Sony PlayStation 3 Limited Edition Azurite Blue 500GB Super Slim Console

At launch, the PS3 was an awesome bit of kit - housing the first blu-ray system for console gamers (and still one of the best on the general market), and packing in enough tech to make the PS2 and original XBox look like Casio watches. It was also bloody enormous, weighing an arm-aching amount, and though the design was sleek and a lot less eye-catching (in the right way) than the XBox 360, it was a little unwieldy and took up a fair amount of space on the entertainment unit.So when the PS3 Slim was released back in 2009 it went some way to sorting out those issues, offering a much more reasonably sized console, and now, for fans of extra space, Sony have also released the Super Slim model - some 25% smaller, and 20% lighter than the Slim model. The basic design is similar to the preceding models - simple and black without an awful lot of frills, and though there was some compromise in the aesthetic quality when the PS3 was replaced with the Slim, and some might think that this Super Slim looks just a little cheaper than the last model, I actually prefer the new design, especially the Azurite Blue variant with its more feminine curves and contrasting textures. It looks very lovely with a vertical stand too.The biggest draw for some people will be the change in size - it is noticeably smaller than the Slim, but when stood side by side with an original, the achievement of stripping the design down becomes even more obvious and more impressive. Sony have basically got rid of half their console, in both bulk and weight. Also the Azurite blue edition comes with 2x 'Dual Shock 3' controllers, which is a big saving considering the price of official PS3 pads hasn't changed from the standard £35-£40 for years. I got mine brand new for £200, this includes the 500gb blue console, and the 2x blue controllers which is an absolute steal. But shop around, as the Azurite blue edition has now been discontinued, and some seller's are over charging more than what it originally retailed for in 2013.Set-up is a simple affair, though it is a little irksome to discover that the Super Slim doesn't come with a HDMI cable, though perhaps Sony are expecting their users to already be equipped given this is meant to be a replacement console and not a supplementary one - so it's a forgivable oversight in that respect.The most taxing aspect of the set-up comes with copying your data over - but this is an awful lot less complex than the Xbox 360 process (which was convoluted further by the introduction of a new transfer cable with the new model console), though again this is relatively simple as long as you chose the transfer option when setting up your old system. All previous downloads can be accessed using your PSN ID, and navigating to the Downloads section of the Store, from where they can all be downloaded onto your system. It all makes for a simple transition, which is half the battle with a console update.The performance differences aren't a major change from the Slim model, but the one overriding thing to notice from the performance is the quietness of the system. Where once the fans would kick out an almighty racket, especially when the system over-heated, the Super Slim is impressively silent by comparison, even after extended periods of activity.In place of the load-out disc tray, the Super Slim features a sliding tray, opened by pressing the side-mounted eject button. It is a less elegant solution to the loading need, and it's accompanied by an unfortunate clunky noise, and the compromise is continued in the disc reading noises, which are noticeably louder than with the Slim. It's hardly a fatal design flaw by any means, but it's certainly something of a shame when the rest of the design works so well.The Super Slim is a great bit of kit and excellent value for money - there are of course a few design compromises, but they are far from fatal, and the improvements on the original PS3 model in particular make it an essential purchase for those gamers who didn't update to the Slim in 2009 or since. The differences between Original and Super Slim put the consoles worlds apart, in all honesty, and the drop in price represents a further advantage, particularly for those looking to take advantage of the extra storage space, and download some new digital copies to boost their non-boxed collection.

This is a beautiful console, unfortunately Sony still haven't fixed all the bugs and so this one like all the other PS3s I've went through doesn't cope well with games like Skyrim and The Last of Us. If they develop a download that fixes all that then I'll give the PS3 five stars. Other than that this console is nice to look at and does the same as all the other normal PS3s.

This console is more easier to use and lighter to use ("well that why it called super slim") also I already upgrade the 500GB to 1TB 2.5inch "make more space" (includes 9.5mm type) with a latest system firmware (requires USB stick to install the latest version) "full info from Playstation Website/Wikipedia" (also much more quieter that the fat model)Note: only work for slim & light and super slim model, does not apply for fat model -install/format automatically does not need to use usb stick to install-I highly recommend buying it and the good things is the the price have gone down a lot (due to the launch of the Playstation 4 "PS4") ^o^

Super! Delivered and packaged well. Although, the product and packaging smelt of heavy cigarette smoke. Obviously, coming from a smoking household nothing a quick wipe down with antibacterial wipe wouldn't fix. Works, entertains and passes the time. Light scratches - almost like new! Good job! :)

If I had to buy a PS3 again I'd buy a different model as this one looks a bit cheap,and tacky the way they have designed it, sort of like they made a budget version

Sony have quite clearly cut a lot of corners with this 'new' PS3 console. Had mine for less than a week till it started to power down by itself for no apparent reason. On closer inspection the AC power connection at the rear was extremely loose. The power port felt broken and I was able to wobble it around with one finger. Needless to say the console has gone back to Amazon for a refund. A quick google search reveals that this is quite a common problem with the super slim PS3's. I really wish I had known this before ordering. Has Sony quality control gone out the window now the PS4 is nearly here....?

Its a PS3, its blue, it has a 500gb hard drive whats not to love? Its so much quieter than the original PS3 and uses far less power. I miss the 4 usb ports as this one only has 2 and the disc tray has to be opened like the old PlayStation 1, but other than that I cant complain. 5 stars!

Bought for my 5 year old grandson he is never stopped playing with itYou get excellent games to playHe can also connect with his friends and play games with themStan The Man