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40GB PlayStation 3 shows up in US Target for $399
Ah, Target. The home of so many broken street dates. Just days after letting the Xbox 360 Arcade slip out of its doors early, the retailer is apparently proving that the 40GB PlayStation 3 is indeed coming to America -- and for $399.99, no less. Reportedly, the system is all set to "officially" be released here on October 28th, and while we've no way of confirming, we're hearing that it may be bundled with the upcoming Spider-Man 3 flick, too. Anyways, we'll let the photos take it from here -- click on through for more.[Via N4G, thanks Alexis]
Pachter: SCEA reluctant to announce 40GB due to 60GB supply
Signs are pointing to a November 2nd launch of the price (and feature) reduced 40GB PS3. However, where is the buzz? Why is there no official confirmation from SCEA? "These rolling announcements suggest to me that Sony has an inventory control problem, with too many unsold 60GB units out there, and they don't want to have to cut the price to clear them," Wedbush Morgan securities analyst Michael Pachter told GI.biz.Certainly, it appears that 60GB machines are still in ample supply in spite of Sony's proclamation that the system is no longer being manufactured. Are the systems selling at an even slower rate than anticipated? Seemingly. However, what will happen when November 2nd rolls along, and 60GB systems are still in stock? Sony will have to "accept reality and bundle [the 60GB with] a game and an extra controller for USD 499.99, giving consumers some value for their money." However, in spite of a price drop, it appears that Pachter is not confident that a price drop will significantly increase sales for Sony's system. What price must the PS3 reach for it to appeal to the masses?
40GB PS3 model with Spider-man found at Sony store
Click for high-res image. Just like before, the signs are becoming clear: the 40GB PS3 is making its way to America ... soon. Model 98006, or "PS3 40GB Spider-," can be found in the computer databases of Sony's store.Supposedly the system will be in stock on October 28th and will be on sale on November 2nd. We think everyone can make a pretty safe guess as to what movie will be bundled with the system based on the description. The system will retail for $400, as predicted by the internet community. We'll have to wait for Sony to provide confirmation -- which we don't think is too far away at this point.[Thanks, Andrew H.!]
Maguire: New PS3 all part of the master plan
With the European 40GB PlayStation 3 finally out in the open, Sony execs just can't stop talking about it. According to Ray Maguire, SCE UK managing director, Sony's newest console is part of "a very carefully thought-out plan." While acknowledging that other factors like decreasing production costs, industry pressure and a need to increase its install base contributed, Maguire said Sony has been considering this model since the PlayStation 3 launched.Of course, the main complaint against the PlayStation 3 has always been its price, but Maguire thinks the lower-priced 40GB model will appease the haters. "If the product was too expensive, of course they're going to feel 'anti,' but now I imagine there will be some changing of attitudes," he told MCV. It's true, the 40GB model's price is much closer to the Xbox 360's, only with a lot more features. However, only time will tell if the move will help Sony recapture the lead in the console wars.
40GB to be released in Saudi Arabia
It seems the 40GB PlayStation 3 is slowly taking over the world, one country at a time. Now that it's headed to every major region, Sony has announced its new system bundled with the Spider-man 3 Blu-ray will soon be released in Saudi Arabia for SR 1,799."The introduction of the new PS3 has been the result of extensive research into the entertainment needs and preferences of the next generation of PS3 owners," said Abdul Kader, marketing manager at MECL. "It has allowed us to deliver an extremely advanced, yet incredibly affordable high definition gaming and entertainment system, configured to the needs of the next generation of European PS3 owners."Although we weren't aware Saudi Arabians were big on gaming, it's great to see Sony spreading the 40GB love throughout the world.
HD DVD group: Cheaper PS3 won't help Blu-ray sales
While gamers and retail chains have been mostly praising Sony's new cheaper PS3 (aside from the backward-compatibility issue), the European HD DVD Promotional Group has said the 40GB system won't have much impact on Blu-ray sales in the region. "The European PS3 price cut will have a minimal impact on the adoption of next generation HD formats. The real battleground is in sales of standalone players and HD DVD is out in front by a massive margin," Co-Chairman of the European HD DVD Promotional Group Ken Graffeo said. According to the group, HD DVD accounts for about 70 percent of the European market, and it expects that number to continue to grow. However, many believe this year's holiday period will go a long way in deciding which format will reign as king, and we think the HD DVD group may be underestimating the impact of the 40GB PS3.
