Die Gerüchte um eine neue, günstigere Version der PS3 halten sich schon lange. Nun hat Sony es offiziell gemacht und das 40GB-Modell der PS3 für Europa angekündigt. Diese Version wird am 10. Oktober in den Handel kommen und 399 EUR kosten.
Allerdings hat der günstigere Preis einige Opfer gefordert. So wird die neue Version keine Slots für Speicherkarten mehr haben und auch zwei der vier USB-Anschlüsse fallen weg. Zudem wird die 40GB-Variante nicht zur PS2 abwärtskompatibel sein.
Gleichzeitig mit dem Launch des neuen Modells wird auch das derzeitige Starter Pack, bestehend aus einer 60GB PS3, zwei Spielen und zwei Sixaxis-Controllern, günstiger und kostet ab dem 10. Oktober nur noch 499 EUR, anstatt wie bisher 599 EUR. Allerdings nicht für immer, denn wie zuvor in den USA, wird die 60GB-Version nun auch in Europa zum Auslaufmodell.
Offizielle Pressemitteilung:
[quote]New PLAYSTATION®3 Model to Take Holiday Season by Storm
Aggressively priced hardware and a terrific software line-up make for an unbeatable combination
New 40GB PS3 at 399
London, 5 October 2007 Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced details of its exciting new PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3) model that will launch throughout the SCEE territories on 10th October 2007 at the highly attractive price of 399.
Providing an incredibly appealing entry point to the world of High Definition gaming and entertainment for the holiday season, the new PS3 brings the next generation of interactive home entertainment to homes all across Europe, Middle East, Africa and Australasia.
Along with an ever expanding line-up of PS3 titles (a total of 65 titles tracking across all genres by Christmas), the new PS3 is equipped with a 40GB HDD and includes all the features central to the High Definition entertainment experience; true next generation gameplay, stunning High Definition Blu-ray Disc movies, SIXAXIS wireless controller, Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity, all powered by the Cell Broadband Engine, the digital heart of PS3.
As with the 60GB PS3, the new PS3 features upgradeable firmware allowing new features and functionality to be added to the system as time progresses. A recent firmware update, for example, enabled PS3 to upscale DVDs played on the system to full 1080P High Definition.
The introduction of the new PS3 has been determined following user feedback from thousands of existing PS3 owners as well as research into future potential PS3 owners. The new model features two USB 2.0 ports rather than four and no longer includes the multi memory card port.
The new model is no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation®2 titles, reflecting both the reduced emphasis placed on this feature amongst later purchasers of PS3, as well as the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific titles (a total of 65 titles across all genres by Christmas).
The existing Starter Pack*, comprising a 60GB PS3 with extensive backwards compatibility, an additional SIXAXIS wireless controller and two first party titles will be reduced in price to 499. Remaining on sale while stocks last, the 60GB model represents outstanding value for the keen gamer wishing to upgrade to the High Definition capabilities of PS3.
The introduction of the new PS3 has been the result of extensive research into the entertainment needs and preferences of the next generation of PS3 owners, said David Reeves, President of SCEE. It has allowed us to deliver an extremely advanced, yet incredibly affordable High Definition gaming and entertainment system, configured to the needs of the next generation of European PS3 owners. PS3 has always been the device of choice for the discerning gamer and entertainment seeker, and the new PS3 is more than ever the perfect High Definition entertainment system.
*In the UK and Ireland, the Starter Pack will be replaced by a separate in-store promotion on the 60GB PS3. [/quote]