Sony PS3 Slim Console

So this is the news we’ve all been waiting for, the launch of the new PS3 Slim console. You can read the press release in full or just the highlights;

• PS3 Slim console release date – 1st September 2009
• PS3 Slim console prices – $299 for the US, and £249.99 for the UK
• PS3 80GB and 160GB console prices reduced
• PS3 Slim gets a redesigned cooling system, power supply and main semiconductor
• PS3 Slim power consumption reduced by two-thirds
• New PS3 brand name, from PLAYSTATION 3 to PlayStation 3 – say what?
• Blu-Ray Player retained in the PS3 Slim
• PS3 Slim storage increased to 120GB from 80GB

Read the full PS3 Slim specifications.

This is the official Sony press release in full on today’s news on the PS3 Slim console.

Tokyo, August 18, 2009 – 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 €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 €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 logo, which is engraved on the surface of the new PS3 Slim 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 Slim 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 Slim 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. 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 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 Slim 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™ (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.

BRAVIA Sync Feature

The new PS3 system is also equipped with the BRAVIA® Sync™ 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.

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, 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.

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.

PS3 Slim Overview

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) x2

Networking – Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) × 1, IEEE 802.11 b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 (EDR)

Controller – Wireless Controller, Bluetooth

Resolution – 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i　(for PAL 576p, 576i)

HDMI OUT connector – x1

AV MULTI OUT connector – x1

Digital out (optical) connector – x1

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 with the PS3;

PlayStation 3 system × 1
Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK 3) × 1
AC power cord × 1
AV cable × 1
USB cable × 1

Note: This product is not compatible with PlayStation 2 games.

Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Laboratories.

DTS is a trademark of Digital Theater Systems, Inc.

HDMI, HDMI logo and High Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks of HDMI Licensing LLC.

Blu-ray Disc is a trademark.

The Bluetooth word mark is a registered trademark owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. and any use of such marks by Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is under license.

PlayStation, PLAYSTATION, PS3, RSX, DUALSHOCK and GRAN TURISMO are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Cell Broadband Engine is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Sony and Playstation are registered trademarks

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• Sony Playstation 3 Slim Console Official Launch
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• PS3 Slim – Almost Official
• PS3 Slim Specifications
• PS3 Slim Console Release Date
• Sony PlayStation 3 Slim Console (250GB Model)
• Sony Playstation 3 Console (40GB Version)
• PS3 Slim Console Rumour
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