New PS3 model to hit Europe for 399 EUR

Friday 05th October 2007, 07:06:00 PM, written by Stefan Salzl

Some secrets are kept well; some secrets seem to be a matter of public knowledge. For some time now, details of a new PlayStation3 SKU have been steadily trickling out to the public. Today Sony Computer Entertainment Europe finally confirmed earlier rumours and announced a new PS3 model.

The 40 GB HDD PS3, set to debut for 399 EUR retail on Oct. 10, will be representing the new entry-level for Sony's next-gen console. Among the changes is the removal of PlayStation 2 backwards compatibility, indicating the removal of all PlayStation 2 legacy chips present in the current models in an effort to further lower manufacturing costs. Moreover, the multiple ports and flash card reader functions have been trimmed to 2 USB ports.

Meanwhile the price of 60GB PS3 starter pack (PS3 incl. 2 games and 2 controllers) will be lowered to 499 EUR. This model is continuing to support PS2 titles via a combination of hardware and software emulation: The PS2's CPU, titled Emotion Engine, is software emulated, while the GPU, called Graphics Synthesizer, is still included on the motherboard.

Apart from the details released by Sony, we speculate the 40GB model might be a means for Sony to introduce 65nm node manufactured PS3 chips, both the Cell BE and possibly, RSX, to the retail channels, a move which would also improve Sony's margins on the low price model before the ever important Christmas season. Simultaneously, Sony's inventory of 90nm chips could be reduced through continued use in the premium 60GB SKU.

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Tagging

playstation ± playstation3, sony, europe


Latest Thread Comments (132 total)
Posted by Npl on Tuesday, 09-Oct-07 15:39:07 UTC
im very surprised to see Sony dropping BC on any PS3 model. But aslong as there *still is* a BC-Model available, I dont see much of a problem - you can get BC if you feel its worth paying more. Will be interesting to see what happens when the stock of 60GB Versions is cleared - will Sony brew a cost reduced 60GB Version (like the 40GB Version), but with BC left intact? I surely think and hope so.

Posted by patsu on Tuesday, 09-Oct-07 16:02:58 UTC
Quoting Carl B
This is the thread on the Japanese console:http://forum.beyond3d.com/showthread.php?t=44801No rumble included in box.
That's right. This picture above already indicates so (No DS3):Image: http://i23.tinypic.com/16j2929.jpg Since power consumption is 100W lower, are Cell and RSX both 65nm now ? Or just one of them ?

Posted by Carl B on Tuesday, 09-Oct-07 17:04:01 UTC
I'd say at least Cell... in terms of the rest, RSX seems likely, but the difference could be attributed to chipset considerations, lack of GS, newer-gen BD drive, etc... still 100 watts is a lot in computer terms for it to only be one of the major 2 ICs.We'll know soon though (tomorrow?), that's for sure. :)

Posted by Todd33 on Tuesday, 09-Oct-07 17:25:37 UTC
Quoting Npl
im very surprised to see Sony dropping BC on any PS3 model. But aslong as there *still is* a BC-Model available, I dont see much of a problem - you can get BC if you feel its worth paying more. Will be interesting to see what happens when the stock of 60GB Versions is cleared - will Sony brew a cost reduced 60GB Version (like the 40GB Version), but with BC left intact? I surely think and hope so.
I think Sony doesn't want to affect the selling of the old SKUs before they announce a new one. In NA they said the 60GB was discontinued and the 80GB is $599. All the fanboys said after the 60GB was gone they price point for a PS3 was going to be $600 for the holidays. Of course the truth is a $400 40GB and a price drop to $500 for the 80GB (announcement immanent). So the same could be true in the EU. Sell out the 60GB before they bring in the 80GB (with BC) at the same price.

Posted by XeRo on Wednesday, 17-Oct-07 01:18:10 UTC
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6181094.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;4

40GB = 178% increase in sales.

Posted by AlphaWolf on Wednesday, 17-Oct-07 07:34:43 UTC
Quoting XeRo
http://www.gamespot.com/news/6181094.html?action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;4

40GB = 178% increase in sales.
considering the article says that 89% of the units sold were of the 60gb variety it might be better to say, threat of BC loss forces users to buy up remaining 60gb units.

Posted by pipo on Wednesday, 17-Oct-07 09:33:47 UTC
Quoting AlphaWolf
considering the article says that 89% of the units sold were of the 60gb variety it might be better to say, threat of BC loss forces users to buy up remaining 60gb units.
QFT. Which made me wonder if it isn't another Sony Spin and they'll come out with another model with BC early next year...They had to clear inventory.

Posted by Shifty Geezer on Wednesday, 17-Oct-07 10:25:02 UTC
My take is people waiting for the anticipated price drop to £300-£350 saw the added value of the 60GB model so ponied up an extra £50 (which they'd have spent anyway) to grab it. I don't think BC was the only incentive. I question if it's any incentive! Would anyone here spend £50 ($100) just for BC if there were no extras? The added value of the 60GB model at a £75 price drop would be enough to generate that sort of sales spike regardless of a cheaper model.

Posted by Gradthrawn on Wednesday, 17-Oct-07 14:53:15 UTC
Quoting Shifty Geezer
I question if it's any incentive! Would anyone here spend £50 ($100) just for BC if there were no extras?
Without hesitation. But I have a large legacy of PS2 games, some of which are unfinished and still compelling enough to play. And then many others which I just enjoy going back to every now and then. Not saying I'm the typical example, just saying I would pay the extra $100 for BC (even if that was the only difference between 2 models).

Posted by pipo on Wednesday, 17-Oct-07 15:26:52 UTC
I for one would have considered buying the 40GB model if it had BC as I wasn't really interested in MS and R:FOM (plenty of those on my 360).
Quoting Shifty Geezer
...an extra £50 (which they'd have spent anyway)...
I would have been happy with one controller too (with rumble coming next year). I spend most of my time with the downloadable games at the moment.


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