Friday, October 05, 2007

40GB PlayStation3 for €399 confirmed by SCEE



A 40GB model of the PlayStation3 will be released across Europe on the 10th of October for €399, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has confirmed, ahead of an SCEA announcement.

Providing an incredibly appealing entry point to the world of High Definition gaming and entertainment for the holiday season, the new PS3 brings the next generation of interactive home entertainment to homes all across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia.

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, 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. 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.

The technical specifications of the new SKU are given as follows:

PLAYSTATION®3 40GB Specification

Product name PLAYSTATION®3

CPU Cell Broadband Engine™ Processor

GPU RSX™

Sound Dolby 5.1ch, DTS 5.1ch , LPCM 7.1ch, AAC, others *1 *2

Memory 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM

HDD 2.5” Serial ATA 40GB

I/O USB 2.0 x2

Communication Ethernet x1 (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) IEEE 802.11 b/g Included

Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR) Included

Wireless controller (Bluetooth) Included

AV Output

Screen size 480i, 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p

HDMI OUT x1 *3

AV MULTI OUT x1

DIGITAL OUT (OPTICAL) x1

BD/DVD/CD Drive (Read Only) Maximum Read Speed BD 2x (BD-ROM)

DVD 8x (DVD-ROM)

CD 24x (CD-ROM)

Dimensions Approximately 325mm (W) x 98mm (H) x 274mm (D)

Weight Approximately 5 kg


EDIT Of course, a price drop for the PlayStation3 was desperately needed. Last month, Sony announced they would float $3 billion worth of shares, which is undoubtedly where they get the money from to finance this move. But while Sony could have simply lowered prices, they chose to again mess with the hardware and introduce even more models. Let me recap.

Sony initially announced a 20GB and a 60GB model for the US and Japan for about $600 and $500, respectively. Europe was only to get the 60GB model, it emerged later. Then, prior to its launch in November, they reduced the 20GB model´s price in Japan by almost $85 (¥10.000).

In April, Sony dropped the 20GB model from the US market altogether. And in July, they introduced a new 80GB model there for $600, the previous price tag of the 60GB SKU. They also dropped the 60GB model to $500, the price point of the 20GB model so far. This, effectively, was a hardware upgrade rather than a price cut, because now there were still two SKUs in stores costing $600 and $500, respectively.

The US 80GB model did not include hardware-based backwards compatibility (i.e. it no longer included the PS2´s graphics chip and CPU), but used limited, software-based emulation. The same was always true of the PAL 60GB model, which was sold in Europe and continued to be the only model sold there, as the 80GB model was never to be released in that territory.

At some stage, Sony must have reduced the price for the Japanese 60GB model, since it now sells for the 20GB model´s original price. I am unable to find any news articles relating to that price drop. Today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe announced a new 40GB model for €400 and a price drop for the 60GB model to €500. This new model, it seems, will not even bear software-based backwards-compatibility.

So the status quo is this:

USA

80GB model: $599 (€425 / ¥70.000) - limited, software-based backwards compatibility
60GB model: $499 (€355 / ¥58.500) - full, hardware-based backwards compatibility

Japan

60GB model: ¥59.980 ($515 / €365) - full, hardware-based backwards compatibility
20GB model: ¥49.980 ($427 / €305) - full, hardware-based backwards compatibility

Europe

60GB model: €499 ($705 / ¥82.500) - limited, software-based backwards compatibility
40GB model: €399 ($565 / ¥66.000) - no backwards compatibility whatsoever

That makes for five different PS3 models which will be on the worldwide market by October 10th. And I believe it is only a question of time until the 40GB model will be introduced to the other territories, possibly increasing that count further. That is as confusing to consumers as possible.

Of course, Apple appears to release new iPod models every few months or so and they certainly get away with that strategy. But their product has completely dominated its market for years. The PlayStation3 is in third place by a huge margin. If you need to catch up, it seems to be a bad idea to bring in new models, phase out old ones and swap price tags as if you were playing musical chairs.

Like I said, a price cut is what the PS3 needed. But if you have to spend more than half an hour of sifting through articles and looking up information by internet retailers in order to compile a list of all PS3 models on the worldwide market - which is what I did - then you are not making things easy for your customers, retail partners and publishers. Cut that price, Sony. But stop tampering with the hardware, for crying out loud.

