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The Sony PS3 Slim is finally upon us, and we’ve been gathering up all the information you might need in order to choose between the newly-discounted current models or hold off until the new version arrives in North America and Europe on September 1st (Japan on September 3rd).  After the cut, the full press release and spec-sheet, together with all the official shots of the new PlayStation 3 and a video interview with Jack Tretton about the new console.

Video after the cut

The new version is undoubtedly smaller, with a lower-profile casing when sitting flat that’s also shorter (but deeper) than the existing PS3.  It both weighs less (7.05lb compared to 11lb) and uses less power (250W versus 280W), though it will require an optional $24 stand if you want to position it vertically.  Aside from the size, the most obvious difference is in the finish: Sony have switched to a matte-finish black plastic, rather than the piano black glossy casing of the old model.

They’ve also saved some money on some of the more visually detailed aspects of the PS3.  The illuminated logo on the front panel above the Blu ray drive no longer rotates when you change the console’s orientation, while the buttons are more traditional physical controls rather than the touch-sensitive keys on the original.

Still, you get a Blu-ray drive that’s backward compatible with DVDs and CDs, and Sony have thrown in BRAVIA Sync HDMI-CEC control so that you’ll be able to control the new PS3 using your existing Sony AV equipment and remotes.  In the box there’s a Wireless DualShock 3 controller but no inclusive games; like the current two “fat” models the new PS3 also lacks PS2 compatibility, though it also drops Linux compatibility too in a move Sony says is “focussed on delivering games and other entertainment content”.  You’ll still be able to play your old PSOne discs, though.

The new Sony PlayStation 3 will go on sale on September 1st in Europe and North America, priced at $300 or €300, followed by Japan on September 3rd for 29,980 Yen.  Meanwhile the existing PlayStation 3 models – the full-sized 80GB and 160GB consoles – will see a price cut by $100 in the run up to the new console launching.

What that basically means is that unless you’re desperate for Linux support and are reluctant to spend more to hold your new console upright, we’d recommend waiting a couple of weeks for the new PS3 rather than picking up the freshly-discounted PS3 80GB.  Not only will you get the smaller casing and 50-percent more storage, but a machine that should cost a little less to run over its lifetime and, according to Sony, run a little quieter in use, too.

Jack Tretton talks slimline PS3:

Specifications:

• Product name: PlayStation®3
• Product code: CECH-2000A (Charcoal Black)
• 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
• Hard disk: 2.5” Serial ATA 120GB
• Inputs/Outputs: Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0) x 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 Support: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i　(for PAL 576p, 576i)
• Connectors: HDMI OUT connector, AV MULTI OUT connector, Digital out (optical) connector,
• 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
• Power consumption: Approx. 250W
• External dimensions (excluding maximum projecting part): Approx. 290 × 65 × 290 mm (width × height × length)
• Mass: Approx. 3.2kg
• Included: PlayStation®3 system × 1, Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®3) × 1, AC power cord × 1, AV cable × 1, USB cable × 1

Press Release:

New Slimmer and Lighter PlayStation(R)3 to Hit Worldwide Market This September

Lower Price to Further Accelerate Expansion of the PlayStation(R)3 Platform Along with Extensive Software Title Line-up for Upcoming Holiday Season

TOKYO, Aug. 18 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) today unveiled the new PlayStation®3 (CECH-2000A) (body color: charcoal black) computer entertainment system, featuring an extremely streamlined form factor with a 120GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The new PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system will become available in stores from September 1, 2009, in North America, Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions at a very attractive recommended retail price (RRP) of US$299 and euro 299, respectively. The system will become available in Japan on September 3, 2009, at a RRP of 29,980 yen (including tax). With the introduction of the new PS3 system, SCE will also reduce the price of the current PS3 with 80GB HDD to a RRP of US$299 from August 18 and euro 299 from August 19. Also in North America, the price of PS3 with 160GB HDD will be reduced to a RRP of US$399 from August 18. By launching a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles for PS3 this holiday season and offering customers a line-up of hardware models and pricing to match their preference, SCE will build on the momentum and further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform.

