Sony confirms 40GB PlayStation 3 model

PS3 News | AU$699.95/£299, all backward compatibility removed.

After a prolonged period of speculation about a new, cheaper PlayStation 3 model coming, it has finally been confirmed. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe and Sony Computer Entertainment Australia updated their websites this morning with press releases announcing the new 40GB PS3 model, which will retail for AU$699.95 in Australia, €399 in Europe and £299 in the UK. It will be available across SCEE territories on October 10, and will hit Australia on October 11.

Apart from the obvious reduction in hard drive size, this new model has had the memory card reader cut, the number of USB ports reduced from four to two, and all backward compatibility with PlayStation 2 software has been completely removed. Contrary to some rumours, the new model retains Wi-fi and the HDMI output. In line with the recent Tokyo Game Show announcement, the system will not come with the newly announced Dual Shock 3 controller, but will be packed with the still standard Sixaxis controller.

“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 Michael Ephraim, Managing Director SCE Aust. and New Zealand. “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 PS3 owners. PS3 has always been the device of choice for the discerning gamer and entertainment seeker, the new PS3 along with our extensive list of new and exclusive game franchises makes it, more than ever, the perfect High Definition entertainment system.”

Sony Europe said the current 60GB model with backward compatibility will remain available in the 'Starter Pack' with two games for the lowered prices of €399/£349 while stocks last, but there was no mention of the previous model in the Australian press release.

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99 Comments

Juztin

4 years ago

Not bad if you just want to play PS3 only games and a actual gaming console then a 'multimedia console' I suppose.

Marka

4 years ago

Good news, this price range has me more interested in a PS3. But Will they ever pack Dualshock 3 with PS3 consoles when it is released, or are they goin to make us pay extra for somthing that should have been there in the first place.

littlemo

4 years ago

I thought BC was software based, so the 40gig strips software support out too then? - If so someone explain how taking a software feature out save Sony money when the 60 will still support it....????

donovan515

4 years ago

Ok that sucks no BC at all? How are they saving money if it's software based?

But the 60GB is being reduced in price does anyone know?

Jim Dash

4 years ago

^ I don't know guys, doesn't make sense to me.

Good price point thouh, will make it easier for many to take the plunge. But come on, no backwards compatability? Thats beyond a joke.

fatpizza

4 years ago

I'm pretty sure they are only removing PS2 Compatibilty. As remember you can buy PS1 games from the store, so it would be retarded to remove the ability to play them.

Snixtor

4 years ago

Just because something sells cheaper doesn't mean it's cheaper to manufacture. The features removed from this 40gig model are pretty minimal in terms of manufacture cost. Slightly smaller hard drive, few less USB ports and no memory card reader. Even at retail for PC parts, what does a few USB ports, memory card reader and 20gig increase in hard drive size cost? $60?

I'd say this has very little to do with manufacturing costs and everything to do with selective marketing. Instead of reducing the price of the PS3, they're releasing a slightly downgraded one so that they can still get the full price from the enthusiasts that demand the full experience, while also getting the money of those that wouldn't stretch their budget to the more expensive model.

Funny though when you think that the money you save on this downgraded model could easily afford you a slimline PS2 if you're still that keen on playing the oldies.

seany

4 years ago

Hopefully they keep selling a 60gb/80gb full version. It is sad they are getting rid of PS2 backwards compatibility. It was why I bought a PS2 and why I bought the PS3 on release. Otherwise you need multiple consoles to play all the games.

Anyway remember only the EE was emulated the PS2 Graphics card was in the 60gb version so we could enjoy PS2 games in HD.

ittekimasu

4 years ago

If only they left the damn BC in it, wth justifies not supporting PS2 games with software, as if downloading and upgrading firmware is going to cost them.

DrTim

4 years ago

God this sucks. Not only do they remove the dam BC (one of the best features IMO) they still over price it here in AUS. $700 is still to much for such a mutilated piece of hardware.

donovan515

4 years ago

Does anyone know if existing 60GB bundles will get a price drop if so, how much?

Passa

4 years ago

fatpizza wrote

I'm pretty sure they are only removing PS2 Compatibilty. As remember you can buy PS1 games from the store, so it would be retarded to remove the ability to play them.

Exactly. They're more than happy to leave in PS1 emulation as they can make money off that. I might have actually considered this if they didn't get rid of the PS2 B/C, and there is no way in hell that I'd get one of the more expensive 60GB models, especially when it comes with two games I have absolutely no interest in playing.

