As lifecycle draws to a close, Sony announces one more “new” PlayStation 3
posted:
9/19/2012 7:37:00 AM
More On:
PLAYSTATION 3
It looks like Sony is going to milk this current console generation for one more version, as they announced early this morning that new PlayStation 3 models will be hitting worldwide later this month. The new models will come in 350GB, 500GB and a 12GB Flash only European version. The North American markets will be getting two options, a $269 bundle (September 25th release) that has a 250GB HDD and a $299 model (October 20th release) with a 500GB HDD.
Besides the additional memory for the same price (160GB to 250GB and 320Gb to 500GB), the other update will be in the size and weight. According to the release, the internal architecture has been redesigned allowing for a reduction over the current “slim" models by 20%-25%. The one new item that I might question is the inclusion of a sliding disk cover, which to me means one more thing to break. Once images start to hit, it will be interesting to see how that fits into the design as compared to the front load system in the current skus.
The quick analysis shows that Sony is trying to counteract the Wii U this holiday season by offering more small upgrades (and a cheaper flash-only version in Europe) to a seven-year-old product. If you are looking to add a PS3 for the first time, this might be an opportunity. However, with the new Xbox and PS3 within sight (likely in the next 12-18 months), this is little more than window dressing on an older product.
[Update: Dan] Found some images, it definitely has a "cheaper" look than previous versions. Will have to see it in person as to how the disk door works.
Besides the additional memory for the same price (160GB to 250GB and 320Gb to 500GB), the other update will be in the size and weight. According to the release, the internal architecture has been redesigned allowing for a reduction over the current “slim" models by 20%-25%. The one new item that I might question is the inclusion of a sliding disk cover, which to me means one more thing to break. Once images start to hit, it will be interesting to see how that fits into the design as compared to the front load system in the current skus.
The quick analysis shows that Sony is trying to counteract the Wii U this holiday season by offering more small upgrades (and a cheaper flash-only version in Europe) to a seven-year-old product. If you are looking to add a PS3 for the first time, this might be an opportunity. However, with the new Xbox and PS3 within sight (likely in the next 12-18 months), this is little more than window dressing on an older product.
[Update: Dan] Found some images, it definitely has a "cheaper" look than previous versions. Will have to see it in person as to how the disk door works.
New Smaller And Lighter PlayStation®3 To Hit The Worldwide Market
To Further Accelerate Expansion of the PlayStation®3 Platform towards Upcoming Holiday Season
TOKYO, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that a new PlayStation®3(PS3®) computer entertainment system (body color: charcoal black / classic white*1), featuring a new design and a downsized form factor, will become available worldwide this holiday season. The new PS3 will come in 3 models including extended built in Hard Disk Drive (HDD) capacity of 500GB model and 250GB model, and a newly added 12GB flash memory model initially for Europe only. Availability of models, prices and launch dates of the new PS3 system in each region are as follows
Storage size
Recommended Retail Price
Launch Date
North America
HDD 500GB
US$299
October 30th
HDD 250GB
US$269 (bundle only) *2
September 25th
Europe/
PAL territories
HDD 500GB
€299*3
September 28th
Flash Memory 12GB*4
€229*3
October 12th
Japan
HDD 500GB
29,800 Yen (including tax)
October 4th
HDD 250GB
24,900Yen (including tax)
October 4th
Thanks to a complete redesign of the internal architecture, the volume and weight of the new PS3 has been reduced by more than half compared to the very first PS3 model with a 60GB HDD, and by 20% and 25% respectively compared to the current PS3. By adopting a sliding disk cover, the new PS3 continues with the characteristic sleek curved body design, which fits various places in the home and enables users to enjoy an array of entertainment content.
With the extra HDD capacity which has been extended from 320GB and 160GB, users can store and enjoy more and more entertainment content including games, music, photos, and video on the new PS3. In addition, the new PS3 with 12GB flash memory offers opportunities to experience the world of PlayStation® at an affordable price point. Users can also expand the storage capacity of the 12GB flash memory PS3 by connecting a dedicated HDD (250GB) to be released concurrently with the new model5. In addition, a variety of accessories will be introduced by SCE to meet various kinds of needs from users including a vertical stand that offers more flexibility in how the new PS3 can be displayed*6.
Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 3,300 titles and more than 4,100*7 downloadable PS3 games are available worldwide, thanks to support from a broad range of third party developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from third party developers and publishers as well as SCE Worldwide Studios, including Assassin's Creed III (Ubisoft Entertainment.), Call of Duty Black Ops 2 (Activision Publishing, Inc.), Madden NFL 13 (Electronic Arts Inc.), PlayStation® All-Stars Battle Royale, LittleBigPlanet Karting, God of War: Ascension (Sony Computer Entertainment), and more.
SCE will further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform which is in the 7th year of its lifecycle, by continually releasing a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles and offering users a choice from a variety of hardware models.
*1
The new PS3 in classic white will become available in Japan from November. Other regions and countries will follow this
*2
Only PS3 system bundled with software title will become available.
*3
Prices will vary by country across Europe.
*4
PS3 with flash memory 12GB will be sold in Europe and Hong Kong
*5
When using dedicated HDD, flash memory cannot be used as inner storage
*6
Users will need to use the separately sold "Vertical Stand" to set the new PS3 in vertical position.
*7
Includes PS one® classics and free of charge content (downloadable demos).
Product Outline
PlayStation®3 (CECH-4000 series)
Product name
PlayStation®3
Release date
North America: September 25th, 2012(HDD 250GB)
October 30th, 2012(HDD 500GB)
Europe: September 28th, 2012 (HDD 500GB)
October 12th , 2012 (Flash Memory 12GB)
Japan: October 4th , 2012
Recommended Retail Price
HDD 500GB model: $299/ €299/ 29980 yen (including tax)
HDD 250GB model: $269 (bundle only)*1/24980 yen (including tax)
Flash memory 12GB model: €229
Product code
CECH-4000series (Charcoal Black / Classic White)
CPU
Cell Broadband Engine™
GPU
RSX®
Audio output
LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC.
Memory
256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
Storage size
CECH-4000A : Flash Memory 12GB
CECH-4000B : HDD 250 GB
CECH-4000B : HDD 500GB*2
Inputs/
Outputs*3
Hi-Speed USB
(USB 2.0)
2
Networking
Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) × 1
IEEE 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth® 2.0 (EDR)
Controller
Wireless Controller （Bluetooth®）
AV output
Resolution
1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i (for PAL 576p, 576i)
HDMI OUT connector*4
1
AV MULTI OUT connector
1
Digital out (optical) connector
1
BD／DVD／CD
drive (read only)
Maximum read rate
BD × 2 (BD-ROM)
DVD × 8 (DVD-ROM)
CD × 24 (CD-ROM)
Power
AC 220 – 240, 50/60Hz*5
Power consumption
Approx. 190W
External dimensions
(excluding maximum projecting part )
Approx. 290 × 60 × 230 mm (width × height × length)
Mass
Approx. 2.1kg *6
Included *7
PlayStation®3 system × 1
Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®3) × 1
AC power cord × 1
AV cable × 1
USB cable × 1
*1
Only PS3 system bundled with software title will become available at launch timing.
*2
Hard disk capacity calculated using base 10 mathematics (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes). System software versions 1.10 and later calculate capacity using binary mathematics (1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes), which will display lower capacity and free space. A portion of hard disk capacity is reserved for system administration, which varies depending upon system software version, and is not available for use.
*3
Usability of all connected devices is not guaranteed.
*4
"Deep Colour" and "x.v.Colour (xvYCC)" defined by HDMI ver.1.3a are supported.
*5
Power changes depending on countries or regions.
*6
PS3 with flash memory 12GB weights approximately 2.0kg
*7
For certain regions, Euro-AV cable will be included.
Note: This product is not compatible with PlayStation®2 games.