Is backwards compatibility an issue? Analysts debate
So, the 40GB PS3 is losing backwards compatibility with PS2 games. Is that a big deal? You voted, but let's hear what the analysts have to say. From a business perspective, it makes sense for Sony to remove the feature. "Cost is hard to gauge, probably $30 - $50 per unit," Wedbush Morgan Securities' Michael Pachter told GameDaily. A significant savings, when one considers the thousands of systems Sony must sell. Will the lack of PS2 support affect PS3 sales? "I thought lack of backward compatibility would hurt the Xbox [360], but it really didn't," Pachter noted.However, NPD analyst Anita Frazier has some data that might concern Sony. "Nearly 70 percent said that [backwards compatibility] was an important feature to them."Regardless, when it comes down to the choice between backwards compatibility and saving $100, the choice will be clear for most consumers. Colin Sebastian, an analyst at Lazard Capital Markets noted: "It appears that pricing is becoming more of a priority, which makes sense given where the PS3 is selling in terms of market share. I don't believe removing backwards compatibility is a huge deal, considering that most people who want to play PS2 games will continue to do so on their PS2s."
SCE Australia boss talks 40GB PS3
After announcing that the 40GB PlayStation 3 is headed to Australia, Sony has set some lofty expectations for the new console in the region, Michael Ephraim told Gamespot. The Sony Computer Entertainment of Australia managing editor claimed that while Sony has sold 83,000 units since its launch in March, it expects to meet or exceed that number by the end of the year.Ephraim also continued Sony's recent tactic of downplaying the significance of the lack of backward compatibility, he also said that at this point, the PS3 and the Wii should no longer be compared to each other. "Nintendo Wii should be compared with PlayStation 2 for the functionality, the experience, and the demographic it appeals to. Consumers in that space will compare between a PS2 and a Wii, not a Wii and a PS3 – they're just completely different animals," he said.This isn't the first time Sony's said one of its products isn't in direct competition with Nintendo's, but it'd be interesting to see if it'd be singing the same tune if the sales numbers were reversed.
Japan gets 40GB, price drop, white PS3
Japan always have it slightly better, right? First the FFVII Crisis Core PSP, then the early DualShock 3 release and now Japan is getting the 40GB and a price drop on the 20GB (they still make those?) and 60GB models. So what's new? Europe is getting the same thing, right? Wrong - Japan is getting a new PS3 colour for the 40GB model as well as matching Dualshock 3 controllers. The new 40GB PS3s and controllers (all in Clear Black and Ceramic White) will be available on November 11th, about a month after the European release, and will sell for 39,980 yen (around 340 dollars or 240 euros). The Dualshock 3s will not be bundled with the console but will be available for 5,500 yen each (about 33 euros or 47 dollars). In addition to this, effective October 17th the 20GB and 60GB models will be dropping price to 44,980 yen (about 384 dollars or 273 euros) and 54,980 yen (about 334 euros or 469 dollars) respectively. They will also be eligible for a free copy of Spider-Man 3 on Blu Ray for the first 200,000 purchasers, as will the 40GB once it is released. With price drops of about 5,000 yen across the board, and the inclusion of a new budget system, Sony really seem to be pushing forward through this holiday season. If you're disappointed about not getting rumble until next year, or you just want a white controller, then don't fret. Most of this year's new games will have rumble out of the box so feel free to import the controllers from Japan.
40GB PS3 announced for Japan, Sony introduces white PS3
Sony announced today the 40GB PS3 will go on sale in Japan beginning Nov. 11. The 20GB and 60GB models, both still available in Japan, will have a 5,000 yen ($43) price cut next week. This means that the prices for the PS3 in Japan will be 20GB at 44,980 yen ($384), 60GB at 54,980 yen ($469) and 40GB at 39,980 yen ($341) yen. The 40GB is cheaper than the 20GB version, however it will lack backwards compatibility, memory card slots and a couple USB ports.Sony is also unleashing a white version of the 40GB PS3 model for Japan in ceramic white. It will cost the same as the regular black PS3. A white DualShock 3 controller will also be available to purchase beginning Nov 11. If Sony can't offer consumers backwards compatibility, might as well razzle dazzle 'em with new colors.
