Ebay is fairly simple and they go for about $400-500. If you want a sealed version, it will run you about $800. For the limited releases, this one is probably one of the cheaper ones as far as the first three generations go.

Yakuza 3/Ryu uga Gotoku 3 Satin Silver - CECHLxx
While not region locked, this 80GB PS3 was bundled with Yakuza 3 (Ryuu ga Gotoku 3) and sold exclusively in Japan. I'm going to insert my personal opinion in here...out of the first three generations, this is the most awesome in my opinion. Sadly, only a limited number of these were made and I haven't seen ANY listed. If this changes, I will edit this and post the price they were listed for. I will go ahead and say that anyone looking to buy one should probably be ready with a couple thousand to spare.

The Ultra Rare Red!
Now we are getting into PlayStation 3s you most likely cannot buy yourself. These were either personally made for people or in this one case, the result of a contest.

Contest from June 2007 - Generation 2-3
I have only found WHEN the contest took place, which is not a huge help in determining whether or not these are generation 2 or 3. I will be doing some further research to find one of the winners or even just the specs. If I do, I will edit this post.

Hideo Kojima/Yumi Kikuchi Signed PS3

CECHAxx 60GB Modded and Signed MGS themed PS3
This is not an official Sony PS3, but it is rare and AWESOME. It is actually a modded version of the 60GB CECHAxx (generation 1/launch PS3). It has been fitted with LEDs and backlights and best of all is signed by Hideo Kojima, the brain behind the Metal Gear series and Yumi Kikuchi, a voice actress in MGS4. This was signing was apperently luck as the seller got them to sign it during their MGS World Tour in New York. This is not the end of the awesomeness though. The controller is also backlit and custom made. Eight more rare items were included, a list of which can be found here.

The Ebay seller pledge to donate 15% of profits to Child's Play. a charity I will discuss in more detail in the next blog. Wondering how much all of this sold for? $17,100.

NBA All-Stars Sony Event Suite 2007 (Las Vegas) 
I am just going to throw this out there right now. I am not a sports person...well, I can enjoy sports, but I do not follow teams except my university's football team. So please forgive me if I do not fully know the importance of the people I mention. All I know is that occasionally Sony likes to throw an after party where NBA stars, and some other sports legends, test their skills in games, drink, party, and get gifted personalized consoles. It is difficult to know exactly who all attends these things because the general public is, of course, not invited. These pictures were part of Sony's blog and are very selective.

                                                         




Thanks to the Youtube video found here (thanks ncroal!)  I was able to find out that the event was held at the PlayStation Parlor Sky Villa at the Palms Hotel in Las Vegas during the NBA All-Stars Weekend of 2007. All in all, I could only find 7 of these made for this event. Given the time period during which they were made (February 2007) it stands to reason that these are all second generation and their model numbers CECHExx.

           
           

As far as those that received these consoles, we know for sure that those pictured above did. Clockwise from the top left we have: Brooke and Linda Hogan, Chris Bosh, Michelle Wie, and the Maloofs (not sure which ones :S). In addition, we know that Jason Kidd and Kobe Bryant at least attended. The Egyptian-esque looking PS3 also fits very well with Lebron James' "King Tut" persona. In fact, that model has been called "King Tut", although no one is sure who came up with the name and it does not appear in the picture.

Two more things to note about these consoles: The Yellow PS3, said to have been formally owned by one of the Maloofs, that has the event name inscribed on it is currently owned by someone who goes by the user name lim-handek on Gamescollection.net.
The second is that the Nike Air Force One PS3 was being housed in the lounge of the hotel during the event. This leads me to assume that an athlete may not have acquired that one but someone from Nike, if anyone at all. It may have been commissioned simply for advertising.

NBA All-Stars Sony Event Suite 2009 (Las Vegas)

Just like 2007, Sony threw one great big party for NBAs biggest athletes during All Stars Weekend in February 2009. Sadly there are fewer pictures this time around, although thanks to the official PlayStation blog, there is a full list of this time names regarding who stopped by. As this took place in February of 2009, these technically could have been from generation 1, 2, or 3. However, considering these are special made for the rich and famous, it is safe to assume that these were probably the CECHPxx models (160GB).















 
     











     
The full list of names that attended is as follows: Nate Robinson, Shaquille O’Neal, Paul Pierce, Kevin Durant, Yao Ming, Dirk Nowitzki, David West, Michael Beasley, Derrick Rose, Devin Harris, JR Smith, Dikembe Mutombo, Luis Scola, Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, Brook Lopez, Thaddeus Young, Daequan Cook, Gary Payton, and Brian Shaw.
Note that Brandon Roy is not on that list. However, the Sony blog points out that the "B.Roy" PS3 IS supposed to have been made for him. It is also clear that Lebron James once again received a PS3, because lets be honest...who else is "King James"? As for those posed with the PS3s, clockwise starting from the right: Thaddeus Young, Paul Pierce, Luis Scola, and Al Harrington. Wait...Al Harrington wasn't on that list either. How big was this party REALLY Sony??

The 2007 Super Bowl Party/Sole Magazine PS3s

I have been able to find out next to NOTHING about these PS3s. It seems that most of the credibility that they have as to being official has to do with people on forums saying that they were there at "an awesome party". I would love if someone could provide more sources on these 4 consoles. Even original sources for the pictures would be great!



Whether or not these consoles are official or not, because they are from early 2007 they are most certainly CECHAxx (60GB) first generation PS3s. Like the NBA All Stars PS3s, it is rumored that these were given away as swag for those who attended.

That was a LONG blog. The next two will be shorter, but still interesting. As stated previously, they will be put up this week. Part III will discuss the different types of PS3 "Slim" and Part IV will discuss the "Super Slim". Next week I will be discussing the many types of PS3 bundles.
Thanks again for reading and check back soon!

Sources:
1)http://community.us.playstation.com/t5/PlayStation-Lounge/Playstation-Canada/td-p/9749698
2)http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/27/all-star-treatment
3)http://gamescollection.forumcommunity.net/?t=29230772
4)https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCs3J7dw8N8
5)http://www.cnet.com/news/playstation-3-at-nba-all-star-weekend/
6)http://blog.us.playstation.com/2009/02/17/sony-playstation-at-nba-all-star-weekend/
7)http://www.psu.com/forums/showthread.php/52933-Super-Bowl-Playstation-AF1s-PS3-Party
8)http://www.exophase.com/307/sony-shows-off-ps3-case-mods/
9)Amazon, Ebay, Craigslist postings/personal experience at shops

10)http://www.geek.com/games/kojima-signed-mgs-4-ps3-console-sells-for-17100-610111/
11)All pictures besides the very last four, belong to Sony Entertainment America. The last two seem to belong to Sole Magazine. 

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