Bringing Back US PS3, from New York

[Yuzo]

i am visiting New York in April,.. and am thinking about bringing back a US PS3

i have a UK one at the moment, but would love to have the option of importing any title i wanted from the US,... instead of worrying about region coding.

... how much do these retail for in the high street shops?

... where are the best gaming shops i can find one in New York?

... would they allow me to bring it back through customs without charging me?

[bilbravo]

I thought the PS3 was region free for games? Or is the UK one region coded? Or are you referring to BD?

For your questions:
-$399 USD for the 40gb, $499 for the 80GB (but some stores are low on the 80gb).
-Unless you want to buy used, the price will be the same everywhere (Best Buy, JR, etc). If you want a used one, try to find an EB Games/Gamestop store. I'm not from NY, but I imagine it will be very easy to find a store to buy one used if that is your preferred buying option. www.gamestop.com to check for stores. As for "local" NY stores (i.e. non-chain stores) I couldn't help you there. I imagine a used unit will cost about $50 USD less than a new one, so I'm not sure it's worth it for you to go that route--because you will be unable to return it to that store.
-Don't know about customs.

[stockstar1138]

i'm pretty sure he is referring to just blu-ray playback.

you can get a ps3 for $399, no more, no less at a high end retail shop.

I don't know of any high end retail shops that would sell PS3s in New York. Maybe FAO Schwarz, can anybody confirm if they sell videogames. I personally would just go with Gamestop or a retail store like Wal-mart, Target, Best Buy, Circuit City, etc. etc. I mean, the product or service you are going to get really isn't going to be any differnet from a high end shop and could actually be less.

I have no clue if you would be charged through customs.

[Yuzo]

thanks for help guys,

yes i was referring to blu-ray discs

[reiella]

As an aside, your existing PS3, what version did you have? Pretty much trying to gauge if you want to just get the 40gb for Region A playback, or get the 80gb, and keep your UK for Region B playback.

[Yuzo]

i had the 60GB UK model, which i am going to sell to fund my US console.

.. to be honest i may just import from Video Games Plus website.

they have the 80GB US console for $520, plus a postage fee (they avoid custom charges).

and considering not many US suppliers have any 80GB left, this could be the best option... plus i can use my New York money on Blu-rays when i am over there

[reiella]

Originally Posted by Yuzo

i had the 60GB UK model, which i am going to sell to fund my US console.

.. to be honest i may just import from Video Games Plus website.

they have the 80GB US console for $520, plus a postage fee (they avoid custom charges).

and considering not many US suppliers have any 80GB left, this could be the best option... plus i can use my New York money on Blu-rays when i am over there

Ah. I see, I misunderstood your take .

Ya, from the 60 UK to 80 US you're really not missing much on the compatibility side. Only thing to warn with, of course, if you need warranty service, you're pretty much out of luck.

[supersix4]

I wouldnt you know you can add a us hard drive to it for like another 40-100$ and at 399$ youd still pay less

[Yuzo]

is the 40GB version identical to the 80GB version?

... apart from the HDD size ofcourse

(i am not interested in backwards compatable)

[supersix4]

yeah from my understanding both have wifi, hdmi exc. I also think they both cant do ps2 games like the first gen 60gb's ....

[actionhank]

If you want it cheaper you can order it from Amazon.com and have it delivered to wherever you're staying. By cheaper, I mean that you wont have to pay New York's ludicrous 8.3% sales tax on top of the $399, saving of $32.117. However if you're not staying long you might have to pay for expedited shipping. Nice hotels will gladly take delivery to your room, don't know about Motel 8 though...

As for customs I doubt they'll hassle you about it, from my experience they're only worried about fruits and vegetables. But I've never been to the UK so don't know

[Shin-Ra]

Originally Posted by supersix14

I also think they both cant do ps2 games like the first gen 60gb's ....

The 80GB has lower PS2 compatibility than the US 60GB, not none at all.

[Clark Kent]

The 40 GB doesn't play SACDs and has fewer USB ports than the 80 GB model

[Mastrodisastro]

US 80 GB is like your 60 model with bigger disk.
If you can better choice is 80GB model.

[cartier]

Although I do not live in NYC I would imagine that the Toysrus in Times Square would carry it as they do in their other stores. As far as traveling with it:

1) Budget extra time as I am sure security will scrutinize your new PS3.
2) Declare it for UK customs, check your import requirements but I think you are allowed £145 in gifts and souvenirs. It depends on how strict your customs officers are in the UK but I know that in the US it all depends I declared a few thousand dollars worth of goods and they just waved me through without paying a tax.

[jhansla]

I was in new york this past weekend and the best buy on 5th Ave had plenty in stock. So should be pretty easy to find

[jw]

I would wrap that baby up in my luggage and pad it with your clothes. I am not sure if it would be scrutinized as much if you checked it with your luggage rather than have it on a carry on

[WickyWoo]

In my experience, it all depends on how bored the customs guys are

When possible, travel with your almost 60 year old mother. They waved us through Japanese and US customs last month without a blink. Stamp Stamp go

[jw]

lol, plus I think leaving the US is easier than getting in