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As I mentioned yesterday, I was on a mission to find the best PS3 Slim deal to reward myself. And since Sony has refined their PS3 system and with a new RRP of NZ$629.95, it is a good time to get one considering that it is marginally more than typical BluRay players out in the market.

I have always think that Sony should have marketed their PS3 as BluRay player with the ability to connect to Internet and playing graphically sophisticated games, instead of game console that can play BluRay titles… etc.

Anyhow, went to 8 different retail outlets in search for a good PS3 Slim deal. And what I discovered for the current PS3 Slim deals: EB Games had the best offer; Sony Style is true to their corporate image; and Harvey Norman could at least do better to make a sale.

Below is my summary/discovery from my tweets during my hunt:

#1: The Warehouse – $595 console + HDMI cable.
#2: Noel Leeming – $598 console + 1 free PS3 Platinum game + 6x$10 game vouchers.
#3: Sony Style – $629.95 console.
#4: Dick Smith – $599 console + Batman Arkham Asylum.
#5: EB Games – $598 console + 1 free PS3 Platinum game + $90 pre-order game vouchers + HDMI cable.
#6: Norman Ross – $798 console + HDMI cable + 4-way surge board + 2 years warranty.
#7: Harvey Norman – $595 console.
#8: GameStation – $595 console + 10x exclusive game rentals.

As mentioned, EB Games currently has the best deal (in Christchurch) at the moment. Despite that their vouchers only usable for selected pre-order games, but they have a free Platinum game AND an HDMI cable included. All other places are either a Platinum game, or recent released game, or just HDMI cable, or rudely just plain-ol’nothing….

I’ve mentioned to the guy that sold me PS3 Slim – and he welly deserved the commission as well – that EB Games would win even more sales hands-down should they offer discount vouchers to be usable on any game title other than the selected pre-order games.

Sony Style store just keep it at RRP, which is why I said that they’re true to their corporate image. Harvey Norman on the other hand, the salesperson came across very unhelpful as isn’t even attempting to spice his talent to make a sale when I asked that is that their best deal? Well enough, they lose the sale.

I haven’t check Gamesman, but they’re essentially an EB Games since they’ve been bought out by EB Games. Shamefully we don’t have JB HiFi in Christchurch as I’ve been told they are one of the few that have cheapest sweetest PS3 Slim deal. I didn’t bother checking Smith City/Powerstore as they’re usually overpriced. I didn’t give MightApe a chance as they’re online store and I want my PS3 NOW – hence on the hunt!

So… if you’re looking to get a PS3 Slim, EB Games has the best deal at the moment. If you’re interested with Batman Arkham Asylum game, then go for Dick Smith’s deal. If you want a game and with wee extras, Noel Leeming is quite handy. If you happen to need HDMI cable, The Warehouse’s PS3 Slim + Mad Catz HDMI is handy. If you need to make use of hire purchase, then Harvey Norman/Norman Ross or GameStation (in Christchurch).

There you have it… enjoy

p/s: if you’re curious about my PSN username,  it’s TheFirstKel – which is also the same as my Xbox Live. You’re free to add me to your PSN/Xbox Live friends but I’d be screening at each friend’s request just to be sure I’m not getting weird unknown strangers…

Oh geez! I think rum and Coke and beer aren’t quite enough to fill me… As much as liquid meal goes, I need something to chow down right now.

Decision between the spicy Korean Shin Ramyun ramen or cheesy toastie… mmm spicy ramen with tuna complimented by rum and Coke… should I go for it?!

I think I might have the ramen…