$400 40GB PS3 with Spidey 3 Blu-ray pack-in?

The mole over at opposable thumbs has a great track record: both the Xbox 360 HDMI story and the wired Xbox 360 Rock Band controllers have since been confirmed. Whoever their friendly inside source is, he's got some great contacts. Now he's ready to tell us all what Sony's console pricing plans may soon look like. Oh, do tell....

[Maddens Raiders]

but 40gigs? Hmm.. wonder if it'll have all the bells and whistles? If so I'm picking up number three for sure.

I loved Ðaedalus' first claim:

"Time to start caring about PS3 games" 8D

ed:/lol @ disagrees

[Gamespot-equals-EGM]

This rumor is two months old, originally from Game informer. But the 40GB ps3 is supposed to have no BC.

http://n4g.com/News-52358.a...

Before you say 'Isn't ps2 BC done via software emulation only?'- No, ps2 BC on the European ps3's and the 80gb ps3 is NOT total software emulation. For both those SKU's they removed the Emotion Engine but KEPT the Graphics synthesizer. The original ps2 and the US 60gb ps3 both had the EE ***and*** the GS.

The new 40gb ps3 will remove both the EE and GS (that's where the costs will be cut). I also assume the 40gb will also not have Wifi, saving some more costs for Sony.

Link proving the Euro ps3's still have the GS and thus its not total software ps2 emulation: http://www.pcmag.com/articl...

Quote from link:

Q: Does this mean that the PS2 hardware chips have been removed completely and replaced with software-only emulation?

A: The original PS3 used the Emotion Engine/Graphics Synthesizer to emulate PS2 titles. With the latest European specification we have removed the Emotion Engine, retaining the graphics chip.

[tplarkin7]

It will be a stripped down PS3. It has to be stripped down because the mfr cost is too high. But that's ok. You don't need wi-fi or backwards compatibility.

Microsoft needed BC because Halo 2 was too good. Many people on my friends list continue to play it regularly. I don't know if any PS2 games have the replay value of Halo 2 online.

If Sony doesn't do something do reduce the price, MS is going to finish the fight this Christmas, once and for all.

[Salvadore]

I will defintely pick one up... If I am succesful at convincing my bro to turn his back on the 360.

[eLiNeS]

that's if your bro has a brain cell.

[MikeGdaGod]

just remind him that after Halo.....there's nothing else

[DrPirate]

This was needed for the holiday season.

I have plenty of 360 owning friends telling me this November, if there's a reason to own a PS3, it's all about Uncharted, plus Rock Band is the better deal with Free online and a wireless guitar for 20 dollar less, hopefully, they both recieve the same amount of DLC though...

[Fighter]

Didn't N'Gai Croal and some guy from M$ make a bet about the 40GB PS3? in time for the holidays. The $99 PS2 seems more believable and it makes sense to sell it at that price if they really want to compete with the Wii. This is a rumor but an exciting one.

[WAR_MACHINE77]

yes N'Gai has a bet for a steak diner and if this rumor is true then it looks like he lost.

[Honcho]

WOW. I had a 60 gig. but then updated to the 80 gig. but at 400 bucks would be sweet for anyone that doesn't have a ps3. as long as it comes with wifi it should sell really good! if sony does this and then drops the the 80 gig 100 bucks since they are discontinuing the 60 gig the ps3 is going to sell like crazy!!!!

[Gamespot-equals-EGM]

..............

[rev20]

lol you had a 60 gig then bought an 80 gig model for more when you could of just bought a 250 gig hdd cheaper then the difference between the two and slotted it in yourself.

There is no hope for some :|

[bung tickler]

i wonder if he realizes he didnt get an upgrade, that he really got a downgrade since the 80gb doesnt have full bc like the 60gb.

[ShiftyLookingCow]

hmm it would be interesting to see if 40GB PS3 is based on old 20GB without hardware PS2 emulation or the new 80GB just with a different hard drive.

[RINGOFDEATH]

so new PS3 owners can play Haze,Socom,Uncharted,Unreal Tournament 3,etc.

