New PS3 40GB model to be announced for $399 on October 12. PS3 80GB price drop to $499?
Rumblings strongly suggest that a PS3 40GB model is on the way for a price of $399 in North America and £299 or €399 in Europe. A UPC database website is now listing a “Sony PlayStation 3 40GB.” And UK online gamestore Play mentions the 40GB PS3 is not backward compatible with PS2 games. What is sure is that Sony has announced a “Big Bang” press conference to take place on October 12th, which is believed to be the place where they will introduce this new, lower priced 40GB PlayStation 3 console. We thought we’d round up all the online speculation for you, so you know to hold on to your wallet for a few more days if you were planning on buying a PS3 soon.
Less certain are the rumors of a 80GB model PS3 expected to appear in North America at a price of $499 and could include an extra game. Expected in Europe is a similar €499 40GB model PS3 that’s hinted as a Starter Pack with two SIXAXIS controllers and two games.
The PS3 40GB model rumblings are further supported by Sony placing a sizable order for 40 gigabyte hard drives. The pricing and extras for the current models will vary according to Newsweek sources, who say that the profit and loss on hardware has been moved from Sony Computer Entertainment International (SCEI) to the regional groups, SCE America, SCE Europe and SCE Japan. This means that each territory is now free to set its own pricing on PS3 hardware, but those individual territories are responsible for managing the hit to their profitability if they decide to cut the price. They also expect to see a $399 PS3 in North America before Thanksgiving. — Thanks to Joe for sending in the tips
Update: Engadget confirms the 40GB with documents.