Vertical Stand (CECH-ZST1J)
Product name
Vertical Stand
Release Date
North America: September 25th, 2012
Europe: September 28th, 2012
Japan: October 4th , 2012
Recommended Retail Price
North America $14.99
Europe €14.99
Japan 1,800yen （including tax）
Product code
CECH-ZST1
Included
Vertical Stand （CECH-ZST1） × 1
External dimension
Approx. 120 mm x 17.5 mm (diameter × height (thickest part)
Mass
Approx. 200g
Supports
CECH-4000 series
*
The "Vertical Stand" is for the new PS3 system (CECH-4000 series) and cannot be used on the current model.
Dedicated HDD(250GB) for PlayStation®3 (with attachment) (CECH-ZHD1)
Product name
Dedicated HDD(250GB) for PlayStation®3 (with attachment)
Release date
October 12th, 2012
Recommended Retail Price
€89.99
Product code
CECH-ZHD1
Included
HDD 250GB （CECH-ZS1） × 1
External dimension
Approx. 88 mm x 18 mm x 260 mm (width × height × length)
Mass
Approx. 115g
Supports
CECH-4000A
*
The "Dedicated HDD(250GB) for PlayStation®3 " is for the new PS3 system (CECH-4000A) and cannot be used on the other models.
To Further Accelerate Expansion of the PlayStation®3 Platform towards Upcoming Holiday Season
TOKYO, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today announced that a new PlayStation®3(PS3®) computer entertainment system (body color: charcoal black / classic white*1), featuring a new design and a downsized form factor, will become available worldwide this holiday season. The new PS3 will come in 3 models including extended built in Hard Disk Drive (HDD) capacity of 500GB model and 250GB model, and a newly added 12GB flash memory model initially for Europe only. Availability of models, prices and launch dates of the new PS3 system in each region are as follows
Storage size
Recommended Retail Price
Launch Date
North America
HDD 500GB
US$299
October 30th
HDD 250GB
US$269 (bundle only) *2
September 25th
Europe/
PAL territories
HDD 500GB
€299*3
September 28th
Flash Memory 12GB*4
€229*3
October 12th
Japan
HDD 500GB
29,800 Yen (including tax)
October 4th
HDD 250GB
24,900Yen (including tax)
October 4th
Thanks to a complete redesign of the internal architecture, the volume and weight of the new PS3 has been reduced by more than half compared to the very first PS3 model with a 60GB HDD, and by 20% and 25% respectively compared to the current PS3. By adopting a sliding disk cover, the new PS3 continues with the characteristic sleek curved body design, which fits various places in the home and enables users to enjoy an array of entertainment content.
With the extra HDD capacity which has been extended from 320GB and 160GB, users can store and enjoy more and more entertainment content including games, music, photos, and video on the new PS3. In addition, the new PS3 with 12GB flash memory offers opportunities to experience the world of PlayStation® at an affordable price point. Users can also expand the storage capacity of the 12GB flash memory PS3 by connecting a dedicated HDD (250GB) to be released concurrently with the new model5. In addition, a variety of accessories will be introduced by SCE to meet various kinds of needs from users including a vertical stand that offers more flexibility in how the new PS3 can be displayed*6.
Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 3,300 titles and more than 4,100*7 downloadable PS3 games are available worldwide, thanks to support from a broad range of third party developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from third party developers and publishers as well as SCE Worldwide Studios, including Assassin's Creed III (Ubisoft Entertainment.), Call of Duty Black Ops 2 (Activision Publishing, Inc.), Madden NFL 13 (Electronic Arts Inc.), PlayStation® All-Stars Battle Royale, LittleBigPlanet Karting, God of War: Ascension (Sony Computer Entertainment), and more.
SCE will further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform which is in the 7th year of its lifecycle, by continually releasing a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles and offering users a choice from a variety of hardware models.
*1
The new PS3 in classic white will become available in Japan from November. Other regions and countries will follow this
*2
Only PS3 system bundled with software title will become available.
*3
Prices will vary by country across Europe.
*4
PS3 with flash memory 12GB will be sold in Europe and Hong Kong
*5
When using dedicated HDD, flash memory cannot be used as inner storage
*6
Users will need to use the separately sold "Vertical Stand" to set the new PS3 in vertical position.
