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Front side of 40GB PlayStation 3 shows only two USB ports and no memory card reader  (Source: SCEE)
SCEA president confirms incoming 40GB PlayStation 3 model

With the 40GB PlayStation 3 already loose and about in Europe, and a Ceramic White colored one bound for Japan, it’s nearly certain that a fourth PS3 SKU will be touching North American shores in time for the holiday buying season.

While SCEA’s public relations department has been strangely mum on the upcoming console, SCEA president Jack Tretton spilled the beans to Reuters early Thursday morning. Tretton said that the 40GB model will launch on November 2 at the expected price of $399.99.

Matching up with analyst expectations, the price of the 80GB model will fall the $499.99 – the price currently held by the 60GB PlayStation 3, which are becoming a retail rarity since Sony stopped producing it.

Like the 40GB PlayStation 3 hardware that is hitting the rest of the globe, the one bound for North America also will be without any form of backwards compatibility for PlayStation 2 titles. Original PlayStation games will still be playable through software emulation, but 40GB PS3 will be unable to support any PS2 games due to the removal of both the Emotion Engine and Graphics Synthesizer.

Dedicated PS2 hardware was first removed in the European PlayStation 3, and later the 80GB North American model, but those were still able to play a limited number of legacy titles. The new 40GB model will eschew classic games altogether, which Sony says is to better focus on making PlayStation 3 games rather than concentrating on making older PS2 games run on its newest hardware.

With the PS2 consistently outselling the newer PS3, Sony is still mass manufacturing the previous generation hardware. "We're choosing to focus on the PlayStation 2 consumer with the PlayStation 2, which remains incredibly relevant, and focus on the PlayStation 3 consumer with the new 40-gigabyte model and the great software coming out," Tretton said. "Backward compatibility is a nice secondary consideration, but it's far from the number-one priority."

The 40GB PlayStation is also equipped with two fewer USB ports and no memory card reader, which are available on the 80GB model, as a further cost-reducing measure. Tretton made no mention of the expected Spider-Man 3 Blu-ray Disc pack-in, though details of that may be saved for the pending official announcement.

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That's great
By novacthall on 10/18/2007 8:33:25 AM , Rating: 5
I'm not being sarcastic. Really, it is. Just show me the games.

I have been thoroughly unimpressed with PS3's game offerings so far. At least by this point in PS2's life cycle, we had an Ace Combat game, Onimusha, Gran Turismo, Silent Hill 2, Devil May Cry, GTA3 (late October, I know, but I'm throwing it in the hat anyway), SSX and SSX Tricky on the way. What have we got to do on PS3 right now?

Beans, that's what. Show me the games, Sony. Show me the games and you've got an easy buyer in me.




RE: That's great
By Chaser on 10/18/2007 9:15:34 AM , Rating: 4
I looked at Best Buy yesterday. On the shelves some of the games there were Oblivion, Folklore, Motorstorm, Heavenly Sword, Warhawk, Fear, Resistance Fall of Man, Virtua Fighter 5, several good pro sports games that good good reviews. And several more I can't remember. Although for the average buyer whats on the shelves at the time matters most theres several good titles that are going to be released in December and January 2008.

And before all the 360 Fanbois launch an assault on my reply all I am saying is for someone that is not a PC gaming genius is looking to buy a PS3 for gaming those aren't bad titles. Yes of course theres zillions more for the 360 and yes the incredible Halo 3, but to say there are "no games" for the PS3 is inaccurate.


RE: That's great
By Chaser on 10/18/2007 9:17:49 AM , Rating: 2
Not saying you novacthall but it is said often by many on this forum.


RE: That's great
By bkm32 on 10/18/2007 9:35:21 AM , Rating: 2
You're absolutely right; there a bunch of great games for the PS3. Sure, there aren't as many as on the X360 (but more than the Wii); however, there are a couple orders of magnitude more on the PS2, which will not (in any capacity according to the article) be supported on the PS3.

As a PS2 owner, this sucks, big time and again makes Sony's Tretton out to be a liar. Kutaragi may have been ecentric (read "nut-house crazy"), but at least he was honest.


