Sony cuts price of PS3 consoles, introduces slimmer PS3

[bw38]

Although I'm not in Germany attending the GamesCom 2009, I've been anxiously awaiting the announcements to flow in from the upcoming conferences. First up, and admittedly the one I've been waiting for, is Sony's announcement of a thinner and cheaper PS3.

Launching on Sept. 1, the PS3 Slim will come with a body that's 33 percent smaller, a big 120 GB hard drive, and will set you back just $300 — $100 dollars less than past PS3 price tags. But if you don't mind the current PS3 heft and can't hold off until September to get your hands on a console, you can now purchase a 80 GB PS3 for the same $300 price. Plus, getting your presale on has never been easier, as both Kmart and Sears have listed the PS3 Slim on their websites for presale already.

But that's not all coming out of the Sony camp today in Germany. Get the deets on the new PSP Minis when you read more.

PSP Minis are smaller, downloadable games that are limited to 100 MB in size, specially made for your PSP Go. When the PSP Go launches this Fall, there will be 15 Minis available for you to download and play right from the on-board store — titles like Tetris and Fieldrunners have already been confirmed. Think of Minis as an app for your PSP Go — small, quick, and fun titles that will cost less to download than a full-scale game.
http://www.geeksugar.com/4170038

Sony Entertainment has announced it is reducing the price of its PlayStation 3 games consoles.

In Europe the price has been lowered to 299 euros, in the US to $299 and in the UK to £249.99.

Sony made the announcement at a press conference ahead of the 2009 games convention - Games Com - in Cologne.

It also announced it was ending production of its current PlayStation 3 console in favour of a new lighter, slimmer model with a 120GB hard drive.

Growth of the PlayStation 3 has been slow compared to previous launches, which critics put down, in part, to an expensive price tag compared with its rivals, Microsoft's Xbox 360 at £149 and the Nintendo Wii at £169.

Speaking at Games Com, Sony Entertainment's head, Kaz Hirai, said the change in price for existing PlayStation 3 stock would happen immediately and that the new slim-line PS3 would be available from the first week of September.

"It has the same features and functionality [as the old PS3], but now it is 32% smaller, 36% lighter and consumes 34% less power," he said.

Mr Hirai said Cologne's Game Con was now the third major date for the games industry, ranking up alongside E3 in Los Angeles and the Tokyo games show.

Sony said there were now more than 23.7m PS3 installed worldwide, with just over 10m of those in Europe.

Comics reader

Sony also said it was expanding its catch-up TV service - which includes the BBC iPlayer.

It announced it was about to launch a video delivery service, via the Play Station Network, that would allow PS3 or Play Station Portable (PSP) users to rent or purchase movies - both blockbuster and local market - in either standard or high definition.

That service goes live in the UK, France, Germany and Spain this November and rolls out across Europe throughout 2010.

The event also provided a first look at a new digital reader for the PSP - called Digital Comics - that will allow users to read Spiderman, Fantastic 4 and other DC comics on their portable, along with a range of graphic novels.

However, the new motion Sony Controller - which made its debut at the E3 Expo in Los Angeles in June this year - was not on show, with Sony saying people will have to wait until the Tokyo games show in September before it gets another public viewing.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8207472.stm

Pretty cool news. Looks like the three differences to this PS3 will be:
-No more touch-sensitive buttons to turn on/off or eject games. They are actual buttons now.
-Use of "Other OS" is gone.
-And the "power brick" is gone. Aka no more power switch in the back of the PS3, you have to use the On/Off button

Also if you don't want the PS3 slim, you can buy the current PS3 for the same price as all price cuts start today.

[4thHorseman]

Getting one for x-mas, so this is great news.

[KiFF86]

What is the "Other OS" system thing mean.......... If is just a simple answer; I'm sorry I'm retarded.

[prescribeddrone]

Well people can finally stop saying "PS3 SuX B3CUZ itz t3h riP offFfff!". Even though I already have one, this is great news.

