Collectible Consoles: The PS3 (Part III - PS3 Slim)

For the fourth generation Sony went all out with the colors and special editions, so this will be a fun blog. Just like my last post I will be discussing the different types of PS3 Slims released, their aesthetic differences, general specs, and rarity.

Charcoal Black - All 4th gen. model numbers

This is your standard PS3 "Slim". The color is called Charcoal Black and is a matte finish, as are all the finishes for the PS3 "Slim". It seems that Sony listened to customer feedback regarding fingerprints with the original PS3 and returned to what they do best: matte and rough finishes. These Charcoal Blacks are extremely easy to find. Used ones only cost a couple hundred while a new one may cost $400+. It all depends on which model you are getting, as this color runs throughout generation 4 and is available for every model.

Final Fantasy Lightning Edition White - CECH20xxB

For the release of Final Fantasy XIII, of course Japan rolled out a fancy PS3. Because all of generation 4 is region free though, feel free to pick one of these up. They honestly do not cost too much (around $500-600), although beware of scams (a general good rule of thumb). When it comes to anything Final Fantasy related make sure to check the fine details. Look at model numbers. Make sure that the PS3 itself is not just a regular white PS3 Slim with a cover. I have seen this more than once on Ebay. Keep an eye out folks!

Classic White - CECH25xxA-30xxB

Speaking of white consoles...
With the release of the 160GB and 320GB PS3 "Slims" in July 2010, Sony began to get more brave with their colors...well, at least in Japan. Like I stated earlier though, generation 4 is not region locked. They may have been sold exclusively in certain regions during the time, but it is fairly easy to import these guys now. Since a ton of these were made, they are fairly easy to find and will only run you a couple hundred.

Satin Silver - CECH25xxA-30xxB

The Satin Silver has the EXACT same story as the Classic White, so I will not repeat myself. The only reason I did not group them together is because I wanted to point out that the Satin Silver is a bit more difficult to find, even though plenty were made. My theory is because the Satin Silver of any Sony Entertainment product has always sold better than the Classic White models. I believe that they are more popular and therefor more difficult to find. If they do pop up on the marketplace, they run slightly more than the Classic White, although not by much.

Titanium Blue (GT5 Special Edition) - CECH25xxA 160GB

Finally getting to some color! This is the Titanium Blue that was released as part of a bundle with Gran Turismo 5 in Japan. It is a 160GB CECH25xxA model. This thing is rare and difficult to catch. IF you do find it you most likely will not find a price lower than $1100, which is the lowest I have seen. If you must have it, save up some money and be patient.

Magical Gold (Ni No Kuni Edition) - CECH25xxA 160GB

I LOVE this PS3 Slim. Yes. Personal opinion, right there. My opinion of the game, Level 5, and Studio Ghibli could be shaping that a bit. However, if you are like me, this is not actually all that expensive of a purchase. The entire bundle can be found new for $300-500. It is a CECH25xxA model with 160GB of memory. Now if only I had some money...

Scarlet Red and Splash Blue - CECH30xxB 320GB

As a side note, the Splash Blue looks similar in color to the earlier Titanium blue in these photos, but if you watch an unboxing of it on YouTube it is more of a sky blue. Very pretty!!These lovely PS3s were exclusive Japanese only release at the time of their production. Their model numbers were CECH30xxB and came with 320GB of storage. They were marketed as limited editions and after a quick internet search, I can safely say that Sony missed a huge market in North America and Europe for these colors. These were highly coveted at the time of their release, and are more so now. Still, prices can be reasonable if you are patient enough and both are easy to find. I have found the Splash Blue used for around $400, although buying new it will run you about $800. It is about the same story for the Scarlet Red as well.

Tales of Xillia Edition - CECH30xxA 160GB

The Tales of Xillia PS3 is another one of my personal favorites. This CECH30xxA 160GB model was sold as part of a bundle in Japan along with the release of the game. While it generally costs between $600-700, I have seen used ones go for as little as $400.

Final Fantasy XIII-2: Lightning Edition Version 2 - CECH-30xxB 320GB

As with every main Final Fantasy release, the big guns must be pulled out...at least for Japan. Come on Sony Entertainment America. Do you still not trust our crazy love for all things Final Fantasy yet? My only theory behind this is the pink on both FF consoles. God forbid they sold to the 48% female portion of the gaming population PLUS any guy who doesn't mind pink. *clears throat* Sorry about that. I got a bit off topic...
Anyways, This is a CECH-30xxB model with 320GB of memory and was, of course, part of a bundle. It is commonly referred to as "Lighting Edition 2 PS3",  "Lightning Ver 2", or some variation thereof. Keep this in mind while searching for it. Although you shouldn't have to search far as this is pretty easy to find. Used, it runs about $300 and up depending on the condition. New, it will cost between $500-800.

One Piece: Kaizoku Musou (Pirate Warriors) Edition - CECH-30xxB 320GB

It is anime related, therefor it is rare. Just wanted to get that out of the way. It is also gold and shiny. Who wouldn't want this? So yes...it costs an absurd amount to buy. Used it runs about $600-800 and new it is $700-1200. This is a CECH30xxB model with 320GB of memory. It was part of an exclusive bundle pack in Japan that included the first Kaizoku Musou (aka Pirate Warriors) game.

For an added bonus...

Child's Play Signed CECH-3004A

While this was not something promoted by Sony, I am including it because it is one of a kind! For those unfamiliar with Child's Play, it is a charity set up by the guys over at Penny Arcade. It is for children living hospitals and shelters. You can go onto their website (found here) and make donations, but they have other events as well. Every holiday season they compose a list of various games and consoles requested by various shelters and hospitals. You can buy them and they will be sent to that establishment for the benefit of the kids. In addition they have auctions on occasion to raise money.

On this occasion they teamed up with the industry's biggest names to create an awesome signed console. The full list of those that signed it and who they work(ed) for/on is listed here. According to the Ebay listing, this CECH-30xxA 160GB console was sold for $3100 after 39 bids.

That wraps up the PS3 "Slims" (4th Generation)!
My next blog will be out shortly. Stick around and thanks for reading!

Sources:
ALL IMAGES BELONG TO SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT INC.: Exception of last image. That belongs to IGN (I believe. It was on multiple sites with no sources). 
1)http://vr-zone.com/articles/sony-ps3-in-splash-blue-and-scarlet-red-to-launch-on-17-2)november/13562.html
3)http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/two-new-ps3-colours-red-and-blue/084692
4)http://www.amazon.com/Playstation-320gb-Splash-Cech-3000bsb-Import-3/dp/B005N60F56
5)http://www.g4tv.com/thefeed/blog/post/719055/childs-play-charity-auction-get-a-playstation-3-or-6)xbox-360-console-signed-by-g4-and-the-biggest-names-in-videogames/
7)http://www.childsplaycharity.org (X-Play) 
8)http://www.ebay.com/itm/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?9)ViewItem&item=250953264900&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123
10)Amazon, Ebay, and Craigslist