Earlier this week Sony officially announced a new revised version of their Playstation 3 game console which is both slimmer and cheaper. The new system’s thickness has been reduced by two thirds, it is lighter (7.05 lbs versus 11lbs in the older system), and it uses a 45nm cell processor (versus the 65nm cell processor in the older system). …Continue reading … »

This week Sony announced that they will be selling their 40GB Playstation 3 game consoles in Japan. In addition to the black console the Japanese market will also be getting the ceramic white version pictured above. The consoles will be priced at 39,980 Yen (which is approximately $340) . Sony’s 40GB PS3 will be available to Japanese buyers on November 11th.

My guess is that we’ll also see the US version of the 40GB PS3 sometime in November as well. I think with the new low price many people who once considered it too expensive may now be interested in purchasing it and also that Sony will want to capitalize on the upcoming shopping season.

[source:I4Unews]

In an interview the CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, David Reeves,
stated that he felt that for the European PAL market it made more sense to do a more significant upgrade in hard-drive capacity than a mere 20 gigabyte increase(such as from 60GB to 80Gb). He stated that he felt that a doubling of the capacity would be more appropriate for the market. This is interesting because in light of recent price reductions for the 60GB PS3 it seemed as if Sony had taken to the idea that making the PS3 as inexpensive as possible was the best way to get it into the hands of the consumer. Also if the 120GB version is produced it will most likely make its way to the US in one form or another. More info on this possible 120GB PS3 as it comes in.

[source:CVG]

Rumours have been circulating that the 60 GB playstation would be sold at $499 only until its until current stock on hand was sold out and then discontinued. Current stock was assumed to be deplete at the end of july. However, Dave Karraker of Sony Computer Entertainment of America stated that they have enough current stock for several months. So it seems for now that consumers will have plenty of time to take advantage of the price reduction.

[source:Joystiq]

Sony has reduced the price of the playstation 30 with the 60 gigabyte harddrive to $499 from $599. As well they are bringing a 80gigabyte version at $599 which will be coming to the market in August. This is really good for consumers and I predict there will be another price reduction during the holiday shopping season also. Now if only the PS3 can get some really good games.