How Many PS3 Models Were Released?

The PlayStation 3 lifecycle involved numerous hardware revisions across three distinct form factors. This guide breaks down the original Fat, Slim, and Super Slim consoles to explain exactly how many models exist. We will examine the key differences in model numbers, features, and regional variations that define the total count of PS3 hardware versions.

The Three Main Form Factors

Sony released three primary chassis designs during the PS3 lifespan. The original Fat model launched in 2006, followed by the Slim in 2009, and finally the Super Slim in 2012. While these three categories are the most visible differences, each contains multiple hardware revisions that affect functionality and collectibility.

Original Fat Models

The launch series included the CECHA and CECHB models, which featured full PlayStation 2 backward compatibility. Subsequent revisions like the CECHC and CECHG removed the Emotion Engine chip, reducing compatibility to software emulation. Later Fat models, such as the CECHH and CECHK, removed PS2 compatibility entirely while reducing power consumption and heat output. There were over ten distinct sub-models in the Fat series alone, varying by hard drive size and region.

Slim and Super Slim Revisions

The Slim series began with the CECH-2000 series, offering a smaller footprint and lower power usage. This line received further updates with the CECH-2100 and CECH-2500, which moved to a 45nm or 32nm process. The final generation, the Super Slim, introduced a top-loading disc drive and came in CECH-4000, CECH-4200, and CECH-4300 variants. These models differed primarily by storage capacity, ranging from 12GB flash memory to 500GB hard drives.

Total Hardware Count

Determining an exact number is complex due to regional SKU variations. However, there are three main chassis types and approximately twenty major hardware model numbers recognized globally. When accounting for every regional variation and hard drive configuration, the total number of distinct SKUs exceeds thirty. For most collectors and consumers, distinguishing between the three main form factors remains the most practical way to categorize the hardware.