PS3 SLim is finally announced!

[L.S.D]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10312144-1.html

 

Sony on Tuesday finally took the wraps off the much-rumored PS3 Slim and gave it the more affordable $299 price tag consumers have been clamoring for.

 

Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai performed the unveiling at a press conference in Cologne, Germany, preceding the opening of the Gamescom Expo. He took the stage and announced the PS3 was "getting a new model" and that, indeed, it was called the PS3 Slim.

 

The Slim is hitting stores September 1 in North America and Europe and will cost $299 (or for those who live in regions, 299 euros or 29,980 yen). Hirai says the device has the same features and functions as the "old" PS3 but is 33 percent smaller, 36 percent lighter, and comes with a 120GB hard drive. (See photo comparison here).

 

Sony says that to achieve the new form factor, the internal design architecture of the new PS3 system has been completely redesigned--"from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the cooling mechanism."

 

The PS3 Slim is powered by a new 45nm version of the Cell processor, which runs at the same speed as the 60nm processor in the "old" PS3 but is smaller and more energy efficient. According to company reps, power consumption for the Slim has also been cut to two-thirds, "helping to reduce fan noise," which is important.

 

Kaz Hirai unveils the PS3 Slim in Cologne, Germany.

 

On the cosmetic front, this model has a textured surface finish that gives the PS3 a fresh, casual look that the company hopes will make it more appealing to a wider audience (read: casual gamers). As previously rumored, the PS3 logo has undergone a redesign and Sony's changing the PS3 brand name from "PLAYSTATION 3" to "PlayStation 3" (we've actually been calling it the PlayStation 3 for a while).

 

Like the 80GB and 160GB models, the 120GB PS3 Slim has built-in Wi-Fi and two USB ports (sorry, Sony didn't add IR or backwards compatibility for PS2 games). You can also upgrade/replace the hard drive without voiding the warranty, though Sony has moved the hard drive from the side of the unit to the front for "easier access." (To remove the hard drive, you simply unscrew two screws). The one feature missing from the Slim is the ability to install another operating system (i.e., Linux)--Sony is doing away with that feature.

 

With earlier PS3s, you could prop your unit up vertically or lay it down horizontally. Out of the box, the Slim is only designed to be used in a horizontal position, but Sony will sell a $24 stand that allows you to stand it up vertically.

 

In making the move to the PS3 Slim, Sony will be upgrading the firmware to 3.00 and phasing out its legacy 80GB and 160GB models, selling them for $299 and $399 respectively.

 

John Koller, director of hardware marketing for Sony Computer Entertainment America, says they've been able to run down inventory of older models, but he didn't have the best answer as to why someone would buy an old 80GB model over the new 120GB Slim. "Some people want a unit right away and they may like the look of the old unit," he said. "People will have their reasons for wanting one."

 

I might finally break down and get this despite the fact not to be able to mod this

[Wizard]

Worst kept secret of 2009.

 

No BC = No sale.

[solidius23]

im buying one i need a bluray player for my bedroom anyway will be nice to finish a game in bed sometimes, plus its only fair i have 2 360's i may as well have 2 ps3s.

[Shibathedog]

I think it looks stupid, I would rather have the regular one. It isn't really very small either.

[L.S.D]

But it is definitely cheaper! And it is 120GB!

[Inky]

no backward compatability and they removed the option to install linux. everytime they put out a new version of the PS3 they make it worse.

until there is an easy mod available I will continue to skip it.

[Agozer]

Now I might finally start thinking seriously about buying a PS3, backwards compatibility or not.

[L.S.D]

BC is not really revelant now. If I buy a next gen console, I want to see upgraded visuals and audio. I could never go back to PS2-era graphic again. The only game I am seriously thinking of playing from PS2 is only the Final Fantasy series and Metal Gear Solid, so it is not a big loss.

 

Linux O/S is no longer supported? Meh, i don't touch that either.

 

So, 120GB, more power efficient (I am expecting a power brick ), cheaper price = SOLD!

[Smilee]

With this new version coming out I'm strongly thinking of picking one up. Just the fact that it's a ps3 that's 300 bucks is good enough for me. Sure it doesn't have BC, but I haven't gotten a chance many ps3 games that I wanted to play ever since I've had my 360. Coolest thing is that it comes out next month.

[LoRd_SnOw]

It looks great, I only wish they made the top glossy and the PS3 Logo abit more sharper like the PS2 and PSP logo.

 

I will be picking up one of these for the living room for blu-ray, movies, photos etc. Atm, i have my launch xenon 360 sitting in the living room as a primary dvd player.

[2eyez]

I already got the 40gig version so I'll pass on this until it burns out. I could care less about Linux or BC, I got a comp and PS2 for that. $299 plus tax ain't so bad.