VOOK

4 years ago

At $699 it is now the cheapest BRD player on the market, further cementing Australia has a BRD country as HD-DVD doesn't even try here.

Plus you get a Playstation with it.

dragoonf144

4 years ago

They got rid of the Graphics Synthesiser which worked with software to emulate PS2 Games. Before software emulation, the Emotion Engine Chip + the Graphics synthesiser worked together which was Hardware emulated.

Without the Graphics Synthesiser, there is no hope of BC unless maybe they used the RSX cell to emulate PS2 games

Marlor

4 years ago

donovan515 wrote

Does anyone know if existing 60GB bundles will get a price drop if so, how much?

Kotaku is reporting that the 60GB model will be phased out over the next few months, and the 40GB model will be the only one available after that in PAL territories.

So it's certainly possible that there will be clearance sales on the 60GB in the near future, since it is now basically a discontinued unit.

arbok

4 years ago

dragoonf144 wrote

whats the graphics synsthesier?

fatpizza

4 years ago

I don't think it's such a bad move really. For example I have a bucketload of PS2 games but I've only ever played 2 of them with any regularity on my PS3. They are Pro Evo6 and Final Fantasy XII.

If I was to choose I'd still get the starter pack as your bascially getting the 60GB for $700 with additional extras.

sEiFeR

4 years ago

What the f**k? No one will buy this, and if you do, I hope your bending over and happy to take it from Sony

killer1500

4 years ago

fatpizza wrote

Yeh did anyone actually play PS1 games on there PS3? Did anyone ever play any Xbox 1 games on the Xbox 360?

I sure as hell didnt.

However when you buy a console, it kinda makes you feel more comfortable that all your old games work.

Also if it wasnt such an important buying feature, why has every console on its launch date supported backwards compatibility, including the Wii. It maybe a useless feature that you never use, but it gives consumers piece of mind when buying it.

Marlor wrote

donovan515 wrote

Does anyone know if existing 60GB bundles will get a price drop if so, how much?

They should keep the high end model. It would be a stupid movie on Sony's half if they dont. I dont think they should scrap BC completely, nor should they scrap the high end model, especially with some sort of Play TV or IPTV launching in the future. Its also a selling feature and a reason to get the high end sku, a good example of this is the Core Xbox 360, no BC at all defiantly hurts it, even if it came bundled with a memory card.

I hope they dont get rid of the 60 gig model, mind you I have allready got a PS3 so I guess it doesnt bother me much.

VOOK wrote

At $699 it is now the cheapest BRD player on the market, further cementing Australia has a BRD country as HD-DVD doesn't even try here.

Plus you get a Playstation with it.

$700 is value for money if your in the market for BR player. HD-DVD has been slow in Australia because Toshiba didnt actually have distrubtion rights in Australia untill recently.

However you should have noticed its increased presence in retailers recently, and many stores have been recently stocking HD DVD aswell as Blu Ray.

Its not over untill the fat lady sings.....a $200 HD-DVD player could kill Blu Ray completely off.

lordofthesheep

4 years ago

I think it's important here to remember that a brand new PS2 only costs about $160. There's your backwards compatibility.

dc0079

4 years ago

Missing a few USB port is one thing, but no backward compatibility? It's only a software emulation, how much can that cost?

arbok

4 years ago

sEiFeR wrote

What the f**k? No one will buy this, and if you do, I hope your bending over and happy to take it from Sony

I think you will find that it will sell extremely well, but i agree with you that knowledged people like ourselves believe we are getting the raw end of the deal here.

I WANT BC!

Maikii

4 years ago

It's amazing reading some of the comments around the net re; BC. I mean if it means that much you still have the option of buy the current 60GB model before they run out, and if that dosen't suit you buy the 40GB and a PS2 (that's assuming you don't already have one ???) and you're still looking at about $850 (less than $999).

PS3 needed a price cut desparately - a $300 cut overnight with a loss of 20GB of HDD space, memory slots theat are never used, and BC which I doubt many average people would use - is the right move.

diogenes92

4 years ago

I think they should have brought the 20GB model into PAL territories (cheaper price though then 40GB obviously lol) and also keep the 60GB and bring the 40GB still. A wider selection but if 40GB will be the only one I think sometime next year an 80GB is possible for Europe...

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