[Raharu]

What is the "Other OS" system thing mean.......... If is just a simple answer; I'm sorry I'm retarded.

I think on the original models you were able to install alternate operating systems as opposed to the standard one that it came pre-installed with. I think anyway, I never fulled around with that so I could be mistaken

[StreetFighterRyu]

It's the same as the old PS3. So that means is backwards compatible right? 'Cause they said the 80GB one isn't but I don't really know. I just want to know if I can play PS1/2 games on it. That's all I care about.

'Cause is the reason why I didn't buy the DSi. So what if I can take pictures? I do like to play my GBA games once in a while.

[bw38]

You can install an alternate OS in all previous PS3s, the new one won't support that feature. I never used it myself but from what i understand the OS was restricted in the hardware it had access to within the PS3 to avoid users trying to emulate games via an OS. In any case, it wasn't a very popular option. Not sure why they are getting rid of it though since it's a software feature, not a hardware feature. But whatever it's not a big loss for most.

Also the original 20GB and 60GB PS3s were backwards compatible with PS and PS2 games via hardware emulation. Then there was another 60GB and a 80GB PS3 that had software emulation for both PS and PS2 games. After Oct 07, with the introduction of the 40GB PS3, there was no more PS2 emulation though (the 40GB, 80GB, and 160GB all came out after Oct 07). So when they say the PS3 slim is going to be the same as the current PS3s, that means no PS2 support either. All PS3s have emulation support for PS games though so I've heard and that doesn't appear to be changing with the new PS3 either.

Read up more on the PS3 models here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ps3#Models

[Angel of Sorrow]

PS1, yes.
PS2, no.

I believe their is only four models that have backwards compatability. One type is hardware based, the other is software based, both are no longer made. Sony is keeping PS2 BC at a minimum because the PS2 still sells pretty well. It's pretty obvious.

[Tadhg]

PS1, yes.
PS2, no.

I believe their is only four models that have backwards compatability. One type is hardware based, the other is software based, both are no longer made. Sony is keeping PS2 BC at a minimum because the PS2 still sells pretty well. It's pretty obvious.


The bigger factor was that they were able to bring down their cost. They never truly emulated PS2 games on the PS3 through software alone. The original PS3 essentially had an entire PS2 inside it. Their first major revision removed the Emotion Engine which they then emulated using the Cell but that model of PS3 still contained the Graphics Synthesizer chip that the PS2 used. To further cut costs, they removed the GS chip and the RSX in the PS3 is not able to emulate it due to the massive bandwidth the GS was designed with.

[Sheldon]

What is the "Other OS" system thing mean.......... If is just a simple answer; I'm sorry I'm retarded.

You can install linux on current fat ps3s.

[Filthy Mutie]

Welcome back to the US market, Sony. Geesh.

[Robotech Master]

At 300 bucks I might be pursuaded to get one and own all three consoles. But currently the only exclusive I really want is Disgaea 3. Maybe down the road there will be more.

[Lester C.]

I'm not buying one until they bring back backward compatibility with the PS2.

[RolandJP]

I'm not buying one until they bring back backward compatibility with the PS2.

QFT!

Bluray players are 99 dollars now, anyways.

[Astonishing X-Fan]

I'm glad I have a launch model, so I have the full BC. But man, I dread my system breaking down. I'll end up with a new one and no PS2.

[bw38]

I'm not buying one until they bring back backward compatibility with the PS2.

QFT!

Bluray players are 99 dollars now, anyways.

Why not just buy a PS2 and a PS3? The PS2 costs like $100 the same as a bluray player. Plus most of those Blu-ray players are hard to upgrade. The PS3 easily upgrades.

At this point you can get a PS2 and a P3 for the same price as what the PS3 used to cost.

Anyways, I don't think Sony is ever going to bring back PS2 emulation. The PS2 still sells well and they realized early on that they have to cut down on manufacturing costs if they want to make any profit.

[Cloudman]

Does this mean that old PS3s will become obsolete? That will piss off a lot of the people I know.

