SCEE announces new 40GB PS3 to launch at €399

Posted Oct 5th 2007 11:40AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: News

It's official. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has just announced a new 40GB PS3 which will launch in Europe for the price of €399. It will be available starting October 10th. As predicted, the new model features two USB 2.0 ports rather than four and no longer includes the multi memory card port. Strangely, the model also loses backwards compatibility support for PS2 games.

The existing 60GB Starter Pack will be reduced in price to €499. It will be on sale "while stocks last," as the 60GB model is being phased out, as it was in America. Update: Patrick Seybold from Sony Computer Entertainment America has no real comment about the 40GB model being made available in the US. "We have not made any announcements for new SKUs or configurations for our territory." We're willing to bet we're going to hear something soon.

=====

London, 5 October 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced details of its exciting new PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) model that will launch throughout the SCEE territories on 10th October 2007 at the highly attractive price of €399.

Providing an incredibly appealing entry point to the world of High Definition gaming and entertainment for the holiday season, the new PS3 brings the next generation of interactive home entertainment to homes all across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia.

Along with an ever 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, 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.

The new model is 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*, comprising a 60GB PS3 with extensive backwards compatibility, an additional SIXAXIS wireless controller and two first party titles will be reduced in price to €499. Remaining on sale while stocks last, the 60GB model represents outstanding value for the keen gamer wishing to upgrade to the High Definition capabilities of PS3.

"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 incredibly affordable High Definition gaming and 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.

*In the UK and Ireland, the Starter Pack will be replaced by a separate in-store promotion on the 60GB PS3.

Tags: 40gb, playstation-3, ps3

Read
Permalink
Email this
Linking Blogs
Comments [78]

Related Headlines

40GB pre-orders go on sale (Yesterday - 26 Comments)
Comparison: Is the 40GB PS3 such a bad deal? (9 days ago - 41 Comments)
Pachter: SCEA reluctant to announce 40GB due to 60GB supply (12 days ago - 21 Comments)
PS3 labeled "best media center" by EISA (46 days ago - 35 Comments)
Cheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB (536 days ago - 82 Comments)

Reader Comments

(Page 1)

1. It probably will be alot more expensive here though. :(

Posted at 11:47AM on Oct 5th 2007 by Bocom

2. Awesome! Now people can quit bitching about the price and go get one.

Although, I am surprised they announced it today if it is not on sale until Oct. 10.

Won't that hinder sales for the next 5 days in Europe?

I guess the announcement for the US will come at a later date?

Posted at 11:49AM on Oct 5th 2007 by AG23

3. wait....so none for USA?

Posted at 11:50AM on Oct 5th 2007 by Justin

4. Why would they remove software emulation? It's not even a factor in reducing production costs?

And more importantly, how will this impact the future of backwards compatibility in the higher-end 80GB models?

This seems even more boneheaded than Microsoft's initial stance on/approach to backwards compatibility with the 360.

I wonder how much public outcry/hate mail/death threats this will generate? For that matter, I wonder how much of the aforementioned feedback it will take before Sony reinstates software emulation for PlayStation 1 and 2 titles?

Posted at 11:52AM on Oct 5th 2007 by Pajama Party!

5. Amazing, in a long list of goofs, this one is tops on the list. Losing PS2 Backwards Comp is mind boggling!!!! Bury it and then Bury the shovel.

Posted at 11:52AM on Oct 5th 2007 by BrandonG

6. Loosing BC means NOTHING

F'ING NOTHING!

the average consumer will NOT CARE ffs

do not start saying sony will loose, IT IS NOW AFFORDABLE. LEAVE IT AT THAT!

Posted at 11:59AM on Oct 5th 2007 by jesus christ

7. maybe they will sell the emu software off the ps store?

Posted at 12:00PM on Oct 5th 2007 by sinergy

8. the lack of ps2 bc is awful to me. i have a huge collection of ps2 games and if i had a ps3, wouldnt want to leave the PS2 hooked up at the same time

Posted at 12:01PM on Oct 5th 2007 by JodyAnthony (FDF - Hedonism Bot)

9. @5

Why is it so mind boggling? People have jumped all over the PS3 since it was released about the price and now that they are finally getting the price down to a reasonable level, people are still bitching!

Plus, how many ps2's have been sold in the world? 110 million + was the count when I last looked. Don't you think that most people(not all) that want a PS3 already have a PS2!

Some people will never be happy. They have to cut costs somewhere and given the fact that the majority of gamers already have a PS2, this made sense IMO.

Posted at 12:02PM on Oct 5th 2007 by AG23

10. no. sorry. losing bc is a very big deal. I know they wanna make the thing affordable but what a way to confuse and screw the consumer. If I see my friend palying god of war 2 on his PS3 and I go out and buy on thinking i can play it on mine too and I can't, heads would roll!

Posted at 12:03PM on Oct 5th 2007 by Akamaru

11. Sorry Jesus Christ "but Loosing BC means NOTHING"
Delusional. The average customer is a ps2 gamer. You are very wrong.

Posted at 12:06PM on Oct 5th 2007 by BrandonG

12. Never said anything about the price buddy. NO PS2 support is mind bloggling. Do anything else to the system but losing PS2 BC is not acceptable. This coming from a company that has shouted to everyone how they love BC and the other guy doesn't. They are a sham.