40GB PS3 missing key components for PS2 emulation
Many people assumed that the PS3 was software emulating PS2 games, ever since the release of the 80GB model. That system removed the Emotion Engine from the hardware, and required Sony to implement a backwards compatibility solution that involved emulation. Many, including Joystiq, wondered why the new 40GB model couldn't do the same.SCEE's Nick Sharples sent a technical explanation as to why the new 40GB model loses support for PS2 games. "Backwards compatibility for PS2 titles is largely made possible through the use of actual semiconductors, supported by the PS3 system software. The 20GB and 60GB PS3 models launched in Japan and the USA were equipped with both the PS2 Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesiser chips and we could therefore guarantee over 90% backwards compatibility for PS2 titles."The 60GB model launched in Europe was a new model (shared with the 80GB model launched subsequently in USA) which contains only a modified version of the Graphics Synthesiser chip from the PS2 and not the Emotion Engine chip. The European launch model therefore used a combination of software and the modified version of the PS2 Graphics Synthesiser chip to deliver backwards compatibility for PS2 titles. As a result the percentage of backwards compatible PS2 titles was slightly reduced. "The 40GB model, to be launched in Europe on 10th October, is a new model and is not equipped with any of the semi conductors from the PS2, and backwards compatibility would therefore have to be achieved by software emulation alone." Because each game would have to be individually emulated (much like on the Xbox 360), Sony decided that an effort like that would be much too costly, and opted to remove BC support from the 40GB system entirely. That decision has not only produced a cheaper system for Sony to manufacture, but for consumers to buy as well.
40GB PS3 headed Down Under
After finally taking the wraps of its new 40GB PS3, Sony has now confirmed its new system will also be headed to Australia beginning Oct. 11 for A$699.95. While we're sure this news will overjoy Australians who've been impatiently awaiting a more affordable PS3, there's still no word yet whether they will also see the lower-priced 60GB PS3 bundle like their friends in the UK. Either way, it seems Sony has taken care of the largest regions at this point, and it will be interesting to see what other markets are next in line.
Rumor: 40GB PS3 to head to US November 2nd
"We're hearing Nov. 2 (for the U.S.)," said one industry source, according to The Hollywood Reporter.Immediately after SCEE's bizarre announcement of the 40GB system in European territories, many are awaiting SCEA''s announcement of the same. The 40GB system will retail for significantly less than current PS3 models, most likely dropping down to the $399 price point. However, it will lose 2 USB ports, memory card readers, and will also lose any support for PS2 games.[Via Joystiq]
Rumor: 40GB PS3 releases in US on Nov. 2 -- same issues as Euro model
According to The Hollywood Reporter, an "industry source" of theirs says the North American 40GB PS3 model will release on Nov. 2 at $399. Another source reveals Sony has been asking stores to try and clear out existing PS3 inventory by the November date. Just like the controversial European 40GB PS3 model, the North American model will also allegedly not be backwards compatible with the PS2.Now that it looks like the NA 40GB PS3 will have the same issues as its Euro counterpart, we can't wait to hear Sony America's rationale on this, considering the European explanation was a bit lacking. Aeropause had a strong piece this weekend on their issues about this new PS3. They said, "So why is this the worst idea to ever come from Sony? Because it basically brings the PlayStation 3 back to its absolute zero starting point with its biggest unserved fan base -- the PS2 owners who have held out because of price ... It's no longer an 'upgrade' or a 'replacement' for the PS2, giving them pride in their brand loyalty, it's a brand new machine that stands alone and doesn't replace anything at all." Now we wait for the official announcement from Sony America and watch how they'll craft the message that gamers should focus on the "65 titles" for the PS3.[Via GameDaily]
GAME excited by new PS3 model
It seems gamers aren't the only people excited about Sony's cheaper 40GB PlayStation 3 as UK retail store GAME has recently given its stamp of approval. "We feel that this is a very positive move from Sony. The price reduction will make it easier for even more customers to enjoy the incredible gaming experience you get with a PS3," said GAME Commercial Director Tricia Brennan. "There are more games consoles available than ever before, and today's price cut means they all represent amazing value for money when you consider the incredible technology and sheer volume of entertainment that they offer."It's great to see retailers rallying behind Sony, and we're sure the company welcomes the positive feedback as it tries to downplay the significance of the 40GB's slimmed down feature set.
