New 40 GB PS3 Info (be prepared for moans and groans, it'll be painful)

[davygee]

NJ5 said:
Thanks Just_Ben ;)

By the way, whoever has read my prediction about this model being smaller in size than the previous models, knows that, being true, this move might actually help Sony's fight for Japan. I just don't see how removing 2 USB ports can be seen relevant as a cost-cutting measure, so my prediction is that they're removing some hardware to make the PS3 smaller. That would be a good move, especially for the Japanese market.

I totally back you up as well.

The Euro 60Gb model has the GS chip as well as emulation of the EE.  The new 40Gb model is rumoured to not have the GS or EE chips...which means that unless they can emulate the GS, there will be no backward compatibility.

But, seeing as Sony introduced the EE and GS at the last minute seeing as they were having problems getting the emulation working in time for the release of the PS3, then this states to me that they had initially intended for the PS2 games to be played on the PS3 through emulation only.

We will see though.  Anyway, a smaller design would be good IMHO.  And especially good for Japan.

Also, the latest rumoured info is the following:

The 40Gb PS3 will be released in the UK for £299, with the 60Gb PS3 reduced to £369 (with retailers likely to reduce the price further to £349).  Apparently the 60Gb starter pack will be phased out.  Although it is unknown whether the starter pack price is being reduced to £369 or whether it is just the standalone 60Gb model.  Also, it is expected that the 60Gb standalone model will be phased out as well, with the 80Gb model becoming the top line model, although we are unsure when the 80Gb model will be released in the UK.  It is also rumoured that the 40Gb model will come with either a free game or a free Blu-Ray video.

My thoughts are this:

If the 60Gb is being reduced to £369 (with retailers expecting to reduce further to £349) and this does not include the 2 free games and free controller, then there is really no saving in buying this model, seeing as you can pick up the Starter Pack for £399 at the moment and can sometimes get another free game as well.  But, if the £369 (£349) priced model is in fact the starter pack, then this is a fantastic deal compared to the 40Gb (£299) model seeing as you are getting a bigger hard drive, card reader, extra usb's and BC as well as 2 games and extra controller for £50 more...brilliant value.

What I suspect:

40Gb model - RRP £299 with Free Blu-Ray movie...maybe Spiderman 3 (Retailers dropping price to £289 or including a free game...maybe Resistance or Motorstorm).

60Gb Starter Pack - £369, available on the market until they are sold out (Retailers trying to get price down to £349, but more likely to include another game)

60Gb model - £369 (Retailers reducing price to £349 and including either extra game or Blu-Ray video), there are more in stock so will take some time to sell all units.

80Gb model - £369 when it is released, maybe not until 2008.  This will replace the 60Gb models.