RE: That's great
By Chaser on 10/18/2007 9:52:05 AM , Rating: 2
For me to be honest I'm more a PC gamer not a console guy. The PS3 is my first console ever because I felt at the time my PC would cover many of the 360 games that would come out and so I'd have more of a chance of getting some non PC/360 "exclusives" if I went PS3. Yes obviously that hasn't happened yet but from my point of view PS2 compatibility really wasn't a huge priority to me like it seems to be for others. Some people in this forum state that a lack of PS2 compatibility is the "kiss of death" for the PS3. I disagree. Sure its nice to have one device for all and I can appreciate that but I think cutting costs on the PS3 to make it more affordable was a smart trade off for those considering a new console. I have the 60GB and its kinda nice knowing I have the emotion engine hardware in mine but not that big of a deal to me personally.


RE: That's great
By Zoomer on 10/19/2007 7:31:49 PM , Rating: 2
Final Fantasy. Coming in a year, by most accounts. :)


RE: That's great
By Legionosh on 10/18/2007 10:13:41 AM , Rating: 4
I think you misunderstand what everyones means when they say there are "no games" for the PS3.

They are mainly referring to exclusives that are worth paying $500-$600 for (soon to be $400-500, but I think the lack of PS2 backwards compatibility is going to raise more of a fuss from the consumer than Sony cares to admit...yes that's a different topic but it does need to be mentioned in relation to this article).

Games like VF5 and Oblivion are either A) on the way to the 360 (with added features) or B) were there before the PS3 was launched (The PS3 version of Oblivion was slightly better, but not enough to make any real mention of).

Then there is the situation with most 3rd party games being superior on the 360 for one reason or another. That is supposed to change soon and games will be the same on both consoles, but for the time being that statement is true.

Folklore has been averaging about a 7.0, and after playing the demo a couple of times I have to agree. I was eagerly waiting for the demo and when it came out I hopped on it the minute it was available..and I was really disappointed. I guess I was expecting something else, but I still think the 7.0 average is about right.

Resistance was good, but there was something about it I didn't like, so I ended up not buying it. It wasn't something I could put my finger on, but it still seems like a good game none the less, just not my cup O' tea so to speak.

Motorstorm is fun, but far from the CGI "in game" footage everyone was shown at E3 2005 (2006?). Not a big deal but still when you promise something like that and you deliver something far less than what was promised, well people DO tend to take notice.

Heavenly Sword is really good, but also really short. Beat it in one day and then what? Halo 3's single player campaign may not be much longer, but the multiplayer aspect will keep fans coming back for a long time.

Warhawk? I haven't played it or the demo so I can't say anything about it. Maybe it's a great game. The reviews have been good so I'll go with it being worth owning if you are interested in playing a multiplayer only game.

I see you left out Lair (I assume that was on purpose..lol). People rag on Lair, but that's mainly because it was hyped as one of Sonys biggest titles for the holidays...and Gamespot gives it a 4.5. Gamespot is harsh when it needs to be so I tend to agree with most of their reviews (unless it's something blatantly wrong, but that doesn't happen too often).

Not to mention, if most games are on both consoles (save for the exclusives) and one console cost significantly less, which one do you think most customers would opt for?

..and please no "well adding HD-DVD cost $180, adding wi-fi.." argument. To game out of the box you pay $350 for a 360. HD cables, headset and all.

Yes, XBox live GOLD is an extra $7 a month (or $50-$60 a year), but I'll pay that as the LIVE service is heads and tails above anything the PSN can offer..at least at the present time? Will home change that? We'll see when it becomes available.

The $400 PS3 will definitely shake things up though (as will the drop to $500 for the 80GB), but I still feel the lack of PS2 backwards compatibility on the 40GB is going to bother a lot of people.

I am in Gamestop all the time (my friend also works there) and he and I see people all the time buying PS2 games to play on their PS3...heck I do it myself as I own a 60GB. So to think it will have no affect on the fans, in my opinion, is a big mistake on Sonys part.

Maybe when there are more games on the PS3 this won't matter as much, and there will more than likely come a time when it won't matter at all, but I don't think that time is now.

So in closing, sure there are games for the PS3..but are they worth buying a PS3 for when the 360 offers a better 3rd party game experience and some extremely good titles for this holiday season?

Kevin

legionosh@mns.com


RE: That's great
By michal1980 on 10/18/07, Rating: 0
RE: That's great
By Legionosh on 10/18/2007 12:58:11 PM , Rating: 2
..I read a few reviews on Folklore..I'm pretty sure I read IGNs as well.

The demo was short, but all demos are. The story I guess was ok, but I didn't care for the storytelling, nor the quirky style of the game (I am all for quirky games mind you..I guess I expected this game to be much "darker" than it was, hence why I stated that it was different from what I was expecting).

