October 18th, 2007 by supadupagama
Jack Tretton, president of Sony Computer Entertainment America, has announced that the new PS3 40GB model will come with a 40-gigabyte hard drive, and will cost $400 when it goes on sale on November 2nd, 2007. The 40GB PS3 comes bundled with the block-buster movie Spider-Man 3 on Blu-ray. On this model Sony has removed the backwards-compatible ability with PlayStation 2 titles. Mr. Tretton said removing that capability, along with a few other features, isn’t dramatically reducing Sony’s cost of manufacturing the console but will instead encourage buyers of the entry-level PlayStation 3 to purchase more games designed specifically for the new system.
The 40-gigabyte model has already made its debut in Europe and Japan, and was widely expected to come to the United States ahead of the crucial year-end shopping season that accounts for the largest single chunk of annual video game software and hardware sales.
The price of the 80-gigabyte PS3 model will be cut down $100 to $499 from $599. Sony could use a sales boost in America where 1.75 million PS3 units had been sold to the end of August, compared to 4 million Wiis and 6.3 million Xbox 360s, according to the NPD research firm. All these price cuts come down to Sony’s plans to sell 11 million PS3s worldwide this fiscal year, which ends in March 2008. — Quotes via Reuters
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October 8th, 2007 by supadupagama
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) announced details of its exciting new PlayStation 3 (PS3) model that will launch throughout the European territories on 10th October 2007 at a price of €399 or £299.99.
Along with an ever expanding line-up of PS3 titles (a total of 65 titles tracking across all genres by Christmas), the new PS3 is equipped with a 40GB HDD and includes all the features central to the High Definition entertainment experience; true next generation gameplay, stunning High Definition Blu-ray Disc movies, SIXAXIS wireless controller, Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity, all powered by the Cell Broadband Engine, the digital heart of PS3.
As with the 60GB PS3, the new PS3 features upgradeable firmware allowing new features and functionality to be added to the system as time progresses. A recent firmware update, for example, enabled PS3 to upscale DVD’s played on the system to full 1080P High Definition.
The introduction of the new PS3 has been determined following user feedback from thousands of existing PS3 owners as well as research into future potential PS3 owners. The new model features two USB 2.0 ports rather than four and no longer includes the multi memory card port. The new model is no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 titles, apparently reflecting both the reduced emphasis placed on this feature amongst later purchasers of PS3, as well as the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific titles (a total of 65 titles across all genres by Christmas).
The existing Starter Pack*, comprising a 60GB PS3 with extensive backwards compatibility, an additional SIXAXIS wireless controller and two first party titles will be reduced in price to €499 or £349. Remaining on sale while stocks last, the 60GB model represents outstanding value for the keen gamer wishing to upgrade to the High Definition capabilities of PS3.
(more…)
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October 2nd, 2007 by supadupagama
Rumblings strongly suggest that a PS3 40GB model is on the way for a price of $399 in North America and £299 or €399 in Europe. A UPC database website is now listing a “Sony PlayStation 3 40GB.” And UK online gamestore Play mentions the 40GB PS3 is not backward compatible with PS2 games. What is sure is that Sony has announced a “Big Bang” press conference to take place on October 12th, which is believed to be the place where they will introduce this new, lower priced 40GB PlayStation 3 console. We thought we’d round up all the online speculation for you, so you know to hold on to your wallet for a few more days if you were planning on buying a PS3 soon.
Less certain are the rumors of a 80GB model PS3 expected to appear in North America at a price of $499 and could include an extra game. Expected in Europe is a similar €499 40GB model PS3 that’s hinted as a Starter Pack with two SIXAXIS controllers and two games.
The PS3 40GB model rumblings are further supported by Sony placing a sizable order for 40 gigabyte hard drives. The pricing and extras for the current models will vary according to Newsweek sources, who say that the profit and loss on hardware has been moved from Sony Computer Entertainment International (SCEI) to the regional groups, SCE America, SCE Europe and SCE Japan. This means that each territory is now free to set its own pricing on PS3 hardware, but those individual territories are responsible for managing the hit to their profitability if they decide to cut the price. They also expect to see a $399 PS3 in North America before Thanksgiving. — Thanks to Joe for sending in the tips
Update: Engadget confirms the 40GB with documents.
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