Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. on Wednesday unveiled a new PlayStation 3 game console that is slimmer and lighter than the current model and will hit the global markets in September at significantly lower prices.
Sony's announcement comes after months of rumors and anticipation. Sony is slashing the price of the PlayStation 3 by $100 in hopes of boosting sales of the console ahead of the important holiday season.
Sony will cut the price of the currently available 80 GB PlayStation 3 effective immediately, to $299. It is also launching a slimmer, lighter model with a 120 GB hard drive in early September; that version will also cost $299.
Sony also cut the price of its existing 160 GB PlayStation 3 by $100, to $399. All price cuts apply worldwide.
The new PlayStation 3 (CECH-2000A) (body color: charcoal black) system, features an streamlined form factor with a 120GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD).
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.
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 " " 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 enhance the entertainment experience along with the ever-growing PlayStation?Network.
The new PS3 continues to offer the 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.
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 (XrossMediaBar), with short cuts to each piece of content. PS3 will evolve continuously with the system software updates. 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.
- BRAVIA Sync Feature
The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA Sync 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.
- "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.
- 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.
Sony's new PS3 device will compete with Nintendo's Wii game console, which sells for $250, and Microsoft's Xbox, coming at a price ranging from $200 for a simple version with no hard drive to $400 for the "Elite" version that comes bundled with games.
Sony did not cut the price of its handheld gaming system, the PlayStation Portable.
Product Outline
PlayStation 3 (CECH-2000A)
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: 2.5" Serial ATA 120GB
Inputs/ Outputs: Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) x2
Networking: Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) ? 1
IEEE 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)
Controller: Wireless Controller Bluetooth
AV output Resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i (for PAL 576p, 576i)
HDMI OUT connector x 1
AV MULTI OUT connector x 1
Digital out (optical) connector x1
BD/DVD/CD drive (read only):
Maximum read rate
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:
PlayStation3 system ? 1
Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK3) ? 1
AC power cord ? 1
AV cable ? 1
USB cable ? 1
The Wii has cost $250 since its 2006 launch, while Xbox 360 prices, following a series of reductions, range from $200 for a simple version with no hard drive to $400 for the "Elite" version that comes bundled with games. The basic PS3 model remains more expensive than the cheapest versions of its counterparts.
Sony did not cut the price of its handheld gaming system, the PlayStation Portable.