PS3 - options on replacing a dead launch era unit

T

texasnightowl

CAGiversary!
I may or may not persue repair of my launch era unit. If I do repair it I will probably use it as a media center/backup unit only.

In the meantime, I still have a backlog of PS3 games and am not ready to go for a PS4, so I need a new PS3.

Options

1 - buy a cheap 12gb unit from WalMart and pop a larger laptop hard drive into it. $179 + $40-50 for a hard drive. So total comes to about $220 - $230.

2 - buy a 500gb model new PS3...on sale at this moment for $219.99 from Gamestop and Amazon

3 - buy a used unit from cowboom/amazon/craigslist

Question about *new* consoles at Gamestop retail locations...are they unmolested? sealed? never been touched?

On the one hand, I'm leaning towards Option 2. I don't love the look of the sliding disc cover super slim but given that my phat unit died with a disc inside, there is something to be said in favor of the sliding door!!  Aesthetically I prefer the look of the slim or the original phats.  However...I can live.

The downsides of option 3 are: a - you don't know what you are really getting and b - prices (at least on craigslist in my area) seem high for used units

 
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I have no idea if this is a stream of thought or only a question about Gamestop. They sell new and used consoles. The new would obviously be unmolested, sealed, and never been touched. The opposite for the used.

 
thanks...it was both?

but yeah, sometimes at gamestop I wonder about their new stuff...maybe it is just my stores...or maybe it is because they sell "new" games that are not sealed.

I would normally just buy the console at Best Buy...except that same model is only online right now...at least, not at available at any stores near me. 3-5 days shipping. And I would have to call in my order to get them to pricematch gamestop/amazon.

 
If you don't mind a used one, keep an eye on Amazon Warehouse. There's also a thread in the video game deals section where members post links to systems and bundles. You have to be diligent though as they usually sell fairly quickly.

Another site for used ones is Cowboom. Just be weary of the descriptions as they sometimes sell consoles missing cords or controllers etc.

Good luck my fellow CAG.

Edit:
Just saw your last line about Cowboom/Amazon/CL. At least with Amazon and CW you have a warranty and returns. CL you probably could haggle someone down lower though.
 
J Rokk said:
Here's 15% off a PS3 at Target using the Cartwheel app -

https://www.cheapassgamer.com/topic/342118-15-off-playstation-3-consoles-target-wcartwheel/#entry12467445

If you have a Red Card (Target charge card) it can stack an extra 5 percent off for a total of 20% off a new PS3.
Click to expand...
Hmm...thanks! Between the 15% off and then trading in a game from whichever bundle my store has, it might be worth it.

I don't have a Target Red Card so far...I haven't wanted to tie their card to my checking account. Do they have a Target Red Card Credit Card? I guess I will go check the web site.

 
texasnightowl said:
Hmm...thanks! Between the 15% off and then trading in a game from whichever bundle my store has, it might be worth it.

I don't have a Target Red Card so far...I haven't wanted to tie their card to my checking account. Do they have a Target Red Card Credit Card? I guess I will go check the web site.
Click to expand...
There's two versions of the Red Card, one that ties into your back account and works as a debit card and one that is a credit card with its own credit line.

 
So, I didn't bother getting a red card. But...I did purchase a 500gb non-bundled PS3.  I was able to PM to Amazon to get the price to 219.99 then tried cartwheel. It didn't work. No change in total...so I took a chance and showed the coupon to the CSR and I figured I was screwed and would get a speech about not being able to PM & coupon.  Nope. He read the coupon, pulled out a calculator, and then manually adjusted the price of the PS3 to 186.99. So a win for me!  I do still plan on shelling out $80 at a local repair shop to fix my old ps3. It is worth nothing as is. At least if I fix it I can try to sell it if I decide not to keep it as a media unit in another room. And just for the h3ll of it I took a look at prices on gamestop refurbs. They have a premium refurb 80gb phat unit, ie. same as mine, listed for sale at over $200!!! wtf!

 
Way to go my man. Glad we could be of help. :)

I have never liked Gamestop. I usually don't vent my dislike of them in the open but I still recall when I was in my early 20's and getting ripped off on trade ins. They have gotten a little better but no enough for me to shop there, unless I have no other choice. Buying a newer used game saves you all of about 5 dollars, which after tax being added is gone basically.

They (Gamestop) don't even price match. My wife was in there a couple months ago looking around and asked about a price match, and the clerk replied "we don't PM, if we did we would be out of business".
 
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