..and with most reviews of Folklore being in the 7.x range I can't see them all being wrong and the one lone high score being the only accurate one. The law of averages can be applied here..lol.

I think Halo 3's single player is a hair longer (depending on difficulty level on course), and Heavenly Sword does look better (although Halo isn't the most graphically impressive games on the 360 anyway. I'd give that one to probably Bioshock or Gears of War).

In regards to the story being better for HS, that could be argued, but since I haven't played HS I can't comment on that, but most people are satisfied with the story..

Kevin

legionosh@msn.com


RE: That's great
By Chaser on 10/18/2007 11:38:13 AM , Rating: 2
Kevin I believe your analysis come from a very technically well informed consumer's point of view.

with the holidays coming up and the $399 PS3 (with Spiderman 3 on Blue Ray per USA Today) many potential shoppers urged on by their kids or Mom's shopping for Christmas aren't going subject their purchase choice with the level of analysis of the details as much as you and many others on this forum do.

However, I agree that the simple statement of "well the 360 has more games" is obviously undeniable.

I also believe that the 360 is first and foremost a U.S. console. Whereas the PS3 balances out (at least some) with mostly better worldwide sales numbers. For many Europeans, Japanese and others they simple won't buy a 360 just to avoid M$ in anyway they can despite anything else. And thats not a personal bias for me. I think its great the 360 does well. I don't need one "to win" over the other to feel good.

To me brand loyalty is a factor to consider and perhaps brand disloyalty against anything from Microsoft for many in the UK, Australia, Japan and elsewhere is also a significant factor.


RE: That's great
By Legionosh on 10/18/2007 1:11:59 PM , Rating: 2
Chaser..what can I say, I read a lot..lol..

..but seriously, I do try to keep up to date on everything just so I know what's new, changes etc..and even if I sometimes seem to "rag" on a console it's always from a logical and a (usually) fact backed standpoint when at all possible..makes for a much more interesting argument when the fanboys start whining.

..and yes most shoppers (aka "little johnnys parents") aren't going to know anything..

..but you are right. If a customer can see things as simple as a larger game library then it can sway them one way or the other. The $400 price point will help Sony no doubt, but when the uninformed customer finds out his PS2 library doesn't work in his new PS3, I can see this raising a few tempers..

I think the 360s only real issue is the RROD. They shouldn't found a way to resolve this months ago...maybe the falcon and Jasper (?) chip revisions will fix that once and for all. That is the only complaint I hear from shoppers.

..that being said it IS one HECK of a complaint..lol..

Like you I don't avoid console X because company Y made it. It doesn't matter to me (although I do wish Phil Harrison and all the other egotistical heads of Sony Corp would go jump off a bridge..but that's just me..lol..)

The PS3 is a nice piece of tech, and I am glad I have a 60GB instead of a hampered 80GB or a crippled new 40GB..still I will be happier when the "good" games get here. :-)

Kevin

legionosh@msn.com


RE: That's great
By Locutus465 on 10/18/2007 1:44:14 PM , Rating: 2
Agreed with reliability being MS's biggest issue ATM (they're working on it apparently). I have a newer console that was doing great up till last night (HDMI enabled Premium). On the glass is half full side of life for MS it's not a classic RROD (though I do get a red light on the bottom right quarter of the ring). At least to the best of my knowlege classic RROD is a full red ring + no picture. Mine is getting the lower right side lit up red and an error message on screen "E 74" with hardware error written in multiple languages.

According to "the web" sometimes removing the HD or some paripherials will clear up this error, but no good in my case. Removed the HD, HD-DVD drive and kept the wireless controllers turned off and connected to the TV via composit inputs, still broken...

Now, to include a glass is half full for me... While my x-box is dead and my Wii is lent out to a certain speacial someone who is unfortunetly way to far away from me.... MS is not just sending me a shipping lable... They're sending me a shipping label + box + packing material + detailed packing instructions... When my Wii died all I got was a label, which was fine packing costs were about $6 anyway. And as if saving me the $6 wasn't enough, MS is also throwing in free XBL gold time (I think a month or so)...

Moral of the story here? Apparnetly I just don't mix well with next gen consoles! lol.... A bumb wii and a bumb x-box... Last gen I bought a new x-box and a used game cube... Never had any trouble with any of them (same girl that has my Wii ATM also has my old GC which still works perfectly, her sister has my XB1 and that still works great too).


