CONFIRMED: New PlayStation 3 AND A Price Cut
40Gb confirmed. 60Gb price cut confirmed. 10th October Launch.
Sony UK has finally put paid to the rumours of PlayStation price-cuts and of the new 40Gb unit by confirming both today.
The official line is as follows:
The new unit is pictured to the right. This time - it's official.
The official line is as follows:
"Sony Computer Entertainment UK (SCEUK) today announced details of two new PLAYSTATION3 (PS3) packs that will be launched on 10th October 2007. The existing PS3 Starter Pack will be replaced by a 60GB value pack at a price of £349. Additionally, a new 40GB entry level PS3 model will be introduced at £299.
Providing a highly attractive entry point to the world of high definition gaming and movies, the new PS3 is designed to bring the next generation of interactive home entertainment to households all across Europe. Along with an expanding line-up of PS3 titles (a total of 65 titles tracking across all genres by Christmas), the new PS3 is equipped with a 40GB HDD and includes all the features central to the High Definition entertainment experience; true next generation gameplay, stunning High Definition Blu-ray Disc movies, SIXAXIS wireless controller, USB, Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity, all powered by the Cell Broadband Engine, the digital heart of PS3.
As with the 60GB PS3, the new PS3 features upgradeable firmware allowing new features and functionality to be added to the system as time progresses. A recent firmware update, for example, enabled PS3 to upscale DVD’s played on the system to full 1080P High Definition.
The introduction of the new PS3 has been determined following user feedback from thousands of existing PS3 owners as well as research into future potential PS3 owners. The new model features two USB 2.0 ports rather than four and no longer includes the multi memory card port – both features that, for those who wish, can be enhanced or provided through the addition of readily available aftermarket accessories.
The new model is also 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 (a total of 65 titles across all genres by Christmas).
The existing Starter Pack will be replaced by a new Value Pack featuring a fully functioning 60GB PS3 with extensive backwards compatibility, a SIXAXIS wireless controller and two first party titles which will be offered at a price of £349. The 60GB model represents outstanding value for the keen gamer wishing to upgrade to the High Definition capabilities of PS3.
“As we approach our very first PlayStation Christmas, it is satisfying to be able to offer UK consumers the choice of two PlayStation 3 packages both now representing remarkable value,” commented Ray Maguire, managing director of SCEUK, “We have a brand new 40GB machine that represents an excellent entry point into the world of High Definition games and movies, and we have the fully featured 60GB machine being offered with two next generation gaming experiences at a highly competitive price.”
“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 David Reeves, President of SCEE. “It has allowed us to deliver an extremely advanced, yet highly affordable High Definition entertainment system, configured to the needs of the next generation of European PS3 owners. PS3 has always been the device of choice for the discerning gamer and entertainment seeker, and the new PS3 is more than ever the perfect High Definition entertainment system."
Providing a highly attractive entry point to the world of high definition gaming and movies, the new PS3 is designed to bring the next generation of interactive home entertainment to households all across Europe. Along with an expanding line-up of PS3 titles (a total of 65 titles tracking across all genres by Christmas), the new PS3 is equipped with a 40GB HDD and includes all the features central to the High Definition entertainment experience; true next generation gameplay, stunning High Definition Blu-ray Disc movies, SIXAXIS wireless controller, USB, Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity, all powered by the Cell Broadband Engine, the digital heart of PS3.
As with the 60GB PS3, the new PS3 features upgradeable firmware allowing new features and functionality to be added to the system as time progresses. A recent firmware update, for example, enabled PS3 to upscale DVD’s played on the system to full 1080P High Definition.
The introduction of the new PS3 has been determined following user feedback from thousands of existing PS3 owners as well as research into future potential PS3 owners. The new model features two USB 2.0 ports rather than four and no longer includes the multi memory card port – both features that, for those who wish, can be enhanced or provided through the addition of readily available aftermarket accessories.
The new model is also 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 (a total of 65 titles across all genres by Christmas).
The existing Starter Pack will be replaced by a new Value Pack featuring a fully functioning 60GB PS3 with extensive backwards compatibility, a SIXAXIS wireless controller and two first party titles which will be offered at a price of £349. The 60GB model represents outstanding value for the keen gamer wishing to upgrade to the High Definition capabilities of PS3.