Source: SCEE
Thanks to: Console Hype

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

wait a second shouldnt it be the existing console getting that price in a price cut hmmmmmmm

smaller harddrive/no usbs/no backward compatabillity - half a ps3 well back play was allways half baked crap but its sony wot u expect.....

i see another ps3 desaster taking place

sony more hype marketing and cut down stripped downed ps3s wont save you

a wii price drop would see sony destroyed please bring it on nintendo the sooner wii kill of this soulless anti gaming corperation called sony the better

take the dualcocks with you sony and close the fuking door behind you nintendo yet again saved gaming from assholes

Falafelkid said...

Hi Anonymous.

wait a second shouldnt it be the existing console getting that price in a price cut

Actually, the 60GB model will be dropped to €499.

RGB said...

No commentry the last couple of posts?

Anonymous said...

"The new model is no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation®2 titles"

Why did they cut out the software emulation?

Anonymous said...

Hi superuser,

The PAL PS3 (and the 80GB North American model) used software emulation for the EE (emotion engine) but still relied on a hardware graphics synthesizer. The 40GB model has fully removed the entire PS2 chipset, cutting manufacturing costs. It is possible that Sony could switch to full software emulation but I think that is unlikely considering the R&D cost coupled with the fact that Sony is now trying to shift focus away from the PS2 and towards the much troubled PS3.

Falafelkid said...

Hi Grandmaster.

No commentry the last couple of posts?

Sorry, was at work, so I could barely post the news. Hope to update this post soon. I commented on the Bungie story on the first post.

Anonymous said...

don't think Epic is really interested in cornering the low rent, cheap ass development market. Right now they're making gangbusters selling middleware to high end development taking advantage of the difficulty (and certainly high budgets) that make Epic a lot of money.

You really think the low end, low budget market is more appealing than the more in need of middle ware, high end, high budget market that Epic is selling to? Given what Epic does, I really think what he says makes a lot of sense. Surely he throws in hyperbole and talks trash here and there, but really I completely understand why Epic is completely focused on engine dev for the high end graphics market, not the low end.

I mean, it's telling that so many people on here are focusing on this comment like he's talking about games anyway. Engine sales are a major part of Epic, and quite clearly the main thing he's talking about. And since they focus on high end graphics, their games are usually show pieces for their engines. The Wii just doesn't make a lot of sense for this company, and given the incredible success they're having in the space they are currently in, I can't imagine the incentive is strong to go somewhere where their expertise just isn't that needed.

Anonymous said...

damn blizzi boy pleaswe just die just die and get from this world

and to all caqwpitals cubeboy!

seriously there is no reason to talk all that jazz when 99% of all wii titles except Metroid and galaxy look like complete utter shit from ancient generations u know am sayin from crap64 times that makes u wish they had retreated from doing 3d back then

if there is only 1 title I repeat one title out that does justice to your custom highly efficient hollywood mark rein dick in your mouth argument you shouldnt talk the talk when there is nothing actually there that backs it up u know that walks the walk for u.

now before you pull heat on me you might wana check IGNs friday update with ...tadadadadaaaaaa...a new motorcycle game with first ever wii screens released today in october 2007..and what u see is PURE unalterated brutal SHIT64 graphics..from 19997 - 98..thats how bad they look a new game thats gonna launch in 2008..and then u come back and tell me wii is custom 480p 360 competition.....Wii is BANNANAS and 3D partys give BANNANA how BASNNANAS their game looks...wii efficiency is bannana bogus long as the team workin on is bannanas

get ur act together

-IALS

Anonymous said...

BREAKING NEWS GUYS BUNGIE is an independent developper!!!!

link:

http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/bUJgY9DvqLta5K/Microsoft-Bungie-Untie-the-Knot.xhtml

greetings,

dimitri from holland

Anonymous said...

sorry this is the right link:


http://www.ecommercetimes.com/story/bUJgY9DvqLta5K/Microsoft-Bungie-Untie-the-Knot.xhtml

dimitri

Anonymous said...

do pal wiis support progressive scan and if so whats the best TV to play it on? 720 p tv or 1080p tv ?