[Alex]

I might buy one this week, haven't decided yet.
Theres on the one hand on the things to consider.
1. I don't have a bluray player.
2. I have an old model xbox that, too hook up to my hd monitor, i have to buy a special cable, and new speakers, ps3 comes with hdmi out of the box.
3. My 2nd xbox is breaking, won't read games unless i hit the top of it for several minutes, and this isn't covered by the extended ring of death warranty, i would have to pay to fix their crappy hardware.
4. This is the biggest problem, maybe somebody can help me with it. I know what games are out, and i've played everything i want too on the system. Is there anything coming out that isn't also going to be on 360?
Obviously, if i pick the ps3 up i'm going to be getting most of the cross platform games on the ps3 (Stuff like final fantasy i mean, multiplayer focused stuff i'm stickign with xbox live), the system is much sturdier from what i've read.
My 360 lately has been a device used to watch stuff i download from my computer on.

[Tadhg]

Does this mean that old PS3s will become obsolete? That will piss off a lot of the people I know.

What do you mean by obsolete? They will likely stop production on the old style PS3, so that would technically make them obsolete.
Other than that, no, it's not like there'll be games that will play on the slim but not the original.

[bw38]

I might buy one this week, haven't decided yet.
Theres on the one hand on the things to consider.
1. I don't have a bluray player.
2. I have an old model xbox that, too hook up to my hd monitor, i have to buy a special cable, and new speakers, ps3 comes with hdmi out of the box.
3. My 2nd xbox is breaking, won't read games unless i hit the top of it for several minutes, and this isn't covered by the extended ring of death warranty, i would have to pay to fix their crappy hardware.
4. This is the biggest problem, maybe somebody can help me with it. I know what games are out, and i've played everything i want too on the system. Is there anything coming out that isn't also going to be on 360?
Obviously, if i pick the ps3 up i'm going to be getting most of the cross platform games on the ps3 (Stuff like final fantasy i mean, multiplayer focused stuff i'm stickign with xbox live), the system is much sturdier from what i've read.
My 360 lately has been a device used to watch stuff i download from my computer on.
Well there are definitely PS3 exclusive titles just like there are Xbox 360 exclusive titles. The big one coming out soon is Uncharted 2 in October I think. There's another game called Heavy Rain coming out early next year. And a massive online first person shooter game called MAG which will support 256 players. Other titles that may interest you are Metal Gear Solid 4, Gran Turismo 5, Infamous, DC Universe Online, LittleBigPlanet, Warhawk, Killzone, Ratchet & Clank, Fat Princess, God of War, Twisted Metal and others I'm probably forgetting.

Here are two lists that will help you look at PS3 exclusive titles:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PS3_exclusives
http://www.vgchartz.com/forum/thread.php?id=19171

By no means are they definitive, but it's a good start I think.

[bw38]

Does this mean that old PS3s will become obsolete? That will piss off a lot of the people I know.
Why would it piss of people? Nothing integral is being changed in the PS3 Slim. It will still have all the same features minus the "Other OS". The current PS3 that's out right now will stop being production as soon as the PS3 Slim hits the stores which makes sense since there's no reason to keep producing a PS3 that costs more to manufacture.

[4thHorseman]

Why not just buy a PS2 and a PS3? The PS2 costs like $100 the same as a bluray player. Plus most of those Blu-ray players are hard to upgrade. The PS3 easily upgrades.

At this point you can get a PS2 and a P3 for the same price as what the PS3 used to cost.

Anyways, I don't think Sony is ever going to bring back PS2 emulation. The PS2 still sells well and they realized early on that they have to cut down on manufacturing costs if they want to make any profit.

Hell, I'm thinking some of these people actually HAVE PS2's. Which makes it even more confusing for me. And if they want it solely for the PS2 games, again like you said, why not just get a PS2 and not even worry about a PS3?

[Cloudman]

What do you mean by obsolete? They will likely stop production on the old style PS3, so that would technically make them obsolete.
Other than that, no, it's not like there'll be games that will play on the slim but not the original.