“As we approach our very first PlayStation Christmas, it is satisfying to be able to offer UK consumers the choice of two PlayStation 3 packages both now representing remarkable value,” commented Ray Maguire, managing director of SCEUK, “We have a brand new 40GB machine that represents an excellent entry point into the world of High Definition games and movies, and we have the fully featured 60GB machine being offered with two next generation gaming experiences at a highly competitive price.”
“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 David Reeves, President of SCEE. “It has allowed us to deliver an extremely advanced, yet highly affordable High Definition entertainment system, configured to the needs of the next generation of European PS3 owners. PS3 has always been the device of choice for the discerning gamer and entertainment seeker, and the new PS3 is more than ever the perfect High Definition entertainment system."
The new unit is pictured to the right. This time - it's official.
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Comments
Showing the 20 most recent comments. Read all 29.
mrAnthony 5 Oct 2007 21:17
10/29
" "But if you haven't realised yet Microsoft isn't about who has the most under the hood its who has the best software with the best hardware to support each other"
Clerly you are confusing microsoft with other company, microsoft has the best hardware and best software, lol, give me a break. "
someone calling SS on saying microsoft ISNT the best. this is too weird.
also, i dont love the way xbox loves, either.
that made me laugh...
i cant beleive they are taking out BC. everything else is a good move, because people will buy it for the price, and think they are getting a good deal, and people who know more about the subject will just go, yeah its only £50 more, ill get that.
i guess. maybe not. who knows.
Clerly you are confusing microsoft with other company, microsoft has the best hardware and best software, lol, give me a break. "
someone calling SS on saying microsoft ISNT the best. this is too weird.
also, i dont love the way xbox loves, either.
that made me laugh...
i cant beleive they are taking out BC. everything else is a good move, because people will buy it for the price, and think they are getting a good deal, and people who know more about the subject will just go, yeah its only £50 more, ill get that.
i guess. maybe not. who knows.
Joji 5 Oct 2007 22:12
11/29
Smelly is right. This could well be a ploy, to atleast get hardcore gamers to buy the 60gb model, leaving the 40gb for the dunce like casuals, picking up sales either way. You never know people might see the price and bite, however if you can get much more for the extra £50, why would anyone in their right mind by a 40gb?
Still freaking stupid to take out BC, when PS2 games are all that breathing life into PS3 for the moment, til better PS3 games turn up. I won't even mention imports, as I'll have to keep my PS2, like I did my PS1 to play them.
Jeez Sony, one step forward (DS3) many steps back. All you need to do is add £300 price to the 80gb model and stop being so greedy. What should be interesting is finding out how they are gonna sell this 40gb model without marking it NOT COMPATIBLE WITH PS2/1 GAMES. Will Game be forced to explain the differences?
Once again, Sony, they are splintering their market. Very bad move.
Still freaking stupid to take out BC, when PS2 games are all that breathing life into PS3 for the moment, til better PS3 games turn up. I won't even mention imports, as I'll have to keep my PS2, like I did my PS1 to play them.
Jeez Sony, one step forward (DS3) many steps back. All you need to do is add £300 price to the 80gb model and stop being so greedy. What should be interesting is finding out how they are gonna sell this 40gb model without marking it NOT COMPATIBLE WITH PS2/1 GAMES. Will Game be forced to explain the differences?
Once again, Sony, they are splintering their market. Very bad move.
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headcasephil 5 Oct 2007 22:17
12/29
i think sony are trying to get it right but the one big worry with getting rid of backwards compatibility is the ps1 games one the ps store allso how have thay stoped it if its done by the bios the its easy well sort of re-right it i think it will sell like hot cakes in the fact that i no many people who want a ps3 but will not spend 425 on one games prices are good at pcworld as non are over 40 and as a blu ray player 299 is nothing
chris mcmahon 5 Oct 2007 22:43
13/29
phil cort wrote:
i think sony are trying to get it right but the one big worry with getting rid of backwards compatibility is the ps1 games one the ps store allso how have thay stoped it if its done by the bios the its easy well sort of re-right it i think it will sell like hot cakes in the fact that i no many people who want a ps3 but will not spend 425 on one games prices are good at pcworld as non are over 40 and as a blu ray player 299 is nothing
congratulations on the longest sentence ever
Joji 5 Oct 2007 22:57
14/29
Sure, no one is disputing the £300 price tag, but we should be getting the 80gb for that price, without any compromises. It could also be Sony trying to kill PS2 use, so PS3s sales will improve.
