The trials of replacing a broken 60GB PS3

Ever wonder what happens to that glorious 60GB PS3 you sprang to the stores on launch day when it dies? How Sony works the warranty of a console SKU that no longer exists? Ars Technica sure did -- they even wrote about their experience doing just that. This is a very important read to all early adopters and reinforcement that you did, in fact, get the best model of PS3 available. But summation of the PS3 SKU's aside, we found the death of their 60GB the most pressing matter to discuss.

Their 60GB console died during a long session of Grand Theft Auto IV (what else?). Their unit was purchased in September of 2007, but manufactured in February of the same year. The laser diode has died out, hindering its ability to read discs -- everything else is still functional. They went back to GameStop to cash in on their extended warranty. They were told a new 60GB system would be in their hands in about a week. Not so. The only real option is to "upgrade" the consumer to an 80GB system -- this loses some backwards compatibility (Emotion Engine chip to software emulation) and a few other nitpicky options.

So what about contacting Sony directly? They contacted customer service and were told that if they sent the 60GB in, it would be repaired and the necessary parts replaced. They should get back what they sent in, except repaired. They decided to wait on GameStop to find a replacement and are still waiting. It seems Sony will repair your console so long as they have the parts to replace in your particular console, but it might not continue forever in regards to canned SKU models.

Moral of the story? Early adopters: be careful with your PS3. You bought the best. Treat it that way.