It is, finally, official. Sony's PS3 Slim is out next month, with a 120GB hard drive and a £250 price tag.
"Today is the day we introduce the PS3 Slim, available in stores from the first week of September," said President and CEO of SCE Kaz Hirai.
Specs and size? The PS3 Slim will ship with a 120GB hard drive, as expected and is 32 per cent smaller, 36 per cent lighter, with 34 per cent less power consumption.
"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," Sony has announced.
SLIM PS3 BREAKS COVER: Sony releases press pics of the old PS3 model against the new PS3 Slim
"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."
Tokyo motion
In other news, the much-hyped PS3 'Wand' Motion Controller will be shown off at the Tokyo Game Show next month - with Sony clearly having to hold something back for its legions of fans back home.
Kaz Hirai noted that while Tokyo will be about motion control, it was PlayStation 3's "shape and form" he was here to talk to us about today.
Sony considers the Cologne event to be the third major date on Sony's annual gaming calendar (following E3 in June and TGS in September).
"It brings the world media together with hundreds of thousands of consumers," Hirai said of the Cologne-based GamesCom event.
New features of the PS3 Slim include:
- PS3 system software update version 3.00 - The PS3's system software will be upgraded to version 3.00 on September 1, with the new update adding 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.
- 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 their TV remote control. .
- A "Vertical Stand" for the new PS3 Slim - a separately sold "Vertical Stand" will allow users to set the PS3 Slim in a vertical position, making it easier to place the PS3 system anywhere at home (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.)
- The 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.
So, looks like that's it for Linux on the Slim PS3 then!
In order to WIN yourself a PS3 Slim, head over to TechRadar's PS3 Slim and Batman: Arkham Asylum competition right now!
Your comments (12) Click to add a new comment
ratcatcher
August 19th 2009
12. BTW, PS2 compatibility was dropped due to cost.
Original US launch consoles included the entire PS2 chipset (Emotion Engine & Graphics Synthesizer).
When Sony released the European version they dropped the EE / GS chipset (to reduce costs) and replaced it with full cell-based software emulation for the EE and a custom hardware/software combination for the GS).
Because of the unorthodox way certain PS2 developers used the GS, problems occurred with the software side of the GS emulation resulting in limited backward compatibility. As high production costs were a problem anyway, Sony decided to drop PS2 BC altogether in subsequent models.
It's possible Sony have cracked the GS technical issue (maybe this feature might turn up in a future firmware update) but I wouldn't hold my breath.
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ratcatcher
August 19th 2009
11. @watcherzero - If only that were true. Yes we pay a higher sales tax than the US but that's already been factored into the price.
Corporations like Sony charge more here because they can get away with it. They know UK consumers will accept it like sheep so they keep doing it (& that goes for the likes of Ford, Microsoft, Adobe, etc too).
Until we refuse to buy overpriced goods we'll always pay more.
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mbb
August 19th 2009
10. The very first versions in the UK had PS2 compatibility, I believe - the 60GB SKU had an Emotion Engine on the mobo. But I agree that it's stupid to stop offering the option and they say "but no one's buying it for that".
When I bought my PS3 if they'd offered a cheaper one with no PS2 and more expensive on with it, I'd have bought the PS2 one. The ridiculous thing is, they CAN do it with software emulation - stick it in the firmware update!!
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watcherzero
August 19th 2009
9. Ratcatcher, 15% of that 40% is VAT, the rest is because everything costs more here such as store rent, wages, etc so companies have to charge more.
From the launch "The reason for no PS2 backwards compatability is because 90% of those surveyed buying a PS3 wernt buying it for that feature" of course not! thats because they cant, we never had it here and only early US and Japanese versions had it sow hy would you uy a ps3 for it?
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castaway666
August 19th 2009
8. "7. I keep expecting so see the words 'Sonny PlayNation' on it or something. It just looks so cheap."
brilliant, I agree... I'm sure I've seen this down Camden Market a few months back!
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mbb
August 19th 2009
7. I keep expecting so see the words 'Sonny PlayNation' on it or something. It just looks so cheap.
Also, what the hell gives with the PSP Go pricing? £25 cheaper than a PS3, almost twice the price of a DSi. Mental.
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ratcatcher
August 18th 2009
6. How can Sony justify charging UK buyers almost 40% more than US buyers? It's the same kit!!
UK £250.00 = $410.00 approx
US $299.99 = £183.00 approx
Just another example of greedy corporations trying to rip-off UK consumers (I certainly won't be buying one at that price).
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mtomto
August 18th 2009
5. Any new wireless card spec? PS3 sorely needs a wireless N adapter/card... (to stream movies from computer. It would be amazing (and/but is very wishful thinking!!.)
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zoydwheeler
August 18th 2009
4. Are you INSANE? This is a thousand times better looking that that awful and ugly old doorstop. This is going to convince me to finally buy a PS3. And who cares that I won't be able to install Linux. NOT ME!
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blueskythinker
August 18th 2009
3. Hmm - not sure about the look of the PS3 Slim. I still think the old PS3 looks cool.like the big harddrive and the less power consumption though
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jmace86
August 18th 2009
2. Haha! Well now that the article title has been changed my comment just looks silly!
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jmace86
August 18th 2009
1. I thought it was going to be €300? Surely that means it should be less than £300. You can buy a PS3 now for under £300!
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