Beyond that, there's little logic here, since you shouldn't be dictating price when you are last. I'll hold out til the 80gb one is £300, as i need BC.
Beyond that, there's little logic here, since you shouldn't be dictating price when you are last. I'll hold out til the 80gb one is £300, as i need BC.
realvictory 6 Oct 2007 00:35
15/29
I'm not concerned about an extra 20GB when you already have plenty, and it's only £300... Backwards compatibility, if it really does save them money, is a trivial thing to lack - keep your PS2, problem solved.
It comes with games, internet service is free, and it plays Blu-rays, so I see it as a bargain, and it's about time Sony did it. The only problem I have is that I paid £425!
What I don't understand, though, is apart from being cheaper, what makes the XBox 360 any better than the PS3, and just because Microsoft made a games console, does that really make them cool? Here's something to think about - either way you've blown hundreds of pounds/dollars and hours of your life playing trivial games!
It comes with games, internet service is free, and it plays Blu-rays, so I see it as a bargain, and it's about time Sony did it. The only problem I have is that I paid £425!
What I don't understand, though, is apart from being cheaper, what makes the XBox 360 any better than the PS3, and just because Microsoft made a games console, does that really make them cool? Here's something to think about - either way you've blown hundreds of pounds/dollars and hours of your life playing trivial games!
PreciousRoi 6 Oct 2007 00:40
16/29
haritori wrote:
we are all gamers and true gamers (not fanboys) will want all three avalible home consoles...(goes on to "sell" the PS3)
Blah blah blah..."true gamers will want"...GAMES.
PS3 ain't got 'em. So why would any (non-fanboy) gamer want one?
I think you're describing a "true hardware collector". PS3 has what, 3 games worth owning currently? I'm sorry but for a "true gamer" the cost/reward equation isn't there. He's going to put his money elsewhere.
deleted 6 Oct 2007 08:28
17/29
PreciousRoi wrote:
haritori wrote:
we are all gamers and true gamers (not fanboys) will want all three avalible home consoles...(goes on to "sell" the PS3)
Blah blah blah..."true gamers will want"...GAMES.
PS3 ain't got 'em. So why would any (non-fanboy) gamer want one?
(Goes on to bore me)
so you dont want MGS4 or FFXIII or GT5... lol, you conviently left out where i mentioned its a bad investment in the short term but a good one long term. there is no doubting software is, well lacking to say the least but that will come, the N64 was lacking software for a long time (good software) but i challange anyone to say in the end it wasnt worth owning, almost everyone here is complaining still after what they have asked for in previous threads has happened A PRICE CUT, but now its here.
Normally im the first to attack sony for stupid comments and lackluster PS3 bundles, but why should i this time when they have actually done something worthwhile, sure its not to everyones taste but its there if you want it and no one is forcing you to buy it as i said were gamers and when we buy s**t we want the top model because well we just do, but i ask you to look at it like this,
Xmas 2007, Mum goes to buy little Jonny a PS3, See sees a £299.99 and £349.99 see asks whats the difference, and sales advisors says less memory card/USB ports, smaller hard disk and no BC, Jonnys Mum says well he has PS2 to play his old games, she doesnt even know what a hard disk is or care about its size, and she is advised that she doesnt even need the memory card ports as the hard disk saves games, what will she buy, what will parents buy, what will the great uneducated buy, what will young low income people buy, what will older low income people buy, what will the stores advertise the price of a PS3 as this christmas?
Its a good move and it will work.
