New 40GB PS3 Official, Confirmation From SCEE

I'm starting to see a pattern here. Every 6 months, Sony is shaving off some money on the cost of the PS3. At this rate, by next June we'll be seeing a $300 console.

I'm starting to see a pattern here. Every 6 months, Sony is shaving off some money on the cost of the PS3. At this rate, by next June we'll be seeing a $300 console.

Robio_basic

Also, the rumblings on the street are that these new units will have 65nm Cell and RSX, and won't have any backwards compatability. I'd guess they'd still be taking a loss at $400, but it sounds like they're getting very aggressive with the price-cutting techniques. Teufelhuhn

I honestly don't understand. How could dropping B/C entirely lower production costs? I though B/C for the newer models was handled through software.

[QUOTE="Teufelhuhn"]Also, the rumblings on the street are that these new units will have 65nm Cell and RSX, and won't have any backwards compatability. I'd guess they'd still be taking a loss at $400, but it sounds like they're getting very aggressive with the price-cutting techniques. CarnageHeart

I honestly don't understand. How could dropping B/C entirely lower production costs? I though B/C for the newer models was handled through software.

[QUOTE="CarnageHeart"]

[QUOTE="Teufelhuhn"]Also, the rumblings on the street are that these new units will have 65nm Cell and RSX, and won't have any backwards compatability. I'd guess they'd still be taking a loss at $400, but it sounds like they're getting very aggressive with the price-cutting techniques. rragnaar

I honestly don't understand. How could dropping B/C entirely lower production costs? I though B/C for the newer models was handled through software.

My guess would be that they're dropping the Graphics Synthesizer (which is the PS2 chip that's still in the 80GB models) and are planning to introduce all-software backwards compatibility either when this new model is released or at some point in the future.

But even if they did drop BC altogether...I'm not sure it would be such a bad decision. At this point they need the price as low as they can get it, and I just don't think BC is something thats worth taking $25-50million in losses.
Teufelhuhn

Removing backwards compatibility is painless compared to tanking this Christmas. Sony needs to do whatever they can to prevent that from happening.

EDIT: The report that just recently surfaced from the UK showing the two systems selling neck and neck basically cemented this decision. If Sony doesn't pull away in either Europe or North America, it's over. And when I say "pull away" I'm talking 5:1. They're already a year behind, posting equal to or slightly better than numbers isn't going to get the job done.

But even if they did drop BC altogether...I'm not sure it would be such a bad decision. At this point they need the price as low as they can get it, and I just don't think BC is something thats worth taking $25-50million in losses.Teufelhuhn

You're probably right in terms of their business, but as for me personally, BC is important. I am EXTREMELY glad I picked up the American release of the 60GB system back in March. At the time it was against my better judgement, but now it seems like a smart move.

[QUOTE="Teufelhuhn"]
My guess would be that they're dropping the Graphics Synthesizer (which is the PS2 chip that's still in the 80GB models) and are planning to introduce all-software backwards compatibility either when this new model is released or at some point in the future.

But even if they did drop BC altogether...I'm not sure it would be such a bad decision. At this point they need the price as low as they can get it, and I just don't think BC is something thats worth taking $25-50million in losses.
Shame-usBlackley

Removing backwards compatibility is painless compared to tanking this Christmas. Sony needs to do whatever they can to prevent that from happening.

EDIT: The report that just recently surfaced from the UK showing the two systems selling neck and neck basically cemented this decision. If Sony doesn't pull away in either Europe or North America, it's over. And when I say "pull away" I'm talking 5:1. They're already a year behind, posting equal to or slightly better than numbers isn't going to get the job done.

I agree with almost everything else you are saying, but I think you are setting the sales bar too high. The SNES, the onlyconsole to pass a competitor (the Genesis) deep into a generation, never outsold its competition 5 to 1. Given the disparity in libraries, I don't think a $400 price tag alone will make the PS3 the go to system for most single console owners. The most important thing is carving out its own space (becoming the go to console for fans and makers of X game or games) Xbox1 s-tyle.

In terms of the removel of B/C, if it happens Sony should make 'no B/C' extremely clear on the box. Its not an important feature to everyone, but its an important feature to some.

Linkification.

Am I just missing something? I only see this new model for the UK and other territories in the European market, but not in the States (and not even in Japan). I suppose its a foregone conclusion that this will be coming to American shores soon enough but the decision not to launch it here is somewhat puzzling.

Perhaps Sony is waiting for the Halo effect to die down a bit?

Removing BC is unfortunate, but Sony hardly has the luxury of proposing half-measures at this point. If Sony flops this holiday season, they can kiss their home console business good-bye, MGS4 or no MGS4.

Linkification.

MarcusAntonius