[the greatest]

this will be good

[SabreMan]

as long as the only difference between the 40gb and 80gb is the hard drive size then this will be a great move indeed. i hope they do this and make the 40gb silver with a rumble six-axis.

hopefully this will see a 40gb ps3 in Europe/UK with a price of £299, this would start the masses finally buying the system imo

[Chaos Striker]

If this predicament actually comes true, then we will definitely be in for an interesting holiday season.

[mrlakadaddy]

pretty good for a the first year, and you can always upgrade the hd yourself http://boardsus.playstation...

[AznSniper]

If this is true, Sony will definitely survive and put doubts away for good.

[mrlakadaddy]

tversity is the best media hub as long as you install clean codecs like ffdshow or cccp pack on your comp

[The Karate Kid]

The playstation 3 is just one great price drop away from taking over North America. This could undeniably create a wave of massive sales and a global take over if true.

[nekon]

This would be a great move for the PS3 this holiday season AND Blu-ray.. Give consumers a $400 40GB PS3 featuring the free PSN. Plus introduce them to 1080p by way of HDMI Blu-ray with the blockbuster Spiderman 3. Note this would be a $400 Blu-ray player that plays games! Talk about getting consumers off the fence. We know the games are both here now and more coming in the following weeks.. The recent and upcoming Blu-ray releases include some of the biggest blockbusters in history so this is win win IMO.

[ukilnme]

If this turns out to be true and it keeps most of the features I will officially be off the fence. Make it happen Sony.

[JCITY]

it would be sick...they would sell like hotcakes with creme and strawberries on top

[The Karate Kid]

Accessories & Features

Playstation Home Service
Firmware Upgrade 2.0
New Rumble Sixaxxis Controller
Playstation Eye

Heavenly Sword
Lair
Warhawk
Ratchet & Clank
Hot Shots Golf 5
Folks Lore
Socom Confrontation
Uncharted Drakes Fortune
SingStar Online
Eye Of Judgement

Playstation 3 Console 40 Gig Model $399.99
Playstation 3 Console 80 Gig Model $499.99

Both Consoles packed With Spiderman 3 Blu-Ray/New Sixaxxis Controller

Lets embrace ourselves for a fantastic holiday sales season guys!

[Blasphemy]

You forgot Home, GT 5 Prologue, Haze and Unreal Tournament 3.

[BLaZiN PRopHeT]

if that is true. i think Ms will lower the 360 to 200-300-400

[Ju]

I doubt that. They were forced to lower the price just recently. And I am pretty sure they were not happy about it (look at the lackluster price reduction. $349 instead of $399) while adding $100 per unit in costs due to the extended warranty. I would be very surprised, if they'd do another drop. The Elite would need to be below $399, then, because even that amount would be to high, IMO. The $399 Halo bundle might be competitive, though. We'll see.
First of all we need to see the $399 PS3 (which sounds a bit desperate, IMO). I'm curious what the other Blue-Ray partners think about this. This is almost a bigger thread to stand alone BD player vendors then HD-DVD.

[the greatest]

since the nintendo wii
will be sold out

[Ju]

Actually, I am hard at thinking, Wii or another PS3...currently the kids use the PS3 all the time. Gotta get them away from it somehow. Metroid could do that, and Pokemon. But then, I could share games across PS3s. hm. $399 would make this decision much harder now.

[rushbd]

That'll be great for many people who wants a PS3 but holding back because of the price. And trust me that school is huge.

[rev20]

f this comes true it just shows that the ps3 can be dropped to a reasonable price as their is no way a 40gb hdd costs the extra $100.

Would be a great move throwing spiderman in the package aswell.

You can also just pick up a new hdd and fit it yaself so there is no problems

[WAR_MACHINE77]

chances are they will cut out wifi and card readers to get the price down. I would expect an add on for the wifi tho

[Ju]

Cardreader, I could live with that, but WiFi ? No way, that needs to stay (hopefully). I could care less about PS2 compatibility, though. They should get rid of that, if it has to be (they could add that later thru a 100% SW emu anyway).

