From kotaku.com: [QUOTE] Spanish gaming site MeriStation have published an interview with James Armstrong, who's CEO of Sony Spain. While chatting, Armstrong revealed that the new 40GB PS3 will ship with updated firmware which will improve the PS3's DVD playback quality. [/QUOTE]
From next-gen.biz: [QUOTE] Next-Gen speaks with six games industry analysts who weigh in on the potential impact of the rumored $399 40GB US PlayStation 3.
The six analysts that we spoke with all agreed that the rumored $399 40GB PS3 for the US would facilitate an up-tick in PS3 sales this holiday, but to varying degrees.
Industry analysis mainstay Michael Pachter with Wedbush Morgan suggests that with each price drop, PS3 will be able to sustain higher monthly sales. He predicts as much as a 50 percent increase in US PS3 hardware sales if the console drops to $399.
Billy Pidgeon with IDC isn't as confident in PS3 sales. "I don't expect major uptake on PS3 this holiday," he says. "Xbox 360 needs to make the most of this holiday and build up the base, but Nintendo could move more Wii consoles than the others combined."
Lazard Capital Markets' Colin Sebastian believes that there will be a "meaningful up-tick" in sales once a cheaper 40GB model is introduced, but a less-expensive console from Sony will have to be backed by a stronger third-party developer strategy.
Janco Partners' Mike Hickey says Sony can only do what it can with what it's got this holiday. "We don't think there is really anything Sony can do beyond a dramatic price cut and a verbal outcry for PS3 Blu-ray buyers to turn the tide of their dismal holiday sales outlook relative to the Xbox 360," he says rather bleakly. "[From a software standpoint,] consumers seem to be struggling with the ‘why pay considerably more for considerably less?' purchasing dilemma. We are increasingly less confident Sony will show anything remotely remarkable on the PS3 for this holiday." [/QUOTE]
From 1up.com: [QUOTE] With Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock on Xbox 360 and Wii, you simply turn on the machine, sync the guitar and start to rock. On PlayStation 3, however, there's the bizarre addition of a USB wireless dongle, despite the hardware featuring wireless Bluetooth technology in the box -- it's how the Sixaxis connects without a cord. When no one would comment on the additional wireless accessory during a Guitar Hero press event a few weeks back, 1UP contacted Red Octane for an explanation on why the PS3 version needed the additional step.
"For the PS3 guitar, we're using our own 2.4ghz wireless solution. Our products require considerable time for certification and testing to perfect both our software & hardware, so this was the most effective way for us to bring a high quality wireless solution for PS3 this holiday," said Red Octane VP of Hardware Lee Guinchard.
Right, but why? The wireless capabilities of PS3 and Wii are both Bluetooth-based. The Wii version doesn't require a separate dongle -- it simply hooks into the Wiimote and hijacks the existing signal -- so why are developers swapping Sony's own wireless solutions for their own? Red Octane spokesperson Bryan Lam told 1UP it's because Sony's tools only work for the Sixaxis at the moment. In order for Guitar Hero 3 to hit day-and-date with the other versions, Red Octane was forced to develop their own wireless solution. Nintendo, on the other hand, had everything ready to roll, allowing Red Octane's guitar to simply ride on the existing Bluetooth technology found in the Wii. [/QUOTE]
From kotaku.com: [QUOTE] This afternoon, I cruised on up to the Insomniac Games office for a last minute look at Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction for the PLAYSTATION 3. Having missed out on the game's DualShock 3 support in the Tokyo Game Show demo and well aware (read: right pissed) at the release "lag" that meant most North Americans won't have access to the PS3's rumbling afterthought, I was curious about support for the "ShockAxis" for the domestic release. Short answer? It's looking good.