RE: That's great
By Legionosh on 10/18/2007 1:57:07 PM , Rating: 2
..an HDMI premium? I know those are only a few months old at most..man I hate it for you. That really, really sucks.

My launch 360 needed to be replaced 1-2 months after launch, but the new one ran fine until it was traded in towards an Elite, which is holding up well.

(my box for my launch unit repair came with a label on one side, and the instructions specifically said to put the new label on a different side. Since I was scared to mess something up, I did exactly what it said...and my console ended up being lost for 2 weeks..lol..but they found it and shipped me a new console in it's place) :-)

(I also run a Nyko cooling fan. Even if it does add noise I'd rather deal with that rather the heat be in the console.)

But like you I hope they fix the RROD issue once and for all. I wonder how many more consoles they would have sold had people not been so hesitent due to the contant talk of "hardware failures"..

..and a Wii? Sounds like a stroke of bad luck...are you sure you didn't make Chuck Norris angry or something?..lol..his wrath is beyond measure. ;-)

..sadly it seems the PS3 is the most reliable so far this gen..

..here to hoping thing MS can fix this issue once and for all..

Kevin

legionosh@msn.com


RE: That's great
By Locutus465 on 10/18/2007 2:28:54 PM , Rating: 2
Well, kudos to Sony for building one solid machine... They got something right that is for sure.... Honestly I don't think this failure can be attributed to heat... Frankly the console didn't run exessivly hot, at least not by my standards.... And I did run it for 4 hour halo 3 marathons with some friends shortly after the halo 3 launch (fortunetly I already have my normal and heroic "badges").

Actually, I have a suspision that the trouble may end up proving to be a bumb DVD drive... I have no real firm evidence to back this up other than strange clacking & "electronic" noises when the system starts trying to boot. I could be wrong though.... Again, on the glass is half full side of life (at least for MS) this does not appear to be a RROD....

I'm also not prepared to say that current gen consoles aren't just fine in general based on my experiences... There are bound to be bumb hardware always... It's possible I just got a broken one... There's no dening though that this isn't the kind of thing MS needs... Perhaps something they can learn from Sony is how to build an effective hardware QA system.


RE: That's great
By nayy on 10/18/2007 11:38:58 AM , Rating: 2
I Agree with most of your arguments, but you seem to have a lot of free time to write that kind of post, lol

Personally I this is good news to me, I'm about to get me a 360, and this is sure to put pressure to Microsoft to offer something better than two free games, especially considering that with PS3 you get BR and 5 free movies, no that i care about that, but it certainly raises the ante.


RE: That's great
By Legionosh on 10/18/2007 1:25:57 PM , Rating: 2
..yeah, works been a little slow this morning..lol..

..and I also agree MS needs to counter this with more than Marvel:UA and Forza2. While I really like Forza 2 it just isn't enough. Plain and simple.

The PS3 is too close in price now to just assume the 360 console will outsell it based soley on it's current library, however superior it may be. Whether MS likes it or not the PS3 offers a lot more "out of the box"..HD cables excluded of course (the 40GB still doesn't come with HD cables does it?)

While HD (HD-DVD or Blu-Ray) hasn't gone mainstream yet, it is slowly but surely gaining popularity, especially as HDTVs become more mainstream...heck even BestBuy announced they'd no longer carry analog TVs. Not sure if they meant it will only be HDTVs only though..

..and Sony has HD (Blu-Ray anyway) out of the box. It is the better "value" hardware wise without question.

So they definitely need to counter the new 40GB and the lower 80GB with some sort of a price drop.

..although I don't honestly see them doing it. Don't ask me why, but I don't see MS doing a price cut to counter this, but if they were smart they would. Call it a gut feeling, but I just don't see it.

Then again on the last (only) 360 price cut I was 500% certain the new price levels would be $200, $300 and $400, and I was way wrong (as were SEVERAL other people who predicted the same thing)..so maybe I'll be way wrong here.

It would be nice to be wrong, but I just don't see it.

..and 5 free movies is always a plus (made me upset as I bought my HD-DVD add-on the day it was released, so I missed out on the deal..that's what I get for being an early adopter..lol)..

Kevin

legionosh@msn.com


RE: That's great
By Zoomer on 10/19/2007 7:33:43 PM , Rating: 2
Does ps2 games look better on the ps3 when played on a HDTV?