Why the PS3's lack of backwards compatibility is upsetting [update 1]
Due to popular demand from a previous editorial (this is a blog, after all, and editorializing does happen from time to time), we thought it best to clarify further why, exactly, we feel Sony's move to drop backwards compatibility from the 40GB PAL model was at best misguided and at worst cruel to its consumer base. First off, the cost to Sony for including the software emulation is very minimal. Though some people have cited the Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesizer, the combo chip was removed from the PAL design in late February 2007 and cost an estimated $27. Essentially, the software emulation has been running entirely on PS3 hardware for the full extent of its tenure in the PAL region. So that $27 that Sony is presumably saving by not using software backwards compatibility is misinformed. Regarding PS One titles, Sony has told GameSpot that they will be compatible, which is a good sign. But why not extend those compatibility options to the PS2 library? As previously denoted, that software in its present form runs fine on PS3 hardware.
Sony explains why there's no BC in the 40GB PS3
In separate interviews today both Sony UK boss Ray Maguire and Sony Europe spokesman Nick Sharples spoke about how the 40GB PS3 lacking backwards compatibility is fine. How is it fine? Maguire tells Eurogamer that by this Christmas the PS3 will have a whopping 65 games and so they feel "there's sufficient choice in the marketplace and that we're still better off using that money that we'd put into backwards compatibility in either investing in new games or using that money to help support bringing the price down." Meanwhile, Sharples tells GameDaily, "We have made clear on many occasions that our priority is on developing innovative new features and services for PS3 and not on backwards compatibility."We really hate to do this, but we swear Sony must honestly think consumers and the press have the memories of goldfish. Let's just take it back to the PlayStation brand for two seconds. Sony's own Phil Harrison clearly and distinctly said in a 2006 interview with GamePro, "Backwards compatibility, as you know from PlayStation One and PlayStation 2, is a core value of what we believe we should offer. And access to the library of content people have created, bought for themselves, and accumulated over the years is necessary to create a format. PlayStation is a format meaning that it transcends many devices -- PSOne, PS2, and now PS3." A little over a year and "core values" go right out the window. Who needs backwards compatibility anyway when you've got 65 games to sell?[Via PS3 Fanboy]Read: Maguire explains PS3 BC lossRead: 40GB PS3 Confirmed for Europe; Sony Gives Up on Backwards Compatibility
40GB's loss of backwards compatibility explained
Now that Sony has finally come clean and announced its new 40GB PlayStation 3, it's got some "splaining to do." The biggest issue on most gamer's minds is why Sony decided to cut the backwards compatibility feature that linked the PS3 with the PlayStation consoles that came before it.SCEE managing director Ray Maguire said Sony will use the money it dedicated towards backwards compatibility to invest in new games or to perhaps lower prices so more gamers can afford to buy a PS3. "It was a big decision, and we know it is a very emotive subject as lots of people think that backwards compatibility is high on the agenda and yet few really use it," he said.We're not sure how Maguire came to this conclusion, but the PS3's backwards compatibility feature is always one that we've appreciated for a long time. With Sony's commitment to a 10-year life span of its hardware and games still being published for last generation's console, it seems like an odd choice to "cut the cord" at this point.
40GB PS3 official for Europe -- no backwards compatibility, at all
Sony has announced that the 40GB version of the PS3 will enter the European market on Oct. 10th, for a price of €399 ($565). The unit sports only two USB ports (instead of four) and does not include the multi-memory ports. And, in a move we absolutely cannot understand, the new model is not backwards compatible with PS2 discs. Seriously.Since BC is handled by software emulation (in the 80GB model), why is it gone from the 40-gigger? It's not that DVD support has been removed from the Blu-ray drive, as Sony continues to hype DVD movie upscaling. But the official line is, "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." Extensive? Don't even get us started...If BC's on your checklist, you best scoop up a Starter Pack (now €499) "while stocks last."[Via PS3 Fanboy]
SCEE announces new 40GB PS3 to launch at ???399
It's official. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has just announced a new 40GB PS3 which will launch in Europe for the price of €399. It will be available starting October 10th. As predicted, the new model features two USB 2.0 ports rather than four and no longer includes the multi memory card port. Strangely, the model also loses backwards compatibility support for PS2 games.The existing 60GB Starter Pack will be reduced in price to €499. It will be on sale "while stocks last," as the 60GB model is being phased out, as it was in America. Update: Patrick Seybold from Sony Computer Entertainment America has no real comment about the 40GB model being made available in the US. "We have not made any announcements for new SKUs or configurations for our territory." We're willing to bet we're going to hear something soon.
