40gbPs3
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Wal-Mart spreadsheet claims 40GB PS3 "will be replaced" in August
Not even ten months after rumors began swirling about the introduction of a 40GB PlayStation 3, we're now seeing hints that Sony's low-ender will soon be replaced. Based on this alleged Wal-Mart spreadsheet, the 40GB PS3 console "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August," which seems pretty clear cut on the surface. Granted, this "new model" may just include a sweet plastic Olympics medallion to commemorate the occasion or a fancy new vibrating controller, so don't go thinking that an entirely fresh form factor is just around the bend. Not that we'd complain about that, though.[Thanks, Khattab]
Sony's Kaz Hirai says new PS3s use 65nm chips after all, partly
It hasn't exactly been easy to pin down the exact type of chips used in the new 40GB PlayStation 3s, but Sony's Kaz Hirai now appears to have finally put the matter to rest -- at least for now. In an interview with the folks at Impress, he said that the new model does in fact use the swanky new 65nm process for the Cell chip after all, but not for the system's RSX graphics chip, which gets stuck with the same power-hungry 90nm chip as before. Despite that, Hirai says that the new Cell chip alone is enough to "cut the power usage of the system considerably," an amount that had previously been been reported as 120 to 140 watts (down from 200 watts before). In related news, Hirai also confirmed that neither the 20 or 60GB models (with their increased backwards compatibility) are in production at the moment, but he said that "depending on how the market reacts, it's possible for Sony to produce them again."[Via IGN, thanks um]
40GB PS3 pops at a big box
From its initial denial to FCC leak to stockroom delivery, we've watched the low(ish) priced 40GB PS3 make its slow decent through the Sony corporate birth canal to its November 2nd accouchement. So what's this, did an overly enthusiastic Wal-Mart break yet another street date? Seems so. These shots are from the Birmingham Alabama store -- on shelves and ready for purchase according to our tipster. Giddy up! One more shot of that mad 40 / 40 label after the break, dog.[Thanks, H. Phillips]
Tretton financial math: New PS3 + PS2 < Old PS3
In an interview with Newsweek, Sony America CEO Jack Tretton explains why the 40GB PS3's lack of backwards compatibility with such simple math, it's hard to argue. Tretton breaks down the math all fancy like and makes intelligible that which we've been missing this whole time. The old 60GB PS3 with full BC was $600. The new 40GB PS3 with no PS2 BC is $400. By adding the cost of a PS2 at $129, the total for the two consoles is $529 ($70 less than the original 60GB price). Tretton says, "I've got two machines that do everything the same machine did a year ago at $599. So it's hard for me to see that as a negative for the consumer." That may be some fantastic spin, but at least it's not a lie. Of course, the math would be easier to swallow if the 60GB wasn't really $500, and if said consumer hadn't come to depend on the PS3's upscaling of old games.Tretton goes on to avoid answering any questions regarding the 80GB PS3 model (now dropping to $500) and its chances of getting roped into the same clearance sale the 60GB model was. He goes on to say that the framerate issues in Madden 08 were simply due to the system's newer technology -- the same complaints heard from developers on every PlayStation system so far. Tretton concludes that "at the end of the day, the developers got up to speed, the consoles enjoyed an extremely successful long ten-year road map." With any luck, the 40GB PS3 will finally reveal the road map Sony needs for the PS3's next ten years.
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]
PS3 model CECHH01 lands at the FCC
Well, it looks like that CECHG01 model PlayStation 3 wasn't the only one that the FCC got to spend a bit of time with recently, with the hereto unheard of CECHH01 model now also finding its way into a couple of more recent filings with the commission. While we can't say for sure what's what, that model number is certainly more than a tad similar to the recently revealed 40GB CECHH00 model announced for Japan, which would seem to suggest that this one can't be all that different. Additionally, from what little info we could glean online (see link below), it appears that this particular model packs a "new board" and, most likely, two USB ports instead of the usual four. More on this as we get it.Read - FCC filingRead - Watchman, PS3 model info
Sony's 40GB PS3 headed for America next month?
Go on and file this one away in the rumor drawer, but on the same token, don't be utterly shocked if Sony looses its 40GB PlayStation 3 on American soil next month. According to The Hollywood Reporter, SCEA "will unveil a $399 40GB PlayStation 3 on US shores," and moreover, sources were quoting November 2nd as a likely launch date. Currently, we've no reason to believe that we Americans would receive anything other than the pared down machine that the Europeans were introduced to last week, but we'll be sure and keep you posted on any further developments.[Via PS3Fanboy]
Sony launches 40GB PS3 in Europe for €399
Right on cue, the 40GB PlayStation 3 is indeed being confirmed by Sony. Announced today in London, the system that's been clamored over for what seems like ages now will "launch throughout the SCEE territories" on October 10th for €399 ($565), which means you don't have too awfully long to wait (or save up, for that matter) before getting your hands on one. Of note, the new model does feature just a pair of USB 2.0 ports rather than four, it no longer boasts the multi-memory card port and it is "no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 titles." Also, the existing "60GB PS3 Starter Pack" will be reduced to €499 ($707), but only while supplies last. We'll keep our ear to the ground in case the news eventually impacts the US. Check out the new addition in high-resolution below.[Via PS3Fanboy]%Gallery-8190%
One hour later: 40GB PS3 rumor returns, announced tomorrow?
Ok, this is now getting sad. With Sony just denying the "Big Bang" announcement, the on again, off again, 40GB PS3 rumor is back on. Big time, according to an "exclusive" over at Pocket-lint. According to their "multiple sources," Sony will announce the 40GB "core" PS3 tomorrow at a price of £299 -- the same model we expect to hit the US for $399. Also expected is a £56 price reduction on the UK's 60GB PS3 making it £369 in time for the holidays -- those Sony "value pack" bundles will see the axe. The 40GB PS3 is expected to feature WiFi, Blu-ray, and SIXAXIS controller but will lose 2x USB slots, the memory card reader, and backward compatibility chip -- not a loss for European gamers whose compatibility is ensured via software. All the changes are expected this month if the rumor holds up. Tomorrow, it's only a day away.Update: A report from France's Les Echos seems to back Pocket-lint's claim: a €399 40GB PS3 in time for Christmas. A Sony spokesman would not confirm details but did say that an announcement was "imminent."
Sony Europe denies "Big Bang" PS3 announcement on the 12th
Oh, Sony, how you tease us so: first you (maybe) confirmed a PS3-related announcement on the 12th, and then we got wind of that lower-priced 40GB model, and now you just up and take it all away. That's right, Sony Europe has officially denied that any announcement -- let along a "Big Bang" -- is taking place on the 12th, thus dashing our hopes of blowing $399 the good way. We're still pretty convinced a 40GB SKU is coming -- the circumstantial evidence is just too strong -- but it looks like we'll be waiting a little bit longer than we thought.[Via Joystiq and PS3 Fanboy]