[gamesR4fun]

I can see them getting a lot more aggressive with the price drop but I expect the 40 gig version will be trimmed. Just hope they keep the wi/fi but the card readers will be gone for sure. Not a big loss tho for the money it is the best media hub you could ever buy. I got the 60 gig (with the original ps2 hardware) after the first price drop. Let me tell you with TVersity streaming all my music and movies to my living room it rocks and with Warhawk, Lair and R/FoM its taking over the spot has my favorite game platform. :D
I hope with this drop we get a lot more ppl for HOME when it opens in October :D One thing I got to add is PS3 is all about the online sure there are (will be) great single player games but nothing compares to how easy open and free the online service is on the ps3.

[hardmetal]

DO IT KAZ ! JUST DO IT

http://img518.imageshack.us...

[Lightning Mr Bubbles]

I do think there will be a $399 sku this year. I just don't think Sony has a choice. All the games are multi platform these days. They have to compete with the other consoles price wise or things won't go well.

[BloodySinner]

Nice to see someone with some commonsense. Bubbles for you.

[mikeslemonade]

If true im getting a 2nd PS3. PS3 will this generation if they can get the PS3 to $400 by this year.

[rev20]

I just wish we got a straight conversion rate from the US price if this was to come in, means the uk would be getting a ps3 for £200

If it was at that price it would be game over

[Ju]

But winning without making profit doesn't make sense. IMO. So, well, I pity the Europeans. They are Sony's cash cow, ATM.

[GRAMPAGAMER]

about time sony gave it's fans a break.

too bad they couldn't pack in the transformers though, that was the true blockbuster movie this summer.

[resistance100]

Wasn't transformers directed by Spillburg?

If yes then it can make its way onto blu-ray aswell

[d3l33t]

co-directed and it was already announced to be dual platforms i believe

[peksi]

The 40G -100$ difference does not sound believable. The price difference between 40G and 80G drives is non-existent.

[resistance100]

I would suspect it won't just be the HDD which is different.

[rev20]

they should just scrap the card readers on the cheaper model ive never used them once to date on my ps3 aslong as they can keep wifi included and a hdd for a cheap price they are on to a winner.

[leinadem2]

if it works it would be the come back of the century but if MS or Nintendo are planning in pulling a secret weapon it would be the back fire of the century and it might kill PS3 or even sony they just sold shares in insurance business to raise money for the PS3 price cut.

[Bathyj]

Why go a 40GB HD's are practically worthless. If you're gonna drop the price that much, great but stick to the 80GB and drop it, or else clowns will still be claim there hasn't been a price. You fighting moronic perception as mush as you are economics.

So hard to type, to many cidersssssssssssssssssssssssss ssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[ddog4840]

After a year i’m almost approaching 40 gigs. I can easily delete 20 Gig off of it. This is a great deal! If you ever do go over 40 gigs you can upgrade your hard drive or buy and external. And I'm sure Sony will make sure all the big hits are backwards compatible. That being said you'd be a moron not to take advantage of this.

[ddog4840]

After a year i’m almost approaching 40 gigs. I can easily delete 20 Gig off of it. This is a great deal! If you ever do go over 40 gigs you can upgrade your hard drive or buy and external. And I'm sure Sony will make sure all the big hits are backwards compatible. That being said you'd be a moron not to take advantage of this.

[Nameless]

If Sony Price Drops then so will Microsoft & then some. Good luck Sony & I personally have the 60 Gig PS3 because I wanted the Backwards Compatibility.

[Zevious]

For someone who only wants a system to play games (no desire for wifi, HDMI, streaming or d/l movies or music, backwards compatibility, etc.) a $400 price tag would sway me to get a PS3. For me, it has always been the price that kept me away. A lower price brings me in.

[Marty8370]

I have a Euro 60Gb that has no EE. But the BC is fine. A 40Gb PS3 at $400 would be a great move that would sway alot of gamers to stay away from 360.

[Gamespot-equals-EGM]

Euro ps3 lost the EE but retained the GS. The 40gb ps3 will presumely lose both the EE and GS, making ps2 BC much less plausible as well as making it cheaper to produce.

http://www.pcmag.com/articl...

