The 80GB Playstation 3, is it just a bigger harddrive? 

The 80GB PS3 has the largest harddrive on a PS3 currently released in the UK however there will be a 160GB PS3 released very soon! The 80Gb now also comes with the Dualshock 3 control pad instead of the original Sixaxis. However the PS3 can easily be upgraded with a bigger harddrive and you can buy a dualshock 3 pad seperatly so is it worth buying?

 *** Update 12/2008 Limited Edition 160GB PS3 is out now,Take a look at my new guide***

The controller is now the Dualshock 3 which is the same as the Sixaxis pad but with rumble added, this is a major improvement! This does not just add to gameplay but the control pad is now heavier making it have a more solid and quality feel. Also I noticed it looks slightly different, other than the Dualshock 3 logo they have opted for a matt black finish to the pad instead of the transparent black of the original.

So comparing it to the PS3 40GB + 60GB consoles.....

40GB PS3

• It will be very quiet like the 40GB model as it uses the same processor which uses less power and produces less heat than the 60GB model. It also has double the harddrive space and the Dualshock 3 pad.

So it is a good upgrade and costs basically the same price! (RRP £299)

60GB PS3

• The 60GB uses the original processor so the 80GB will be quieter and has a Dualshock 3 pad and an extra 20GB of memory! However unlike the 60GB it will not play PS2 games, does not have SACD playback, memory card reader or chrome trim and has two USB ports instead of four. 

So there are pros and cons, It is down to personal preference which one you would prefer.

Basically the 80GB model is the same as the 40GB model just with the larger harddrive and better pad which you could buy for your 40Gb!  Comparing it to the 60GB model is the same as 60GB vs 40GB debate, it will be quieter running but is missing a few extras eg.. memory card reader, backwards compatibilty with PS2 games etc....

If you need help choosing I have written a guide on the difference between the original PS3 60GB and 40GB where you can find more detailed information, please take a look...

I hope this guide was helpful to someone, feel free to ask me any questions you may have. 

All the best Jake - PJMCCLARNON