Posted at 12:06PM on Oct 5th 2007 by BrandonG

13. Losing the BC, bad bad move imo. Well it's the 60gb bundle for me or nothing.

Posted at 12:07PM on Oct 5th 2007 by Neptune

14. BrandonG

You can ALWAYS buy the other models that have BC...so you can play GoW2 just like your friend :D

Posted at 12:08PM on Oct 5th 2007 by Noshino

15. "And more importantly, how will this impact the future of backwards compatibility in the higher-end 80GB models?"

It will not impact the 60's or the 80's I think. The compatibility list is mostly fixed at this point I wager. As to why it isn't compatible...

There is a second chip besides the EE chip which is present even in the 80GB set. I don't know much other than it is not so easily replicated. But it does cost money.

Honestly, this division actually makes more sense than the "core" 20GB model. Both are equal as PS3 systems, but one cuts out last gen titles for a cheaper price for both you and Sony. And at that price difference, you could probably afford a PS2 if you change your mind later.

Posted at 12:08PM on Oct 5th 2007 by borland502

16. Give it up guys. Unless the end of the world would have happened had they included PS2 BC. NOTHING will make this make sense.

Posted at 12:10PM on Oct 5th 2007 by BrandonG

17. Good news,can't wait for the NA press release. Now everyone can stop bitching about the price. As for Backward Compatibility...good thing I still have my PS2.

Posted at 12:10PM on Oct 5th 2007 by FM

18. nothing "strangely" about it. They removed the PS2 graphics synthesiser chip from the starter versions. (only the Emotion Engine was emulated in software).

Anyone know when these are available?

Anyway, my only comment would be: Xbox360 R.I.P

Posted at 12:10PM on Oct 5th 2007 by Mak

19. You people are unbelievable. You piss and moan about the price and when Sony gives you a cheaper alternative you continue to piss and moan! Grow up. You can’t get something for nothing. You want to pay less, then you will get less. Quit your crying.

Posted at 12:11PM on Oct 5th 2007 by Parker

20. Who cares... I have 60+ ps2 games, and didn't buy a ps3 to play them. I have a ps2 for them. I bought a ps3 to play ps3 games and to watch high def movies on my hdtv.. Everyone just needs to stop bitching about everything sony does.

Posted at 12:11PM on Oct 5th 2007 by ashkungfu

Next 20 Comments

Add your comments

Please keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Email addresses are never displayed, but they are required to confirm your comments.

When you enter your name and email address, you'll be sent a link to confirm your comment, and a password. To leave another comment, just use that password.

To create a live link, simply type the URL (including http://) or email address and we will make it a live link for you. You can put up to 3 URLs in your comments. Line breaks and paragraphs are automatically converted — no need to use

or
tags.

DS Daily: Missing out DS Fanboy Lite: Oct. 20 - Oct. 26 Boy risks life for GBA, we wonder what he would do for a DS Become a Virtual collector Friday Video: Remake retrospective Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines	Why do Open Source coders do it? Kelly Services in SL Daniel Terdiman's Entrepreneur's Guide to SL Alcatel-Lucent's New Contest Canada Post Brings The Great White North to SL Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines
Mat, sweet mat Wii Warm Up: Is Wii Fit the next Wii Sports? 1UP offers up 5 must-have titles Iwata on China: I'd tap that Friday Video: Lord of the magic Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines	Ready, set, carve! GoW pumpkin carving contest Rock Band's track list (almost) fully revealed Halo 3 map talk and a Halloween surprise Rumor: Leaked screens show IPTV and Fall update [update] Build it yourself, a paper Halo 3 Legendary Edition Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines
The big games left for 2007 Today's most Tron-in-reverse video: The Gamer trailer Japanese hardware sales, Oct. 15 - Oct. 21: Surprisingly boring edition Rumor: 360's IPTV features spotted in dashboard Rock Band strat may not rock with Guitar Hero 3 Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines	Marni Feathered Evening Bag, Handbag of the Day Joe's Jean Heavy Twill Jacket David Yurman Elongated Citrine Necklace Thanksgiving Dinner in Paris Marion Hall, Estate of the Day Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines
	Mercedes musuem hosts most powerful artificial tornado Leopard vs. Vista: feature chart showdown Toshiba A2 HD DVD Player for $200 at Circuit City Guitar Hero III's wireless guitar battery pack costs you more moolah Sony's 40GB PS3 arrives in retail store stockrooms Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines
KDDI au's Autumn and Winter 2007 collection AT&T targets a more mature audience with new plan Knockoff artists take "nano" in "iPhone nano" too seriously Apple refusing to accept cash for iPhone, limits 'em to two per person FCC Fridays Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines	Download Squad Week in Review Weekend Web 2.0 roundup for October 27th Flex for free YouTube getting a redesign, sunglasses needed Minimo web browser unlocked on the iLiad eBook reader Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines
Mazda debuts new-gen Rotary in Taiki show car UAW/Chrysler contract ratified - phew! New website helps Canadians import cars from U.S. for less SEMA Preview: Bourget Shredder F-80 425-HP V8 Quadracycle All we want for Christmas is a Ford GT Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines	PlugSuit: legacy plugins in Safari 3 for Leopard Flickr Find: Mac-O-Lantern iPhones: 2 per person and no cash, please Leopard Day in Knoxville Liveblogging the Leopard install Subscribe with My AOL, MyYahoo or Bloglines