The internal design architecture of the new PS3 system, from the main semiconductors and power supply unit to the cooling mechanism, has been completely redesigned, achieving a much slimmer and lighter body. Compared to the very first PS3 model with 60GB HDD, the internal volume as well as its thickness and weight are trimmed down to approximately two-thirds. Furthermore, power consumption is also cut to two-thirds, helping to reduce fan noise. While inheriting the sleek curved body design of the original model, the form factor of the new PS3 system features a new meticulous design with textured surface finish, giving an all new impression and a casual look. With the compact body and casual appearance, the newly introduced model will appeal to a wider audience who are looking to buy the best entertainment system for their home.

Concurrently with the release of the new PS3 system, SCE will modify the PS3 brand name from “PLAYSTATION 3″ to “PlayStation 3″, and introduce a new “PS3″ logo, which is engraved on the surface of the new PS3 system. By unifying under the familiar “PlayStation®” name, which represents the entire PlayStation family, PS3 together with PlayStation®2 and PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) will further expand the PlayStation business, and will continue to enhance the entertainment experience along with the ever-growing PlayStation®Network.

The new PS3 continues to offer the cutting-edge features and functions of the current models, such as the ability to enjoy high-definition Blu-ray disc (BD) movies and games, as well as various content and services downloadable through the network. The new PS3’s storage size has increased from 80GB to 120GB, and with the extra capacity users will be able to store more games, music, photos, videos as well as various content and services available through PlayStation Network. Having more than 27 million registered accounts around the world, PlayStation Network offers more than 15,000 pieces of digital content, ranging from game titles, trailers, and demos to more than 15,000 movies and TV shows via PlayStation Store(*1). PlayStation Network members can also download free applications, such as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences, as well as Life with PlayStation, which offers users various news and information on a TV monitor in the living room by connecting the PS3 to the network.

Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of BD-based titles has reached more than 1,000 titles and downloadable PS3 games to 1,400(*2) titles worldwide, with the support from a broad range of third party game developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from SCE Worldwide Studios, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, EyePet, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Heavy Rain, God of War 3, MAG, ModNation Racer, Gran Turismo 5 and more.

Other features of the new PS3 include:

PS3 system software update version 3.00

Concurrently with the release of new PS3, system software will be upgraded to version 3.00 on September 1. The update adds various user-friendly features such as the “What’s New” screen, where users can quickly browse the new items available in PlayStation Store as well as their recently played games directly on the XMB(TM) (XrossMediaBar), with short cuts to each piece of content. PS3 will evolve continuously with the system software updates, further improving the operability and enhancing the user experience available through the network. PS3 owners will be able to enjoy new features by simply updating the PS3 system software to version 3.00 via the “System Update” function on the XMB(*3).

- BRAVIA(R) Sync(TM) Feature

The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA(R) Sync(TM) feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a BRAVIA TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote
control. Other functions include “System Standby” that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the BRAVIA TV is turned off(*4).

- “Vertical Stand” for new PS3 (CECH-2000 series)

By utilizing the separately sold “Vertical Stand”, users will be able to set the new PS3 in vertical position(*5), making it easier to place the PS3 system anywhere at home. The vertical stand will become available in Japan on September 3, 2009, at a RRP of 2,000 yen (including tax) and in North America at US$24(*6).

- Removal of “Install Other OS” feature

The new PS3 system will focus on delivering games and other entertainment content, and users will not be able to install other

Operating Systems to the new PS3 system.

Along with a vast line-up of attractive and exciting entertainment content with the new PS3 system, SCE will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment.
*1 Number as of end July 2009. Content within PlayStation Store will differ by region, please refer to the official PlayStation.com site for further details.
*2 Includes PS one(R) classics and free of charge content (downloadable demos).
*3 Users will need to connect their PS3 to the network to use the function.
*4 Users will need to use BRAVIA TV that supports the BRAVIA Sync feature. For further information about BRAVIA Sync, please refer to the official Sony site in each region.
*5 Users will need to use the separately sold “Vertical Stand” to set the new PS3 in vertical position.
*6 Release date of the vertical stand for North America will be announced when available. Release date and price of the vertical stand for Europe/ PAL territories and Asian countries and regions will be announced when available.