Why would it piss of people? Nothing integral is being changed in the PS3 Slim. It will still have all the same features minus the "Other OS". The current PS3 that's out right now will stop being production as soon as the PS3 Slim hits the stores which makes sense since there's no reason to keep producing a PS3 that costs more to manufacture.

So yeah, it's being made obsolete. It's going to piss people off because they've got an out-of-date model.

[Spidey-kid1]

This is both good news for me and bad news.

Bad news, because I just bought a PS3 last week. For 400 dollars.

Good news is, I have one with full backwards compatibility. PS2 games for me! Yes! :tongue:

EDIT: Wait. I have the CECHLO1 model. No backwards compatibility for me. :(

[Tadhg]

So yeah, it's being made obsolete. It's going to piss people off because they've got an out-of-date model.

I suppose a small minority of cry-babies will be upset, but who cares about them?

[Astonishing X-Fan]

It's not like the Slim is more powerful or anything, it's the same basic console. I have a launch system and I can't say I'm "pissed off" at all. Hell, my version has MORE going for it, due to the full BC.

[Young Avenger]

I'm not buying one until they bring back backward compatibility with the PS2.

You if want a PS2 then buy a PS2. It's only a $100 now. It shouldn't be hard.

[Hiromi]

I'm def. tempted, and could care less about backwards compatability cause I still have my PS2.

[StreetFighterRyu]

Hell, I'm thinking some of these people actually HAVE PS2's. Which makes it even more confusing for me. And if they want it solely for the PS2 games, again like you said, why not just get a PS2 and not even worry about a PS3?

I asked 'cause at this point I hate using memory cards. Yes, I'm so cheap, even if I can afford three of them, I don't want to.

edit: It's also that I want one PlayStation system. Not two plugged in my TV. I mean, I know is no big deal but still.

[Acecool]

It's the same as the old PS3. So that means is backwards compatible right? 'Cause they said the 80GB one isn't but I don't really know. I just want to know if I can play PS1/2 games on it. That's all I care about.

'Cause is the reason why I didn't buy the DSi. So what if I can take pictures? I do like to play my GBA games once in a while.

It is backward compatible with PS1 but not 2. Not bad. One out of two isn't back. Maybe one day they can release a patch to make 2 work as well.

I still have my PS2. That means If I plug my PS2 on a different TV, I can play Ps1 games on either of them. Sweet.

[Acecool]

It's the same as the old PS3. So that means is backwards compatible right? 'Cause they said the 80GB one isn't but I don't really know. I just want to know if I can play PS1/2 games on it. That's all I care about.

'Cause is the reason why I didn't buy the DSi. So what if I can take pictures? I do like to play my GBA games once in a while.

It is backward compatible with PS1 but not 2. Not bad. One out of two isn't back. Maybe one day they can release a patch to make 2 work as well.

[Acecool]

It's the same as the old PS3. So that means is backwards compatible right? 'Cause they said the 80GB one isn't but I don't really know. I just want to know if I can play PS1/2 games on it. That's all I care about.

'Cause is the reason why I didn't buy the DSi. So what if I can take pictures? I do like to play my GBA games once in a while.

It is backward compatible with PS1 but not 2. Not bad. One out of two isn't back. Maybe one day they can release a patch to make 2 work as well.

Besides, I always keep most of my systems anyway. I still have my PS2.

[bw38]

So yeah, it's being made obsolete. It's going to piss people off because they've got an out-of-date model.
how are the other models out of date? they all play the same PS3 games. in fact the first few PS3 consoles supported full backwards compatibility while the current PS3s don't. if there's anything to be mad about it's that.

nothing is different between the PS3s that have no PS2 backwards compatibility and the PS3 slim. so there's nothing to really be pissed about. you can still get your console serviced by Sony if it's damaged. You'll still be able to play the same games. There is really nothing inherently superior about this new PS3 to be jealous or pissed about. The only thing that may piss some people off is the price change if they just recently bought a PS3.