-ntms

Anonymous said...

wii works on all tvs matey from bog standard interlace to full on hd....

you need conponant lead and tv that supports the imput any sd pro scan or hd pro scan tv will do

right recomended tvs,use one that supports as many enhancing things as posable

like 100hz or xdengine or xdengine 2
or upscalling

that way you get both 480p 60 frames and extra little visual support on top

i use a lg hd tv and play wii at 480p xdengine switched on
so i experiance a wii at 720p type image (xdengine hds sd imputs and optermizes colour)

i would recomend a high qoality tv that supports lots of visual extras hd alone or i should say resolution alone is not the only way to enhance a image

upscale hd tv or xdengine (and 100hz if you can get it)

Anonymous said...

yes ps2 visuals on wii do look crap """"THEY LOOKED THAT WAY ON PS2 AS WELLL HMMMMMMMMMMMMM""""

BUT YOU PLAY PS2 I DONT

DUH AGAIN I WIN THE ARGUMENT

YOU JUST CALLED PS2 VISUALS WII VISUALS ARE YOU ON MEDICATION

Anonymous said...

no i want to know if pal supports progressive scan

Anonymous said...

@some guy
Thanx for the infos!

Falafelkid said...

Hi Anonymous.

i want to know if pal supports progressive scan

It does, that´s 576p resolution.

Anonymous said...

Anyone else now not so sure about getting a PS3 or a 360 as 2nd console?
Would be easier to decide with more games for PS3, and who wants a RROD console? But maybe MS solves the noise and heat problems in some months and the 360 controller is better than PS3's anyway, but MGS4 and Killzone are only coming to PS3... damn, i can't decide.

Anonymous said...

Want to know how stupid SONY is right now??

Yes, THAT stupid!!!

http://www.gamesradar.com/us/ps3/game/news/article.jsp?sectionId=1006&articleId=20071008121521625071&releaseId=20060314115917309058

Rincewind.

Anonymous said...

i know the last secret!!!!!

look at:

www.sebastians-world.blogspot.com!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

cant you wipe ur arse somewhere else seb?

toshiba thing s cool tho

Anonymous said...

A new bundle for nintendo wii?

http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/newsArt.cfm?artid=14550

(also seen on kotaku)

Rincewind.

Anonymous said...

hey falafelkid find mal bitte raus an was factor 5 arbeitet..funk mal beim julian durch oder so ;))))) ...and wasn't there supposed to be a red steel anouncement in the next issue of nintendo power?

-IALS

RGB said...

Monster Hunter 3 for Wii, bye bye PS3.

Anonymous said...

@ Falafelkid

Hi,
do you know something about why the USK has not rated RE:UC???
http://www.wiiinsider.de/news_246694.php

The game don't seem to be more violent than RE4, or is it bc of the lightgun style gameplay?
Would be cool if you can find out what's going on. :-)

Anonymous said...

you guys seen sonics in brawl? wtf aye. i thought it was supost to be nintendos flagship characters. but wateva

Falafelkid said...

Hi Superuser.

Hi,
do you know something about why the USK has not rated RE:UC???
http://www.wiiinsider.de/news_246694.php


I cannot tell you anything about the reasons, but the story is true. The USK has not given the game a certificate, barring it from sale in this country.

Anonymous said...

@Falafelkid
I hope the game is much more bloody and brutal as what we have seen in pics and vids, otherwise i can't understand the USK's decision in no way.

If i think a bit about it, i rather have a badass game i need to import then a "family friendly" RE game that i can buy in the next shop. :-)

Anonymous said...

gettin my wii on october 26th with metroid and a component cable

lookin forward to Nights and Galaxy


-IALS

Anonymous said...

lol, doesnt have a wii

Anonymous said...

a rather good analysis on sony's recent decisions:

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=29509

Rincewind.

Anonymous said...

Hi Falafelkid!

What's up with Ursula von der Leyen (german minister for family stuff)?
http://www.tagesschau.de/inland/meldung59454.html

What's going on in Germany?
Did because of this RE:UC not got rated?

I'm not sure if i understand exactly how this will affect our favorite hobby, but it seems like they try to ban every game from the stores that has some violent gameplay elements ("Gewalt darf nicht belohnt werden in einem Computerspiel zum Beispiel, indem man den nächsten Level erreicht oder indem Leben gesammelt werden.").
Am i too paranoid? Maybe you can tell me... ;)