[dirtrider]

it would be great to get the price down but jesus. microsoft and sony this generation confuse me so bad it drives me to drinking. they are 3 versions of the xbox 360 out now and sony keeps discontinuing models and bringing out new ones. why cant they keep what they got and in time they will be able to produce it cheaper anyways

[Funky Town_TX]

WOW! I will keep an eye out for this one. I hope it's just a HDD size decrease. I also don't care about BC, because I never got a crappy PS2. I maybe getting a PS3 this fall and not waiting untill 08. The thing is there are no games coming out in 07 that I want. Maybe I will watch spiderman untill march 08. Killzone2(e3-05 version) baby.

[sticky doja]

Come on dude, seriously? I have a feeling you are gonna be missing some bubbles after that statement.

[Funky Town_TX]

It's hard to believe not all gamers buy into hype. There was not 1 PS2 exclusive that I wanted. The PS3 only has like one and that is Killzone (e3-05 version).

[BIadestarX]

I am so glad I didnt buy a PS3 yet... with Sony being force to drop prices... it's simply dumb to buy a PS3 now when Sony is lowering prices every 2-3 months. I think the best time to buy a PS3 will be X-Mas. With the PS3 games available today I don't see any problems waiting until X-Mas specially if you already own an XBox 360.

[sticky doja]

I will buy a $400 PS3

[kn]

Great deal on the console, but, Sony, would you please stop marketing the thing as a damn blue ray player and instead sell it as a game console that just happens to come with a bonus blu-ray player? Stop packing in movies dammit and pack in some games! I want a PS3 for games, not a movie player. Plain and simple.

[Funky Town_TX]

not marketing. I have lots of relatives that want PS3's. They will not get one until it drops into the $200 range. There is more to life that gaming for most adults. Sony fans are kids also. Not many parents will drop $400 to $500 on a TOY.

[Amplifier]

Funky Town_TX,

"Not many parents will drop $400 to $500 on a TOY."

Um, why is it consider a "TOY"? I would hate to know what these parents consider action figures for $5-10 "CHEAP PLASTIC"?

Getting a little tired of hearing that video games are TOYS, they are not in the "TOY" section at any store including Toy R Us.

Regardless of what people think, video games are a HOBBY not a "TOY"

"hob·by/ˈhɒbi/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[hob-ee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun, plural -bies.
1. an activity or interest pursued for pleasure or relaxation and not as a main occupation"

http://dictionary.reference...

[3sexty rulzzz]

the sony system, u trolls are unbelievable. I'm sure at least 90% on the 360 fans and loyalists does actually own a 360. I counted aleast 25 of u talking bout buying the ps3 and im being conservative. u trolls need to take your ps2 game off pause and finish it cause your posts only defines who the trolls really are and their the ones w/out the systems and keeping the flamewars in full-force.

[kn]

Do you get outside much? There aren't any exclusives that make me want to drop 5 or 6 bones on a PS3. I don't have an HD TV. I don't need/want blu-ray. I just want to play some games. There are a few exclusives in the very near term I want to play on the PS3. How does saying I'm interested in it for games at a good price being a troll or fanboy? To further illustrate the idiocy of your post, you said you count at least 25 people that say they would buy a PS3 if there is a price drop to $399.00. Isn't that a good thing? It would be trolling if everyone said "not at any price" or "I'll buy one when they hit $99". That's just stupid... SO, Here it is again...

$399 christmas bundle. PS3, 2 Six Axis, Motorstorm and Resistance. 5 Million PS3s would go out the door over the holidays. (Mine would be number one, of course, as I wouldn't miss out on that deal)

[Adamalicious]

Whether or not this specific rumor is true I do think $399 is the sweet spot for the PS3. If they can get it there for holiday '07 it will probably do very well for them. I sorta don't think the 40gig is likely because I don't believe that a 40gig HDD represents a significant hardware savings over an 80 - who even makes a 40?

I personally think they ought to stick to one SKU once they get there.

I also think the $99 PS2 is pretty likely.

[THE_JUDGE]

but only if they keep the BC in it. I can see them definetly doing it.

[kn]

I forgot this little detail... Yes, killing BC would be a mistake in a discounted console. That would kill the deal for me as I couldn't sell/trade in my PS2 to keep the cost down and I could still play the few PS2 titles I have and have yet to buy -- I.e. god of war...

