Sony unveils slimmer PS3: $300, lands in September (updated!)
By Paul Miller 
posted August 18th 2009 3:22PM
posted August 18th 2009 3:22PM
The new 3.0 firmware will be released concurrently with the PS3 slim, which should provide a breath of fresh air for existing machines. Other new features of the PS3 slim include BRAVIA Sync, which allows you to control the PS3 XMB over HDMI through your BRAVIA TV remote, and System Standby to shut off the PS3 when the BRAVIA TV is off. Sony also claims this new machine will run more quietly than existing PS3 systems, which is good news for people who like to watch movies or have conversations in the general vicinity of their game console. There's also a Vertical Stand, which will retail for $24. Not so awesome is Sony's removal of the Install Other OS feature... farewell, Linux. We hardly knew thee.
Update: We've got press shots! Check 'em all in the gallery below, and be sure to pore over that to-scale comparo pic up top. There's one from above as well, which reveals that the new model is actual "deeper" than the PS3 fat.
Update 2: Video! Our main man Jack Tretton talks up and shows off his spanking new slim PS3 after the break. We've also got a full rundown of the specs for your perusal, and added some new information above.
Spec sheet:
- Product name: PlayStation 3
- Product code: CECH-2000A (Charcoal Black)
- CPU: Cell Broadband Engine™
- GPU: RSX
- Audio output: LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC.
- Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
- Hard disk: 120GB 2.5" Serial ATA
- USB 2.0 ports: 2
- Networking: Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T), IEEE 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 (+EDR)
- Controller: Wireless Controller (Bluetooth) x 1
- AV outputs: HDMI x 1, AV MULTI OUT x 1, Digital out (optical) x 1
- Resolutions: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i (for PAL 576p, 576i)
- BD / DVD / CD drive (read only): BD × 2 (BD-ROM), DVD × 8 (DVD-ROM), CD × 24 (CD-ROM)
- Power: AC 220 – 240, 50/60Hz
- Power consumption: Approx. 250W
- External dimensions (excluding maximum projecting part): Approx. 290 × 65 × 290 mm (width × height × length)
- Mass: Approx. 3.2kg
- Included in box: PlayStation 3 system × 1, Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK 3) × 1, AC power cord × 1, AV cable × 1, USB cable × 1
New Slimmer and Lighter PlayStation(R)3 to Hit Worldwide Market This September
Lower Price to Further Accelerate Expansion of the PlayStation(R)3 Platform Along with Extensive Software Title Line-up for Upcoming Holiday Season
TOKYO, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today unveiled the new PlayStation®3 (CECH-2000A) (body color: charcoal black) computer entertainment system, featuring an extremely streamlined form factor with a 120GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The new PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system will become available in stores from September 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions at a very attractive recommended retail price (RRP) of US$299 and euro 299, respectively. The system will become available in Japan on September 3, 2009, at a RRP of 29,980 yen (including tax). With the introduction of the new PS3 system, SCE will also reduce the price of the current PS3 with 80GB HDD to a RRP of US$299 from August 18 and euro 299 from August 19. Also in North America, the price of PS3 with 160GB HDD will be reduced to a RRP of US$399 from August 18. By launching a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles for PS3 this holiday season and offering customers a line-up of hardware models and pricing to match their preference, SCE will build on the momentum and further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform.
The internal design architecture of the new PS3 system, from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the cooling mechanism, has been completely redesigned, achieving a much slimmer and lighter body. Compared to the very first PS3 model with 60GB HDD, the internal volume as well as its thickness and weight are trimmed down to approximately two-thirds. Furthermore, power consumption is also cut to two-thirds, helping to reduce fan noise. While inheriting the sleek curved body design of the original model, the form factor of the new PS3 system features a new meticulous design with textured surface finish, giving an all new impression and a casual look. With the compact body and casual appearance, the newly introduced model will appeal to a wider audience who are looking to buy the best entertainment system for their home.
Concurrently with the release of the new PS3 system, SCE will modify the PS3 brand name from "PLAYSTATION 3" to "PlayStation 3", and introduce a new "PS3" logo, which is engraved on the surface of the new PS3 system. By unifying under the familiar "PlayStation®" name, which represents the entire PlayStation family, PS3 together with PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) will further expand the PlayStation business, and will continue to enhance the entertainment experience along with the ever-growing PlayStation®Network.