*7
Includes PS one® classics and free of charge content (downloadable demos).
Product Outline
PlayStation®3 (CECH-4000 series)
Product name
PlayStation®3
Release date
North America: September 25th, 2012(HDD 250GB)
October 30th, 2012(HDD 500GB)
Europe: September 28th, 2012 (HDD 500GB)
October 12th , 2012 (Flash Memory 12GB)
Japan: October 4th , 2012
Recommended Retail Price
HDD 500GB model: $299/ €299/ 29980 yen (including tax)
HDD 250GB model: $269 (bundle only)*1/24980 yen (including tax)
Flash memory 12GB model: €229
Product code
CECH-4000series (Charcoal Black / Classic White)
CPU
Cell Broadband Engine™
GPU
RSX®
Audio output
LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC.
Memory
256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
Storage size
CECH-4000A : Flash Memory 12GB
CECH-4000B : HDD 250 GB
CECH-4000B : HDD 500GB*2
Inputs/
Outputs*3
Hi-Speed USB
(USB 2.0)
2
Networking
Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) × 1
IEEE 802.11 b/g
Bluetooth® 2.0 (EDR)
Controller
Wireless Controller （Bluetooth®）
AV output
Resolution
1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i (for PAL 576p, 576i)
HDMI OUT connector*4
1
AV MULTI OUT connector
1
Digital out (optical) connector
1
BD／DVD／CD
drive (read only)
Maximum read rate
BD × 2 (BD-ROM)
DVD × 8 (DVD-ROM)
CD × 24 (CD-ROM)
Power
AC 220 – 240, 50/60Hz*5
Power consumption
Approx. 190W
External dimensions
(excluding maximum projecting part )
Approx. 290 × 60 × 230 mm (width × height × length)
Mass
Approx. 2.1kg *6
Included *7
PlayStation®3 system × 1
Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®3) × 1
AC power cord × 1
AV cable × 1
USB cable × 1
*1
Only PS3 system bundled with software title will become available at launch timing.
*2
Hard disk capacity calculated using base 10 mathematics (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes). System software versions 1.10 and later calculate capacity using binary mathematics (1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes), which will display lower capacity and free space. A portion of hard disk capacity is reserved for system administration, which varies depending upon system software version, and is not available for use.
*3
Usability of all connected devices is not guaranteed.
*4
"Deep Colour" and "x.v.Colour (xvYCC)" defined by HDMI ver.1.3a are supported.
*5
Power changes depending on countries or regions.
*6
PS3 with flash memory 12GB weights approximately 2.0kg
*7
For certain regions, Euro-AV cable will be included.
Note: This product is not compatible with PlayStation®2 games.
Vertical Stand (CECH-ZST1J)
Product name
Vertical Stand
Release Date
North America: September 25th, 2012
Europe: September 28th, 2012
Japan: October 4th , 2012
Recommended Retail Price
North America $14.99
Europe €14.99
Japan 1,800yen （including tax）
Product code
CECH-ZST1
Included
Vertical Stand （CECH-ZST1） × 1
External dimension
Approx. 120 mm x 17.5 mm (diameter × height (thickest part)
Mass
Approx. 200g
Supports
CECH-4000 series
*
The "Vertical Stand" is for the new PS3 system (CECH-4000 series) and cannot be used on the current model.
Dedicated HDD(250GB) for PlayStation®3 (with attachment) (CECH-ZHD1)
Product name
Dedicated HDD(250GB) for PlayStation®3 (with attachment)
Release date
October 12th, 2012
Recommended Retail Price
€89.99
Product code
CECH-ZHD1
Included
HDD 250GB （CECH-ZS1） × 1
External dimension
Approx. 88 mm x 18 mm x 260 mm (width × height × length)
Mass
Approx. 115g
Supports
CECH-4000A
*
The "Dedicated HDD(250GB) for PlayStation®3 " is for the new PS3 system (CECH-4000A) and cannot be used on the other models.