Tomfresh 6 Oct 2007 11:01
18/29
I think that Sony's strategy is more subtle here. We all know that games sell through for Sony has been pretty bad, clearly someone has let the general populace know about BC and all the cheapskates are buying pes 2007 for their ps3's. Now if you offer the carrot of a cheaper console and place little importance on BC then the donkey won't give two hoots about what they may have lost to get this cheaper console. As for the hardcore well they'll clearly going to want BC so they'll pay for it regardless, so they keep their guranteed hardcore market (admit it, even you haven't bought a ps3 yet most of us will do) and then they can use the popular market to actually shift some of the ps3 titles that weren't selling as they'll have to buy them as pes 2007 doesn't work anymore. (The obsession with last years pes is due to someone i know who has a ps3 and only owns this title for it)
Someone at Sony is clealry worried about profit margins as clearly they are never gonna make a profit on the ps3s themsleves, not ever, so they better start getting some profit soon out of the games.
Someone at Sony is clealry worried about profit margins as clearly they are never gonna make a profit on the ps3s themsleves, not ever, so they better start getting some profit soon out of the games.
krus 6 Oct 2007 13:38
19/29
phil cort wrote:
i think sony are trying to get it right but the one big worry with getting rid of backwards compatibility is the ps1 games one the ps store allso how have thay stoped it if its done by the bios the its easy well sort of re-right it i think it will sell like hot cakes in the fact that i no many people who want a ps3 but will not spend 425 on one games prices are good at pcworld as non are over 40 and as a blu ray player 299 is nothing
Blimey! You didn't pass English at school then eh?
Nintendo 6 Oct 2007 18:08
20/29
Who bets that a 40gig verson doesnt actually exist and it will instead be an empty box in store to encourge people to "upgrade" to the 60gig one - cause they are guaranteed not to one
PreciousRoi 7 Oct 2007 01:37
21/29
I didn't convieniently leave out anything....and no, I don't want MGS anything(sure, I've played and enjoyed some of the past MGS titles, but I don't have any emotional investment in the series), FF anything, or GT5 (if it ever comes out, ok this one I might want, kinda, mebbe, but the "Prelude" isn't even out yet, and the microtransactions are a HUGE turnoff). But even if I did desire one or more of these games enough to pony up the exorbitant amount for the required console, none of those games are out yet, so why buy a PS3 now? There might be another price cut, or a better bundle later, like one with a DualShock...anywhoo, what really annoyed me was your implication that anyone who didn't want to own all three consoles isn't a "true gamer". I mean dude, wtf? Owning all three current consoles tells you more about someone's (likely parents) bank account balance than about their "gamerness". And while I might not appreciate some PC gamers looking down their noses at consoles, I'm not going to be the one to say that they aren't "true gamers".
You might as well say anyone who hasn't beaten Halo 3 solo on Legendary isn't a "true gamer"...
You might as well say anyone who hasn't beaten Halo 3 solo on Legendary isn't a "true gamer"...
PreciousRoi 7 Oct 2007 02:04
22/29
For the record I never said that this was a bad move by Sony, or criticsised them in any way (aside for the current dearth of availible games, which admittedly is a pretty hard knock, but it was relevant to the discussion).
What I took issue with was your cavalier attmept to define "true gamer" (and sell consoles). As well as ghettoize all others who pretend to "gamerness"...PC gamers, and people who only own one or two consoles are now redefined as "fake gamers".
What I took issue with was your cavalier attmept to define "true gamer" (and sell consoles). As well as ghettoize all others who pretend to "gamerness"...PC gamers, and people who only own one or two consoles are now redefined as "fake gamers".
realvictory 7 Oct 2007 02:33
23/29
Well, I wouldn't worry, because there's no such thing as a "True Gamer." Putting the word "true" in front of something doesn't really change its meaning. Why are people so keen to be categorised in the first place anyway?
But, still - this event is not a reason to complain:
Point A: The PS3 is now significantly cheaper than it was before.
Point B: You can get it even cheaper if you want, but you have to sacrifice a bit more. (What do you expect?)
Point C: People can buy what they like, whether other people like it or not.
But, still - this event is not a reason to complain:
Point A: The PS3 is now significantly cheaper than it was before.
Point B: You can get it even cheaper if you want, but you have to sacrifice a bit more. (What do you expect?)