[americanGTA]

so why would they make a 40 gig one?

[resistance100]

it is if your just using it for games and nothing else.

Also putting it in a $50 more than a 360 however has blu-ray player and 20GB more will be a very tempting offer

[Salvadore]

Now Sony, let the games roll.

[Cat]

$400 = smart

40gb = dumb

[Syko]

In fairness I don't care about the size of the HDD, As long as it is $400 or under I will get one. Especially since you can upgrade the HDD yourself and not have to pay $180 to upgrade it.

But with the onslaught of games coming for my 360 (Mainly Rock Band for me) I might just wait till Christmas 08' to get a PS3. Hopefully by then it will be $350 or so for the lower model, and the HD Disc war might look more clear. But all in all $400 would be a great price for the functionality of the console.

Seriously Catastrophe, You should stop being such an Xbot ;P

[Cat]

lol, yeah, you'd think my "i <3 my ps3" bumper sticker would get me a free pass once in awhile, but I really do think a 40gig hard drive would be a strange thing to do.

[Dannagar]

If Sony Managed to release a Playstation 3 model at $399, that would most Definitely change the current state of the market if Microsoft fails to fire back.

[Maldread]

It`s Europe`s turn to get a price drop soon, but i think it will too.

Not sure if Sony could drop the price two times in one year, but we`ll see.

[BlazinEurasian]

Packaging Bluray titles in the PS3 bundle is a really good idea. It tells the consumer that they can play Blurays in the PS3, something that apparently a lot of people didn't know thier PS3 could do (I have no idea how they don't know).

[PStriple703]

Microsoft better go for plan B

[Ju]

B...what's that "Bust" ? (Sorry, couldn't resist).

[mustash2003]

already getting a ps3 at christmas anyway but this is really good news if true. it might give sony a much needed boost in sales. Plus with all the AAA titles coming to the ps3, well, it just seals the deal.

[Primetimebt]

Back when Paramount backstabbed blu ray I said the last company to back stab Sony "Nintendo" was eating there left over for years. What a better way to get back at M$ and HD DVD than to drop the price to $400 and give blu ray movie away. This just crippled those $200 HD DVD players, and there so called stand alone players because every new PS3 owner will be a blu ray owner (yeah it's over 400K worldwide on a bad month) and wasn't it last week Blu Ray camp said this war will still be over in 18 months lol . All the PR quotes, and the signs point to this being true

[PimpHandHappy]

I just read the blog

ok

Tell the truth i dont really need 60GB. I was never a pack rat with my games and once they where done i delelted them. I had two memory cards for my PS2 from the start and i never had any problems with making space. The only thing on these cards are games i still own.

Not that being said

i am at 33GB used on my PS3 and i think 40 would be perfect for most gamers. I knew the 20GB would never work for me but 40 would have.

I have 5 demos and maybe 14videos along with saved games that eqaul maybe 10-12 games and i have delelted a few already from that memory.

If they sell this thing for under 400 its a great deal for ppl that where waiting for the games they wanted. These games are coming in the next 6 months and a few will already be waiting for them.

400$ blueray player alone is very cool.

Good gaming

good post

peace

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

If this has wifi then I will get this model, if not, I'm just gonna get a 80gb or if im lucky a 60gb.

[DJ]

Should Sony decide to put out a 40GB model (I doubt it'll lack the PS2 hardware seen in the 80GB model since it's easier to just manufacture one motherboard), then I'm sure they'll package it with a Blu-ray Movie. Same goes with the 80GB model, which already comes with Motorstorm (and should continue to be packaged with that game since it adds a lot of value).

I don't full agree with this strategy, but it does seem like a good strategy since they need to push as many units as possible for the big titles coming out in 2008. Third-party developers would spend a lot more time sprucing up their PS3 ports, and more exclusives would be announced if the system manages to catch up to the 360.

Having a Blu-ray movie packaged with every PS3 is must because it will not only educate consumers on the capabilities and true value of their system, it'll also mark a heavy blow against HD-DVD.

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

I was actually thinking once all the 60gb models are gone, the 80gb will be sold separate from the games and cut $100 off and at the same time they introduce a 40gb model $100 lower then the dropped 80gb price.