Here's the deal: while Sony won't officially support an imported Japanese DualShock 3, games like Ratchet & Clank Future will. The game was listed as DualShock 3 ready in the official "List Of PS3 Games That Support The DualShock 3" without requiring a software update, but I wanted to be sure. [/QUOTE]
From engadget.com: [QUOTE] With just under a fortnight to go before folks go a-grabbin' for Sony's PlayStation Eye, a Senior Producer for SCEA has come forward with a few more lingering details about the peripheral. For starters, Sony apparently has plans to integrate the device into other upcoming titles such as SingStar, which will enable users to "make their own personalized music videos to share with family and friends online." Additionally, the EyeCreate software -- which will allow individuals to "save, edit and share PlayStation Eye videos, photos and audio clips" through their PS3 -- will be available as a free download on the PlayStation Store. Finally, those not interested in the bundled Eye of Judgment game can opt for a standalone unit on October 23rd, which is set to ring up at $39.99. [/QUOTE]
From blogs.cnet.com: [QUOTE] With a rumored $399 40GB Playstation 3 on the way, a cheaper device hitting shelves in Japan and UK, and announcements of an all-out price blitz this holiday season, is Sony really as desperate as it looks?
By just looking at news from the last week, it's quite easy to see that Sony is grasping at anything that will make the PS3 stick. Whether it's a new color, a cheaper price, or a rumbling controller, the company is hoping we will like something that make us spend our hard-earned money. I can't blame Sony for trying--the PS3 is hands-down, the most important device Sony is selling right now. Not only is it the harbinger of Blu-ray, it represents one of the most economically stable divisions of the company over the past decade.
But once again, Sony has it all wrong. The company is a victim of its own self-image and there is no stopping it with the current management in place. Simply put, Sony sees itself as a hardware company and in this business, that's the last thing you want to do. [/QUOTE]
Sony's model naming is just the worst and most confusing one they could have possibly come up with. They might have done this on purpose ... but well, that doesn't solve the problem. Not only do they name their models with the HDD size - which makes no sense at all as the HDD is upgradeable with any laptop HDD - but even consoles with same HDD aren't the same across regions.
So I propose a new model naming ... v1: no flashcard ports, 4x usb, GS+EE+RDRAM PS2 HW (like the NTSC/J and NTSC/U 20gb) v2: flashcard ports, 4x usb, GS+EE+RDRAM PS2 HW (like the NTSC/J and NTSC/U 60gb) v3: flashcard ports, 4x usb, GS PS2 HW (like the PAL 60GB and NTSC/U 80gb) v4: no flashcard ports, 2x usb, no PS2 HW (like the NTSC/J, (NTSC/U) and PAL 40GB)
I guess v1 and v2 could be seen as one version as the motherboard is the same ... so maybe they should be named v1.0 and v1.1? Let me know what you think of the proposed naming...
From next-gen.biz: [QUOTE] Sony Australia will not be introducing a PlayStation 3 price cut but it is following Sony Europe's example by discontinuing the 60GB PS3 and introducing a 40GB console to market. [/QUOTE]
From gamasutra.com: [QUOTE] Following the announcement of the much speculated 40GB hard drive version of the PlayStation 3 in Europe, Sony officials in Japan have also announced a similar model, albeit with an optional new white color design for both console and controller. The version sold in Japan appears to be functionally identical [to the EU 40GB], but with an optional new "ceramic white" color that has not been confirmed for Europe.
According to consumer website GameSpot, the new hardware model will be launched in Japan on November 11th for a price of ¥39,980 ($341). This is the same day that the new force feedback equipped DualShock 3 controller is due to go on sale, and the first anniversary of the console in Japan.
On October 17th the price of the 20GB and 60GB versions, which are both still sold in Japan, will also be reduced. The 20GB model, which retains backwards compatibility, will drop in price by ¥5,000 ($43) to ¥44,980 (£384). The 60GB version will also see its price fall by the same amount to ¥54,980 ($469). The first 200,000 consoles sold after this date will also receive a free copy of the Spider-Man 3 on Blu-ray. [/QUOTE]
From xcm.cc [QUOTE] The e-setter is a device for people who can easy set up the screen on their TV, some people may have 2 or more TV at home, when they want to move the PS3 to play on another TV, they may find there has no picture on another TV ,it is because the output resolution is different on each TV so they can't get the picture, they have to set the PS3 back to original setting on their current TV before move to another TV, apart from that setting the output of PS3 is so complicated, almost take half hour to do so ,the e-setter is a device for you to set up the output resolution easily, people just need to switch a buttons and get the easy set up in few seconds [/QUOTE]
From ps3news.ca: [QUOTE] PS3 is more wanted than either Wii or Xbox 360, according to the latest Top 20 Most Wanted list, a weekly compilation of the hottest items as listed by CNET users.
