I would say the slim model came 3 years too late.
Sony doesn't have much choices but to drop the price and drop the cost of the console in order to stay competetive. The sooner the better for them.
Of course, a redesign doesn't end cost cutting and while a new redesign is not likely to come out, the cost will still be cut several times before this gen ends.
The previous redesigns have also been made in need, not maybe in similar need as the PS3, but at least to boost the sales and fix hardware issues.
Yes it's eventually possible to cool it without a fan, although we likely don't see the fan getting dropped out, due to the need for very expensive heatsink and i don't think it's yet possible to do with the tech today anyway.
Ei Kiinasti.
Eikä Japanisti.
Vaan pannaan jalalla koreasti.
Nintendo games sell only on Nintendo system.