They would be a great way to get into price range with the 360.

[DJ]

Depends on whether Sony wants more of the 80GB or the 40GB models to be sold, or possibly an equal amount of both. Definitly need a 100 dollar price cut though, and the PS2 BC and Wifi features shouldn't be dropped from either model.

[Sevir04]

the clearance price reduction on the 60 gig did quite abit for Sony. they are pretty close if not at 5 mill right about now and in alittle under 9 months and the 80g is doing pretty good with the Motorstorm bundle. ultimately if they just dropped the 60gig compleatly and leave one console which would be an 80gig at let's say $450 we'd be pretty hard pressed not to buy one considering MS's 360 elites sold considerable well at $479 a pop and that was with an inclusion of an over price propriety HDD and last gen HDMI port. so in all i belive sony just needs to do it's Marketing Homework and simply drop the 80gig down to 450. even at that much it's still a bargain. i think all people really want to see is that console come under the half a grand margin. 500 bucks dont come easy. for any one. thats a car payment. and morgage , a rent, or a collegue tution if your paying for 1-2 classes going to a community collge. 600 was asking alot for even hardcore games and PS fans, and while 500 is nice it just isn't the turning point yet. and this is coming from a Bonafide PS fan/Gamer. there are alot of people who want a ps3 but that 500 bucks even though it's closer in reach is still a bit menacing to alot more. dropping it by 50 later this year would make them fly. at this point i dont think sony can even afford another 100 price drop. they have to have some profit coming before hand.

400 would be sweet but i'm guessing that will be for the big games like FF13 that drops next year fall or something. if they can do a 50 bucks price cut on the 80gig while keeping in Motorstorm, then that would do the job i say

do your Marketing homework Sony because thats certainly something you suck at this Gen.

PSN id. SEVIREDgamer

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

If Sony is already losing money of PS3 as it is, then wouldn't dropping the price make them lose another 100$ off each console sold? If they do reduce the price, they are gonna either have cheap parts or they are just gonna do it and hope that their other products can make up for it like their first party games (they have a lot after all).

[Russbomb]

Then wouldn't they have announced it at E3?

I mean if they were planning to release a 40 GB version then it would have had to have been in effect for a while and thursly they would have announced it at E3. Also if it were true, then when are they going to announce it? TGS 07? heck no, its a game show not a hardware plan announcement show.

I hate to be the bearer of bad news but this is BS.

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

Who knows, they said they had quite a few things to announce. In E3 they showed tons of games, and some hardware stuff. In Lepsig they focused on hardware more and extensions like Play tv. And in TGS I guess they are going to announce a few exclusives and a bit are hardware stuff.

But again who knows, thats just what I think they will do.

[Raptors]

I love the console race. I know alot of ppl are cheering for their respective consoles and thats fine, but the closer the race stays b/w 360, Wii and ps3 the more "value" they will continue to add to the consumer. And put it this way, you think Sony would ever offer a $400 ps3/Blu Ray player/DVD Player/Limited PC/Memory Card Reader/SACD player (you get my point...) if they weren't in 3rd place? NEVER! Not to mention all the things Microsoft is trying to do to keep their lead over Sony. Competition is a good thing! In the end in benefits us, the consumer, the most. I love seeing Sony and Microsoft fight for my hard earned dollar! Now if only someone can start challenging Apple in the mp3 market so we can get more value there.

[gamesR4fun]

Couldn't agree with you more m8 bubbles :D

[Raptors]

Thank you sir, and I inturn will return the gesture with a bubble for you.

[Snukadaman]

There are people waiting if they should buy the 400 dollar ps3 or just go and buy the 599$ one...no one is buying ps3's

[Funky Town_TX]

Now they have to drop prices. Like Raptors said. Competition is good. If there was no 360 and Wii the PS3 would be $600. I will just keep waiting. At this point I will get one for $300.

[IRONMAN_X57]

the ps3 will not be stripped down at all so what are xbots talking about?

Watch, PS3 has 7million now and watch how it will take fast past to the lead, i know ppl who waited for a price drop to 400$ and soon theyll be getting it, and thats a really good deal too