The PlayStation 3 60GB model, soon to be a thing of the past, came in at number eleven for the week of October 7. Wii came in three slots lower at the fourteen spot. Xbox 360 did make the cut. [/QUOTE]
From kotaku.com: [QUOTE] This whole backwards-compatibility thing on the new 40GB PS3 is a pinch confusing. Why, exactly, can't the new model run PS2 games when the old one could? Tired of asking questions of the night, I instead asked SCEE.
"The 40GB model, to be launched in Europe on 10th October, is a new model and is not equipped with any of the semi conductors from the PS2, and backwards compatibility would therefore have to be achieved by software emulation alone. The sheer numbers of PS2 titles available, together with the increased complexity of using a software only solution for each and every title means that to ensure accurate software emulation for the majority would be technically challenging, time consuming and costly. As we have mentioned on several occasions, our engineering resources are now focused on developing new and innovative features and services for the PS3 and, as a result the 40GB model does not have backwards compatibility with PS2 titles." [/QUOTE]
From next-gen.biz: [QUOTE] A new report out of The Hollywood Reporter says SCEA will be following Europe's lead, announcing a $399 40GB PS3 for November 2.
Citing unnamed industry sources who corroborated the November 2 launch date for the new model, the report said SCEA has been telling retailers to clear out existing PS3 inventory.
Last week, SCE Europe announced a 40GB PS3 at a lower price point than current offerings, as the company readies for another critical holiday season against hardware rivals Nintendo Wii and Xbox 360. [/QUOTE]
From blu-ray.com: [QUOTE] Free Record Shop, the Netherlands's largest home entertainment retailer, has announced that they have officially endorsed Blu-ray as the successor to DVD. Since Blu-ray has launched in the Netherlands, it has outsold HD DVD on an average of 4-to-1, showing business owners that the buying public is demanding high definition content, and they want that content on Blu-ray. [/QUOTE]
From gamesindustry.biz: [QUOTE] As Sony ships its new model PlayStation 3 to stores for launch this Wednesday, UK managing director Ray Maguire has told GamesIndustry.biz that the new SKU is a natural evolution and the company always had plans to offer a cheaper product.
But he also admitted that he could understand that PlayStation 3 early adopters might feel cheated for buying the console earlier in the year when it commanded a luxury GBP 425 price point.
"I think it's natural to feel that way, of course it is," said Maguire, in an exclusive interview published today. "The difference between our industry and many other industries is that if you're selling cars or houses the price goes up steadily. Consumer electronics only goes one way and that's downwards." [/QUOTE]
From psnow.es: [QUOTE] Sony has clarified that the only Satin Silver we will be seeing on the 40GB PS3 is the front detail, instead of the shiny chrome finish that it has on the 60GB version. Official word is quoted below:
"Both 40 and 60GB models are in shiny black, but the 60 has a shiny, chrome like strip and detailing whilst the 40 uses a satin silver detailing. If you look at the pictures on the Press Centre you can see the subtle differences." [/QUOTE]
From psu.com: [QUOTE] Rumors have surfaced stating that Sony may have yet another PS3 SKU on the way. According to QJ.net, Sony has registered a new model labeled CECHG06 (160GB PS3), similar to the 40GB PS3's CECHG01.
Here are the rumored specs: * Code: CECHG06 (SPECIFICATION) * Sony PlayStation 3 * 160GB 2.5 SATA 5400rpm HDD * CELL Broadband Engine (65nm process) @ 3.2ghz * PPU x1, SPE x8 * RSX GPU (65nm process) @ 550mhz * Blu-ray Optical Disc Drive @ 2x * Memory Card Reader- Memory Stick Duo, Compact Flash, Secure Digital * 6x USB 2.0 ports * 2x HDMI 1.3 ports * 3x Gigabit ethernet ports * DUALSHOCK 3 controller [/QUOTE]
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