The Sony PlayStation 3 Fat, released in 2006, is the original and most iconic version of the PS3. Known for its large glossy shell, chrome accents, top-loading disc curve, and the classic “Spider-Man font,” the PS3 Fat marked Sony’s dramatic leap into high-definition gaming, online entertainment, and Blu-ray technology.
Powerful, ambitious, and ahead of its time, the PS3 Fat remains one of the most collectible PlayStation models — especially the early backward-compatible versions.
📘 Introduction
The PlayStation 3 launched during a crucial transition in gaming:
→ HD televisions were rising,
→ Blu-ray was competing with HD-DVD,
→ and online services were becoming essential.
Sony aimed to deliver an all-in-one entertainment system that pushed technology forward:
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Blu-ray movie playback
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High-definition 1080p gaming
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Advanced 7-core Cell processor
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PSN online services
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Multimedia support (music, photo, video)
Although expensive at launch, the PS3 Fat showcased Sony’s vision for the next generation of home entertainment.
🎨 The Legendary “Fat” Design
The launch model PS3 Fat is instantly recognisable:
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Glossy piano-black finish
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Chrome trim
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Curved disc-loading slot
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Illuminated touch-sensitive Power & Eject buttons
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Four USB ports (early models)
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CompactFlash / SD / MemoryStick card readers (on 60GB model)
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Large, bold PLAYSTATION 3 lettering across the top
It is often considered one of the most premium and striking console designs ever released.
⚙️ Cutting-Edge 7-Core “Cell” Processor
The PS3 introduced some of the most advanced hardware of its time:
Main Specifications
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Cell Broadband Engine CPU
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1 PPE core + 7 SPE co-processors
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Extremely powerful (but difficult to program)
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RSX “Reality Synthesizer” GPU (co-developed with NVIDIA)
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256 MB XDR RAM + 256 MB GDDR3 VRAM
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Blu-ray Disc drive (a first for consoles)
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Gigabit Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
This architecture allowed cinematic visuals and complex physics far beyond the PS2 era.
🔥 A Diverse, Critically Acclaimed Game Library
The PS3 library is packed with high-quality exclusives, multiplatform hits, and groundbreaking new IPs.
Top Sony Exclusives
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The Last of Us
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Uncharted trilogy
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God of War III
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Killzone 2 & 3
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Infamous 1 & 2
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Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
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Gran Turismo 5 & 6
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LittleBigPlanet 1 & 2
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Demon’s Souls (the beginning of the Souls series)
Major Third-Party Hits
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Red Dead Redemption
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GTA IV / GTA V
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Batman Arkham Asylum / City
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Call of Duty series
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Assassin’s Creed series
The PS3 produced many of the most influential titles of the HD gaming era.
🔁 PS1 & PS2 Backward Compatibility (Early Models)
Early PS3 Fat models (the most collectible ones) offered:
Full PS1 backward compatibility
→ All models support PS1 games.
PS2 backward compatibility
Depending on the model:
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Launch 60GB (CECHC / CECHA) — hardware-based PS2 compatibility
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20GB (Japan/US) — hardware-based
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Early 80GB (CECHL) — partial software-based compatibility
This makes the early PS3 Fat the ultimate PlayStation machine, capable of playing games from three generations.
💿 Blu-ray Playback — A Media Milestone
At launch, Blu-ray players alone cost more than a PS3.
The PS3 Fat offered:
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1080p Blu-ray playback
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DVD upscaling
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Dolby Digital / DTS
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High-end media capabilities years ahead of competitors
This feature significantly boosted early PS3 sales.
🌐 PlayStation Network & Online Play
The PS3 introduced:
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Free online gaming
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PlayStation Store
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Digital game downloads
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Video rental and streaming apps
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Trophies system
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Friends list and messaging
PSN shaped the modern PlayStation ecosystem.
🎮 The Sixaxis & DualShock 3 Controllers
The PS3 launched with the Sixaxis controller:
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Wireless
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Lightweight
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Motion-sensing features
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No rumble at launch
Sony later released the DualShock 3:
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Adds vibration feedback
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Maintains Sixaxis motion controls
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Heavier and more premium feel
Both controllers remain iconic in PlayStation history.
🛠️ Build Quality & Common Issues
The PS3 Fat is known for a few hardware concerns:
Yellow Light of Death (YLOD)
Caused by:
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overheating
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lead-free solder cracks
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dust buildup
Blu-ray drive wear
The laser may weaken over time.
Fan noise
Early models become loud under heavy load.
Thermal paste aging
Often needs replacement.
Despite this, many units still work perfectly today with proper care.
🌍 Cultural & Historical Impact
The PS3 Fat stands as:
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A console that helped Blu-ray become the global standard
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The birthplace of modern PlayStation exclusives
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A machine that transitioned gaming into fully cinematic storytelling
Its influence continues to shape PlayStation to this day.
📦 Items Included in This Collection Entry
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Sony PlayStation 3 Fat (PAL) — Model CECHL04
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PSU power cable
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PS to RCA cable
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2× Wireless Controllers
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CECHZC1E (Black)
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CECHZC2E (Black)
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HDMI cable
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USB charging cable
📜 Conclusion
The Sony PlayStation 3 Fat is a monumental and collectible piece of gaming history. With its luxurious design, powerful hardware, Blu-ray integration, iconic exclusives, and early-model backward compatibility, it remains one of the most significant consoles ever produced.
Bold, beautiful, and ahead of its time — the PS3 Fat is a must-have for any serious retro gaming collection.