The new PS3 continues to offer the cutting-edge features and functions of the current models, such as the ability to enjoy high-definition Blu-ray disc (BD) movies and games, as well as various content and services downloadable through the network. The new PS3's storage size has increased from 80GB to 120GB, and with the extra capacity users will be able to store more games, music, photos, videos as well as various content and services available through PlayStation Network. Having more than 27 million registered accounts around the world, PlayStation Network offers more than 15,000 pieces of digital content, ranging from game titles, trailers, and demos to more than 15,000 movies and TV shows via PlayStation Store(*1). PlayStation Network members can also download free applications, such as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences, as well as Life with PlayStation, which offers users various news and information on a TV monitor in the living room by connecting the PS3 to the network.
Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 1,000 titles and downloadable PS3 games to 1,400(*2) titles worldwide, with the support from a broad range of third party game developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from SCE Worldwide Studios, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, EyePet, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Heavy Rain, God of War 3, MAG, ModNation Racer, Gran Turismo 5 and more.
Other features of the new PS3 include:
PS3 system software update version 3.00
Concurrently with the release of new PS3, system software will be upgraded to version 3.00 on September 1. The update adds various user-friendly features such as the "What's New" screen, where users can quickly browse the new items available in PlayStation Store as well as their recently played games directly on the XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar), with short cuts to each piece of content. PS3 will evolve continuously with the system software updates, further improving the operability and enhancing the user experience available through the network. PS3 owners will be able to enjoy new features by simply updating the PS3 system software to version 3.00 via the "System Update" function on the XMB(*3).
- BRAVIA(R) Sync(TM) Feature
The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA(R) Sync(TM) feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a BRAVIA TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote
control. Other functions include "System Standby" that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the BRAVIA TV is turned off(*4).
- "Vertical Stand" for new PS3 (CECH-2000 series)
By utilizing the separately sold "Vertical Stand", users will be able to set the new PS3 in vertical position(*5), making it easier to place the PS3 system anywhere at home. The vertical stand will become available in Japan on September 3, 2009, at a RRP of 2,000 yen (including tax) and in North America at US$24(*6).
- Removal of "Install Other OS" feature
The new PS3 system will focus on delivering games and other entertainment content, and users will not be able to install other
Operating Systems to the new PS3 system.
Along with a vast line-up of attractive and exciting entertainment content with the new PS3 system, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment.
Lower Price to Further Accelerate Expansion of the PlayStation(R)3 Platform Along with Extensive Software Title Line-up for Upcoming Holiday Season
TOKYO, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today unveiled the new PlayStation®3 (CECH-2000A) (body color: charcoal black) computer entertainment system, featuring an extremely streamlined form factor with a 120GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The new PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system will become available in stores from September 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions at a very attractive recommended retail price (RRP) of US$299 and euro 299, respectively. The system will become available in Japan on September 3, 2009, at a RRP of 29,980 yen (including tax). With the introduction of the new PS3 system, SCE will also reduce the price of the current PS3 with 80GB HDD to a RRP of US$299 from August 18 and euro 299 from August 19. Also in North America, the price of PS3 with 160GB HDD will be reduced to a RRP of US$399 from August 18. By launching a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles for PS3 this holiday season and offering customers a line-up of hardware models and pricing to match their preference, SCE will build on the momentum and further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform.
The internal design architecture of the new PS3 system, from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the cooling mechanism, has been completely redesigned, achieving a much slimmer and lighter body. Compared to the very first PS3 model with 60GB HDD, the internal volume as well as its thickness and weight are trimmed down to approximately two-thirds. Furthermore, power consumption is also cut to two-thirds, helping to reduce fan noise. While inheriting the sleek curved body design of the original model, the form factor of the new PS3 system features a new meticulous design with textured surface finish, giving an all new impression and a casual look. With the compact body and casual appearance, the newly introduced model will appeal to a wider audience who are looking to buy the best entertainment system for their home.
Concurrently with the release of the new PS3 system, SCE will modify the PS3 brand name from "PLAYSTATION 3" to "PlayStation 3", and introduce a new "PS3" logo, which is engraved on the surface of the new PS3 system. By unifying under the familiar "PlayStation®" name, which represents the entire PlayStation family, PS3 together with PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) will further expand the PlayStation business, and will continue to enhance the entertainment experience along with the ever-growing PlayStation®Network.
The new PS3 continues to offer the cutting-edge features and functions of the current models, such as the ability to enjoy high-definition Blu-ray disc (BD) movies and games, as well as various content and services downloadable through the network. The new PS3's storage size has increased from 80GB to 120GB, and with the extra capacity users will be able to store more games, music, photos, videos as well as various content and services available through PlayStation Network. Having more than 27 million registered accounts around the world, PlayStation Network offers more than 15,000 pieces of digital content, ranging from game titles, trailers, and demos to more than 15,000 movies and TV shows via PlayStation Store(*1). PlayStation Network members can also download free applications, such as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences, as well as Life with PlayStation, which offers users various news and information on a TV monitor in the living room by connecting the PS3 to the network.
Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 1,000 titles and downloadable PS3 games to 1,400(*2) titles worldwide, with the support from a broad range of third party game developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from SCE Worldwide Studios, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, EyePet, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Heavy Rain, God of War 3, MAG, ModNation Racer, Gran Turismo 5 and more.
Other features of the new PS3 include:
PS3 system software update version 3.00
Concurrently with the release of new PS3, system software will be upgraded to version 3.00 on September 1. The update adds various user-friendly features such as the "What's New" screen, where users can quickly browse the new items available in PlayStation Store as well as their recently played games directly on the XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar), with short cuts to each piece of content. PS3 will evolve continuously with the system software updates, further improving the operability and enhancing the user experience available through the network. PS3 owners will be able to enjoy new features by simply updating the PS3 system software to version 3.00 via the "System Update" function on the XMB(*3).
- BRAVIA(R) Sync(TM) Feature
The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA(R) Sync(TM) feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a BRAVIA TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote
control. Other functions include "System Standby" that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the BRAVIA TV is turned off(*4).
- "Vertical Stand" for new PS3 (CECH-2000 series)
By utilizing the separately sold "Vertical Stand", users will be able to set the new PS3 in vertical position(*5), making it easier to place the PS3 system anywhere at home. The vertical stand will become available in Japan on September 3, 2009, at a RRP of 2,000 yen (including tax) and in North America at US$24(*6).
- Removal of "Install Other OS" feature
The new PS3 system will focus on delivering games and other entertainment content, and users will not be able to install other
Operating Systems to the new PS3 system.
Along with a vast line-up of attractive and exciting entertainment content with the new PS3 system, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment.
- *1 Number as of end July 2009. Content within PlayStation Store will differ by region, please refer to the official PlayStation.com site for further details.
- *2 Includes PS one(R) classics and free of charge content (downloadable demos).
- *3 Users will need to connect their PS3 to the network to use the function.
- *4 Users will need to use BRAVIA TV that supports the BRAVIA Sync feature. For further information about BRAVIA Sync, please refer to the official Sony site in each region.
- *5 Users will need to use the separately sold "Vertical Stand" to set the new PS3 in vertical position.
- *6 Release date of the vertical stand for North America will be announced when available. Release date and price of the vertical stand for Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions will be announced when available.
Images from PlayStation.com Forums
Get ready to be disappointed...
Guess you're keeping it then.
Btw, it handles HD audio perfectly already. You're doing something wrong if it's not. Refer to the EngadgetHD article for a proper walkthrough/ explanation.
don't look that nice
i seem nothing like ps2 slim which look better but ps3 slim just dont do it for me
I'm kind of wishing they would have flattened the top completely, so I could stack a PS3 Slim and a PS2 Slim in my entertainment center. Eh, whatcanyado?
This is what I was waiting for from Sony a Console worth it's weight in Gold a £299.99 Blu Ray Playing, Multimedia Gaming System with free online play what a bargain and I will finally buy the console I wanted first but wouldn't be ripped off to get.
It's the same price as before.
So....this is the same thing right...same power same features..nothing taken out???
Where are the prices for UK??? I hope it is under 250£
It IS £250 >:(
It looks to me like they swapped out the fancy capacitive buttons for more conventional ones.
You really are a tool arnt you lol... Console wars? 360 has been winning from every angle (except in Japan)... PS3 still doesnt have the library or the community size that the 360 has... Once sony releases Community API's, then more people will be apt to lean that way to play games...
I really want the backwards compatibility specs on this PS3 Slim. If it works as well as my original 60GB PS3 with full hardware support than I would consider replacing it.
I'm with you. I saw a possibly faked Best Buy slicky that touted backwards compatibility. I saw it on a forum, and I'm trying to dig it up. If the other details match, it might not have been phony.
I think they've put the price up. Here in the uk any way. It was £250-£300 any way and now its £300. They've fucked us over.
No they haven't. You guys have been getting cheap PS3's and games for a long time. So you have to deal with the console being 299.99. I'm not uninformed and ignorant like most other Americans. I've done my homework on UK wages and average hours worked and you guys have been getting stuff for less work than us Americans do. Just deal with it and buy the PS3 slim or not. Everywhere else it's a price drop that we've been waiting for.
Now, if only it had 32% more interesting games, I'd consider getting a PS3 again. I sold mine because the game selection sucked, and no matter what anyone says, the promise of Heavy Rain or the next MGS game (MGS4 sucked hard) weren't enough to make me stick around.
