Oyen Digital U32 Shadow 500GB External Hard Drive for PS3

Data is quickly becoming the digital thorn in our sides. As technology continues to integrate itself into our day-to-day lives, it’s becoming increasingly important to have a sequence of fail safes in place should something go wrong. But while the art of backing up is now a common practice in the office and home, it’s less commonly associated with the games console. And yet, losing that 500 hour save file in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is likely to hurt more than those home videos that you’ve been bitterly hoarding as ammunition against your ex-girlfriend.

Fortunately, the storage wizards at Oyen Digital have concocted a slender solution for keeping your PlayStation 3’s contents safe in this digital age. While the introduction of cloud saves as part of PlayStation Plus has mitigated many concerns in this department, it always helps to have a physical copy – and that’s where the flamboyantly named U32 Shadow 500GB External Hard Drive comes in particularly handy.

The slender piece of machinery – which is slimmer than Kate Moss on the Atkins diet – is a portable piece of equipment designed to keep the contents of your PS3 secure, while also allowing you to transport photos, videos, music, and more between machines. Powered by USB 3.0 technology, the device makes transferring data between your console and computer (Windows or Mac) a painless endeavour, supporting hassle free plug-and-play functionality.

Unlike some older external hard drives, the U32 Shadow is entirely bus-powered, meaning that there’s no need for irritating power adapters. That dramatically increases its portability, augmenting the device with a truly pocketable size that makes it perfect for on-the-go performance. It even comes with a snug padded pouch, allowing you to protect the product from bumps or scrapes. That’s not to say that it doesn’t feel durable in the hand, though – it definitely has a sturdy feel to it.

The unit comes with easy-to-understand instructions, explaining in a concise manner how to backup both your PS3’s entire contents, as well as individual files. Data transfer is snappy, though this is somewhat hampered by the limitations of the console’s USB 2.0 slots. Fortunately, the device can support USB 3.0 speeds on a computer, allowing files to move at up to 4.8Gbps – or faster than Usain Bolt on a skateboard for those without a technical bone in their body.

Retailing at $74.95 from Amazon, the Oyen Digital U32 Shadow is not the cheapest option on the market – but it is still a good one. Promoted and pre-prepared for PS3 use, the device is actually a solid general purpose solution, capable of storing an enormous amount of data in its petite, well-built chassis. Treat yourself to a little peace of mind, and keep those Skyrim saves stashed away in your trouser pocket.


You can learn a little more about the U32 Shadow on Oyen Digital's official website. How are you keeping your PS3's data safe? Let us know in the comments section below.

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