Point C: People can buy what they like, whether other people like it or not.
DoctorDee 7 Oct 2007 11:07
24/29
Why is it that I can pre-order the 40gig PS3 today for £299, but I cannot pre-order the £349 bundle? Both bundles are launched on October 10th!
icanseeu 7 Oct 2007 16:15
25/29
DoctorDee wrote:
Why is it that I can pre-order the 40gig PS3 today for £299, but I cannot pre-order the £349 bundle? Both bundles are launched on October 10th!
because they havnt yet decieded which games to include in the pack yet.
DoctorDee 7 Oct 2007 16:29
26/29
icanseeu wrote:
because they havnt yet decieded which games to include in the pack yet.
A pack that goes on sale in three days!!! That's not very likely is it, the marketing and promotional material will have been printed already. They are either giving a choice of any first party titles, or two specific ones... but they know what they are going to be selling already.
They are just not putting it on sale for pre-order so as to not kill the £425 sales - that's why they delayed the announcement until merely days before the launch. But only an idiot would buy today at £425 when they know the £349 price point is days away. They can't break the release date, but one suspects they've negotiated rebates from Sony for stock in channel that is now worth less then they paid for it. So why don't they simply take pre orders?
tyrion 8 Oct 2007 07:44
27/29
DoctorDee wrote:
A pack that goes on sale in three days!!! That's not very likely is it, the marketing and promotional material will have been printed already. They are either giving a choice of any first party titles, or two specific ones... but they know what they are going to be selling already.
I'd guess it's because it's just a modification to an existing product bundle. Take the 2nd controller out and lower the price. Plus the "starter pack" has always just been an in-store promotion with Sony support.
The 40GB, however, is a new product hardware-wise, so you can pre-order it.
I dunno if that's the reason, but it may be the justification. :-)
Bentley 8 Oct 2007 11:31
28/29
Firstly, well done to SuperSaiyan4 on a much higher quality of post.
Second, a big two fingers at Sony for removing one of the best features of PS3... PS2 compatibility.
Who on Earth are they asking? Who is doing their market research? A quick straw poll of gamers this weekend told me in no uncertain terms that the majority were not interested in a PS3 that could not play PS2 games. Massive miscalculation on Sony's part, that. Not so bad if they kept the 60GB version out, but once it's gone, it's gone? In one move they've reduced the games available for PS3 by about 95%. It would not be so bad if PS2s were indestructible, but I'm on my third. So when that dies, my PS2 games collection is void forever? Games like Resident Evil 4 and Metal Gear Solid 3 are simply not worth playing? I think not, Sony, and I fear you're pushing your luck once again...
Second, a big two fingers at Sony for removing one of the best features of PS3... PS2 compatibility.
The new model is also 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 (a total of 65 titles across all genres by Christmas).
Who on Earth are they asking? Who is doing their market research? A quick straw poll of gamers this weekend told me in no uncertain terms that the majority were not interested in a PS3 that could not play PS2 games. Massive miscalculation on Sony's part, that. Not so bad if they kept the 60GB version out, but once it's gone, it's gone? In one move they've reduced the games available for PS3 by about 95%. It would not be so bad if PS2s were indestructible, but I'm on my third. So when that dies, my PS2 games collection is void forever? Games like Resident Evil 4 and Metal Gear Solid 3 are simply not worth playing? I think not, Sony, and I fear you're pushing your luck once again...
Joji 8 Oct 2007 13:48
29/29
That's right Bentley. I still don't understand who or why they removed basicly BC that runs through software and not hardware, like the U.S/Jap version. The PS2 library is maybe all that's entertaining PS3 owners now beyond DLC, since there's not much PS3 games out. Taking that away seems like suicide to me.
I'd certainly like to know where they got their info from 'about BC not bothering most gamers or whatever', because I don't recall being asked at all. I reckon they are going on pure assumption alone, otherwise they'd show us the evidence.
I'd certainly like to know where they got their info from 'about BC not bothering most gamers or whatever', because I don't recall being asked at all. I reckon they are going on pure assumption alone, otherwise they'd show us the evidence.