PS3 data transfer (PS3 to PS3 or USB)

[D.D.D.]

Hey guys & gals, who has done the data transfer from an old PS3 to a new one (either via Ethernet or USB drive)?
I know there's an online manual on Sony's site but I just wanted to hear some feedback from some folks that have actually done it. Thanks & Merry Xmas.

[supericeboy]

I have done both ways.

The USB method will not transfer certain content that is considered "locked." Like save games that can not be exported, etc.

The Ethernet method will transfer everything from the old PS3 to the new PS3. Content that is "locked" on the old PS3 will be transferred but will be removed from the old PS3.

[Breetai]

I've done it to USB. It does NOT transfer your downloadable games. You'll have to re-download all of them. Some save games are transferred, as already mentioned. I think most of the locked stuff is save games from downloadables.

[Cronson]

I used an external HDD through USB. The system gave me the option to back up everything (games saves, installed game data, downloaded games). I started it and it estimated a couple hours so I went back and just did game saves; those only take a few minutes. I'd go that route and re-download your games from PSN.

[Niode]

Don't bother with USB. It's just not worth it. I did it when I went from my 40GB to 60GB and quite a few games didn't copy over, a bunch of trophies didn't sync (despite syncing them twice!) and the whole process is a bit of a mess to be honest. I didn't know about the ethernet method, if it moves everything then I'd definitely go with that one. You can always try and copy saves back to the old one if needs be in future (if it doesn't copy, no loss, you still have it on your new machine).

[D.D.D.]

Thanks all for the feedback.
So far on my original PS3 slim, I only have 4 PSN games and have gone through Just Cause 2 & GTAIV so I don't really have much to back-up.
This doesn't sound like it would be terribly difficult to do (Ethernet or USB) but I'm considering just formatting the old one, downloading the PSN games on the new PS3 slim and just playing JC2 & GTAIV again (they were fun the first time through). Anyone see any negatives on doing it this way??

[Niode]

Thanks all for the feedback.
So far on my original PS3 slim, I only have 4 PSN games and have gone through Just Cause 2 & GTAIV so I don't really have much to back-up.
This doesn't sound like it would be terribly difficult to do (Ethernet or USB) but I'm considering just formatting the old one, downloading the PSN games on the new PS3 slim and just playing JC2 & GTAIV again (they were fun the first time through). Anyone see any negatives on doing it this way??

Apart from losing your saves? None, really.

[D.D.D.]

Thanks all for the feedback.
So far on my original PS3 slim, I only have 4 PSN games and have gone through Just Cause 2 & GTAIV so I don't really have much to back-up.
This doesn't sound like it would be terribly difficult to do (Ethernet or USB) but I'm considering just formatting the old one, downloading the PSN games on the new PS3 slim and just playing JC2 & GTAIV again (they were fun the first time through). Anyone see any negatives on doing it this way??

Apart from losing your saves? None, really.

I might do that then. Either way (Ethernet or USB) it's gonna take more time than downloading the PSN games and I don't really care so much about the saves as I'd like to play those 2 games again.
I guess I just gotta write down my PSN account info and I should be good.