How important is hard drive storage size with the PS3?

It really depends on your usage. Many PS3 games have a forced "install" where sometimes multiple gigabytes of data are copied to HD storage for fast in-game reads (looking at you Metal Gear Solid 4). As well, some games on PSN can be quite large, not to mention that PSN has a few full-fledged retail PS3 games available for download, as well as high def movies.

Having said all that, it looks like Rock Band song downloads are around thirty megabytes a piece, giving you space for ~500 songs on the 120gb model.

Also, the commenter above is correct, the PS3 (including the slim) can be upgraded with any 2.5 inch HD in the future if you run out of space.


The main concern that would require a lot of hard drive space is alluded to by OedipusPrime above, which is full-size retail games installed on the hard drive.

There are a few reasons you might have a full retail game installed:

  • Forced install by a game for performance reasons (HDD is faster than the optical drive)
  • Full retail games that are downloaded from PSN
  • Voluntary install? I can't remember if this is allowed

The maximum size of a Blu-ray disc is 25GB for a single-layer disc and 50GB for a dual-layer, so particularly hefty games could easily take up a big chunk of your hard drive.


Market Analysis Go! For the following PS3 bundles listed, all are the slimar version with Internet-ready built-in Wi-Fi, 2 USB ports and HDMI + Bravia Synch output for 1080p resolution and connectivity between other Sony HDMI products, and Free PlayStation Network membership (not Playstation Plus).

On September 17, 2010 the PS3 Move Bundle will be released with a 320GB hard drive and PS Move, the Sony motion controller. For $399.99 on Amazon, you get

  • PlayStation 3 320 GB system
  • DualShock 3 wireless controller
  • PlayStation Move motion controller (wireless)
  • PlayStation Eye camera Sports
  • Champions Blu-ray game PlayStation
  • Move game demos disc AC power cord,
  • AV cable, USB cable
  • The Move Navigation controller (aka the PS3 version of the Wii nunchuk) is not included

The current 160GB and 250GB hard drive PS3 packages cost $299.99 and $349.99 respectively and include

  • PlayStation 3 system
  • Dualshock 3 wireless controller.
  • AC power cord, AV cable and USB cable.

So gigabytes per dollar spent is as following

  • 160 GB: $0.53 GB per dollar
  • 250 GB: $0.71 GB per dollar
  • 320 GB: $0.80 GB per dollar

In terms of memory usage, Rock Band and Guitar Tracks alone do not justify purchasing the larger hard drive. If you see yourself downloading PSN games or movies, then a larger hard drive is warranted. Furthermore Sony sees the PS3 having an eight to ten year lifespan. This is believable considering the PS2 had a lifespan of 9 years.

Considering you currently have a Wii, you need to decide if you want to continue to base your motion controller gaming around the Wii or the PS3 or use a combination of the two. I feel it is not worth jumping from the 160GB to 250GB bundles, but rather if spend the extra $100 and get the 320GB with PS Move. If you don't envision yourself downloading movies and games to the HDD however, the 160 GB might be best.

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