[bw38]

I asked 'cause at this point I hate using memory cards. Yes, I'm so cheap, even if I can afford three of them, I don't want to.

edit: It's also that I want one PlayStation system. Not two plugged in my TV. I mean, I know is no big deal but still.

Well think of it this way, with the PS3 Slim and the PS2 Slim, you can probably put both on top of each other and they'll take up the same space as the current PS3s. Sucks for cabling and such, but that shouldn't be too much of a problem.

You can always look online for the PS3s that are backwards compatible too. Not sure how much they go for, but I'm sure those are still being sold by people.

[Chiasm]

I'm not buying one until they bring back backward compatibility with the PS2.

Me either.

I held off on buying either a 360 or PS3 until about two years ago when I gave into the 360 for Mass Effect. With the price drop I might consider a PS3 someday to replace my PS2 if it would play my PS2 games. But because it doesn't there is little it can do that my 360 can't except Blue Ray and I have no interest in spending lots of money replacing my DVD library.

[AllisterH]

Why no backward compatibility?

[Tadhg]

Why no backward compatibility?

To reduce their cost on the console. They have to include the PS2's Graphics Synthesizer chip in the PS3 to be able to perform any type of emulation.

[StreetFighterRyu]

Whatever. I might as well get it one day. Maybe if I ever move out of the house soon. (good luck with that) I have a PS2 slim. I'll just jack it. :tongue: lol

[Alex]

Update!
I decided not to get a ps3, the list of exclusives coming out didn't do anything to excite me.
Still think the price cut is a great move on sony's part.

[jessecuster3]

I might buy one this week, haven't decided yet.
Theres on the one hand on the things to consider.
1. I don't have a bluray player.
2. I have an old model xbox that, too hook up to my hd monitor, i have to buy a special cable, and new speakers, ps3 comes with hdmi out of the box.
.

2. PS3 does not come with HDMI, it comes with SD Composite cables.

[Oggy]

Only thing I hope is that reverse capatibility is accessible again. I was shopping around for a PS3, and not one of the ones I looked at had it. That's why I'd rather stick with the PS2 for now, the PS1 had the best RPGs ever.

[Tadhg]

FWIW, the PS3 will play PS1 games.

Reinclusion of PS2 Backwards compatibility seems remote for the time being as it seems Sony is still losing money on each console sale, even with the new slim. (http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/08/sony-still-losing-money-with-the-ps3-slim.ars)

[Lester C.]

You if want a PS2 then buy a PS2. It's only a $100 now. It shouldn't be hard.

It's like a twenty dollar part that they only took out because their games aren't selling and they want to force you to buy a PS3. I refuse to be bullied that way.

[Jake V]

It's like a twenty dollar part that they only took out because their games aren't selling and they want to force you to buy a PS3. I refuse to be bullied that way.

How is removing the ability to play ps2 games forcing anyone to buy a ps3?

[Lester C.]

How is removing the ability to play ps2 games forcing anyone to buy a ps3?

The goal is to get people to stop buying PS2 and PS3 games and instead buy PS3 games. Sony even said as much when they switched to emulation for the PS3.

[Jake V]

The goal is to get people to stop buying PS2 and PS3 games and instead buy PS3 games. Sony even said as much when they switched to emulation for the PS3.

If they wanted people to only buy PS3s, they'd stop selling PS2s.

[Aziz Abbasi]

It came out quicker than I expected, I expected a year or two more at least before they move to a slimmer version

[HectorP]

I'm unlikely to ever buy the new model or get rid of my PS2. I'd call it even just catching up with the notable games of this generation.

[Alex]

2. PS3 does not come with HDMI, it comes with SD Composite cables.

Are you postive on that? Or do you just mean the new one.
When i borrowed my brothers ps3 i used the same hdmi cable i use with my laptop.

[Astonishing X-Fan]

I'm pretty sure he's right, in that the PS3 does not come with an HDMI cable. However, any HDMI cable will work fine.

At least some versions of the 360 package come with some sort of HD cable. I think the pro comes with component and the elite comes with HDMI, but I'm not %100 on that.