Forgot to add, in the article, Sony officials confirmed the release date is September 1 and not the August 24 date posted on Kmart and Sears web sites.
"The redesigned PS3 will feature a 120 GB hard drive. It is 36 percent smaller and 32 percent lighter than existing models. It also consumes 34 percent less power."
Image of the new matte design is included.
Sept 1 will see a PSN redesign: Firmware 3.0: BATTERY METER MOVED!, Animated themes, 'What's New', Interface changes...UK will be getting a dedicated BBC iPlayer app, EU PSN Cards (finally!), Vidzone expanding to 4 more EU countries, Video Store for EU (UK/France/Germany/Spain) (PSP/PS3) announced (available later 2009)
According to SONY at Gamescon...PS3 installed base 23.7 WW with 10+million in SCEE territories. $280 Million in Revenue from PSN. Home has 7.5 Million downloads (it is a downloadable app).
CAG Oswald9599 provides the scoop with this photo of future signage at FYE. The sign reveals a PS3 80GB console for $299.99 and a 160GB console with Uncharted for $399.99.
While the exact date of the price drop is unknown, we are told these signs will be put up in the next "planner period" which is usually the last or first Thursday of the month.
Should probably post an article supporting the two SKU theory. I will dig around and find a good article with nice pictures of the spine of the Arcade.
I was always in Favour of the Pro being the new arcade and the Elite the new Pro. That said the Elite becoming the Pro continues to offer choice to consumer which I think has been one of Microsofts selling points. Also dropping down to 2 SKUs is good for business and makes selling a lot easier simpler for the consumer to understand. Of course they still need to understand why one needs a hard drive and one does not.
Depending on what Sony do I still expect Microsoft to not maybe match it but certainly give it a run for the money with some movement downward on price possible focusing in Europe.
With sales being depressed for much of the year it will interesting to see how much both Sony and Microsoft can tempt the Xmas buying public.
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