And if I want a Blu-Ray player, I'll get a drive for my laptop and plug it into the HDTV via HDMI. Viola! Better than PS3 by far.
thats what it should of looked like from day 1. im sold
lookjs hideous. I really want at that pricepoint, but maybe ill just get the older ones, they should be getting cheaper too right?
Recession antidote?
Alas! Now the console wars are really going to get going! A hell of a lot of people were put off by the ps3's price and size(lets be honest the thing was ugly) now you have a console that gives you the best value for the money!
wow wow wow wow wow wow wow .................. its a slim Beast..............truly sonystyle
LOLOMGWTF sony should SERIOUSLY fire their hardware aesthetics team. That looks like a box!
And here i was thinking that this slim ps3 was going to be good in the least
PS. This is another reason why i will never be any early adopter!
I was going to pick up one of the 160BG PS3's, but the Slim has got my attention. Just to make sure, the ONLY difference between the Slim and the 160GB is the size of the hard drive and most likely the ability to replace the hard drive right?
Hmm ... but can you catch it easily?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiNaadVOQEM
Yes, but will it have Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, CBS, and more? It will if you have PlayOn. Give it a try now, for FREE! That way when you get your new PS3 Slim you'll be ready to make it part of an awesome media center.
http://www.themediamall.com/playon/lp200907?rsrc=engadget
Ok, that was a bit of a shameless plug, but we're really psyched about a better looking media center and our recently updated and improved software. Figured you might like knowing you can get all that content on your PS3 now.
kind of thought it would be slimmer to be honest. Don't really understand why this will sell in droves like everyone claims compared to the current one
Because:
1. it's 299 dollars. That's 50 more than the Wii is, and it has a blu ray player and HD streaming capabilities.
2. It uses 1/3 less power.
3. It's 299 FRICKIN DOLLARS!!
with a $300 MSRP, you should be able to find it on sale for ~250 before long. nice! paid 450 for mine (CECHA) a couple of years ago. runs great, no problems. i prefer ps3 over xbox because there is no monthly charge for online play, the blu-ray player, built-in wifi, and the user-upgradable hard drive.
i paid $599 for mine... *kisses his 60GB*
Cost reductions FTW!
dude wtf.
that thing is square.
hope that you can upgrade the drive yourself. thats what i want to know
I hope so. That looks like a drive door on the bottom right of the front.
more pics and a uk price please!
pics with new and old ps3 side by side would be nice too, maybe even a video:)
wow this is nice
I was right about it. Kthx.
Bet it won't drop $100 in Canada. Most likely only $50.
I can't see Sony having a unit for $299 in Canada and $299 in the US.
As $299 CAD is only $271.47US. They be losing $30 on the deal., which now that I look at it may be small enough for them to price it that way after all. But I still think they'll not lower the price as much here as in the US.
It's $399 now at most places (same as US, AFAIK), so you never know.
Wal-mart.ca already has the PS3's prices listed with the $100 price drop, going to check today to see if they have done it in-store.
I feel bad for it. :-( It now looks like it was made by Dell or Lenovo or something.
Gone is the nice chrome trim on the top, the glossy finish and it's no longer called PLAYSTATION3 in that awesome Spiderman font.
Sony sure knows how to release an ugly console. This should be giood for Sony though. Congrats to Sony and Sony lovers everywhere.
geez, why are all of you complaining that it's ugly? i mean is any electronic device supposed to be SEXY?? you guys seriously need to get outside more, i mean what are you planning on doing to the thing? play it or ***K it?
i mean the important thing to me is that it matches my tv, a/v receiver, speakers, satellite/cable box and doesn't stick out like a sore thumb and guess what it's black so it blends perfectly.. Good job sony!!!
Seriously? Yes we care what it looks like, because I prefer my PS3 over this slim box crap. For new users it's great, but for the rest not really.
You just showed how much you cared about what your stuff looks like, so it doesn't stick out like a sore thumb. Then go and insult us for saying it's ugly. Bravo bud, bravo.
Woo hoo! Recession antidote - I'll take one!
@numerwan,
I pretty much agree with besides your claim that 360 has a better library of games. Imo, they're both pretty even on that front. It just depends on what kind of exclusives you like.
DAMN THATS UGLY!
this puts the PS3 at the same price as the xbox 360 pro ($299 at Amazon). actually the PS3 is now cheaper if you figure in the $50/year to play online with xbox live, or if you need a wifi adapter.
and thats why we'll probably see a shot back across sony's bow with a 360 price cut down to probably 200 or 249 or who knows... microsoft normally isnt a compay that sits idle, especially their gaming division.
Pro model is being discontinued and the elite is going to $299