PS3 Slim vs Super Slim: Which One Should You Buy?

If you are looking to buy a PlayStation 3 today, you will probably come across two of its most common versions: the PS3 Slim and the PS3 Super Slim.

At first, the Super Slim might sound like the obvious choice. It was released later, takes up less space and can be found with more storage. However, many PlayStation fans still prefer the earlier Slim because of its sturdier construction, cleaner design and slot-loading disc drive.

The good news is that neither console is a bad choice. Both give you access to the same PS3 game library, and there is no meaningful difference in how games perform. The right one for you mostly depends on the design you prefer, how much storage you need and, most importantly, the condition of the individual console.

The quick answer

If both consoles are in similar condition and available for a similar price, we would personally choose the PS3 Slim. It feels more solid, has a more premium-looking design and uses a convenient slot-loading disc drive.

The PS3 Super Slim is still a great option, particularly if you want something smaller, lighter or equipped with a 500GB hard drive.

Whichever model you choose, condition matters more than the name printed on the console. A clean, well-tested Super Slim is a much better purchase than a worn or poorly maintained Slim.

What is the difference between the PS3 Slim and Super Slim?

Sony released the PS3 Slim in 2009 as a smaller and more efficient replacement for the original “Fat” PlayStation 3.

It kept the curved appearance of the original console but introduced a textured matte finish, a much smaller body and the newer PS3 logo. Games are inserted through a slot at the front of the console, much like they are on the original PS3.

The PS3 Super Slim arrived in 2012 as the final major redesign of the console. It is smaller and lighter again, with a distinctive ridged top and a sliding disc cover. Instead of feeding a game into the front of the console, you slide the top open and place the disc directly onto the spindle.

Underneath those physical differences, both consoles offer essentially the same PS3 gaming experience.

Do games perform better on one model?

No. You should not expect games to look better or run faster on either console.

Both models use the same basic Cell processor and RSX graphics architecture. Whether you are playing The Last of Us, Gran Turismo 6, Red Dead Redemption or Ratchet & Clank, the game itself will perform the same.

Both consoles also support HDMI output, wireless controllers, Blu-ray movies, DVDs and the same library of physical PS3 games.

This means your decision does not need to be based on graphical power. It should come down to the console’s physical design, storage capacity and condition.

Which console has the better design?

Design is subjective, but the PS3 Slim is usually the more popular choice.

Its matte black body feels sturdy without being as large or heavy as the original PS3. The slot-loading disc drive also gives it a cleaner appearance, while inserting and ejecting games feels more premium.

The Super Slim is noticeably smaller and lighter, which can be useful if you have limited space around your television. However, its ridged plastic body and manual sliding disc cover can feel less substantial.

For someone building a PlayStation collection or displaying the console, the Slim will probably be the more appealing model. For someone who simply wants a compact PS3 to play, the Super Slim does the job perfectly well.

Slot-loading drive or sliding disc cover?

One of the biggest practical differences is how the two consoles load games.

The PS3 Slim uses an automatic slot-loading drive. Insert the edge of the disc and the console pulls it inside. Press the eject button and the disc is pushed back out.

The Super Slim uses a manual sliding cover. You open the top, press the disc onto the spindle and then close the cover before starting the game.

The Slim system is more convenient and looks cleaner, but it contains a mechanical loading system that can eventually develop problems. If it fails, the console may struggle to accept or eject discs.

The Super Slim’s design is more basic, but it gives you direct access to the disc. There is no automatic loading mechanism to pull the game inside. The trade-off is that the sliding cover can feel flimsy and needs enough space above the console to be opened comfortably.

Neither design is automatically better for reliability. What matters is whether the drive reads games consistently and whether its loading mechanism or sliding cover still works correctly.

Which model has more storage?

PS3 Slim consoles are commonly found with hard drives ranging from 120GB to 320GB, although the exact capacity depends on the model.

The Super Slim was released in 12GB, 250GB and 500GB configurations. In Australia and other PAL regions, the 12GB and 500GB versions are especially common.

For most buyers, we would avoid the 12GB Super Slim unless you already plan to upgrade its storage. The space can fill quickly once game installations, save data, updates and downloaded content begin accumulating.

A 160GB or 320GB Slim should be enough for someone primarily playing physical games. If you want more room for installations and digital content, a 500GB Super Slim is the most convenient option straight out of the box.

Storage can be upgraded, but buying a console with enough capacity from the beginning is usually simpler.

Can either model play PS2 games?

Neither the PS3 Slim nor the PS3 Super Slim can play physical PlayStation 2 discs.

PS2 disc compatibility was limited to selected early versions of the original Fat PS3. If playing PS2 discs is important to you, you will need to find one of those specific models or use a PlayStation 2 console.

Both the Slim and Super Slim can play most original PlayStation discs, subject to the game’s region and compatibility. This gives both consoles access to games from the PS1 and PS3 generations, but not physical PS2 games.

Which model is more reliable?

The Super Slim was manufactured later and uses a smaller, more power-efficient design. That does not automatically make every Super Slim more reliable than every Slim.

These are now older consoles, and their history matters. A system that has spent years in a dusty entertainment unit, run for long periods or been stored poorly may have more problems regardless of its model.

When buying either version, check that:

- The console reads PS3 games consistently.

- Games load without freezing or producing disc errors.

- The disc eject mechanism or sliding cover works properly.

- HDMI output works without flickering or cutting out.

- The USB ports recognise and charge a controller.

- The fan does not become excessively loud after a few minutes.

- The console does not shut down unexpectedly.

- The included controller connects wirelessly and holds a charge.

- The advertised storage matches the console’s system information.

A properly cleaned and tested console is worth paying more for than an untested system with an unknown history.

Who should buy the PS3 Slim?

Choose the PS3 Slim if you:

- Prefer a sturdier and more premium-feeling console.

- Like the convenience of a slot-loading disc drive.

- Want the model that many collectors consider better looking.

- Have found one in clean, tested condition.

- Do not need the Super Slim’s larger 500GB storage option.

The Slim offers what we consider the best balance between appearance, build quality and practicality.

Who should buy the PS3 Super Slim?

Choose the PS3 Super Slim if you:

- Want the smallest and lightest PS3 model.

- Have limited space around your television.

- Prefer direct access to the disc rather than a slot-loading mechanism.

- Have found a well-maintained console at a better price.

- Want a model that already includes a 500GB hard drive.

Just be careful with the 12GB version unless its storage has already been upgraded.

Our final verdict

For most buyers, our personal recommendation is the PS3 Slim.

It has a more solid design, a convenient slot-loading drive and feels like the best overall version of the console. It is also the model we would prefer to have displayed as part of a PlayStation collection.

However, the difference is not large enough to reject a good Super Slim. If the Super Slim is cleaner, better tested, includes more storage or comes with a better-condition controller, it may be the smarter purchase.

Ultimately, the best PS3 is not simply the Slim or the Super Slim. It is the console that has been properly looked after, accurately described and thoroughly tested before you bring it home.

Looking to build your PlayStation 3 collection? Browse our current range of PS3 games, consoles and accessories available through PS Collectables.