The New PS3 Slim

Here’s a nice video by CNET showcasing the new PS3 Slim:

Sony Computer Entertainment said that the new PlayStation 3 Slim utilizes Cell microprocessor (jointly developed by IBM, Sony and Toshiba) made using 45nm fabrication process. The new chip consumes less power.

Sony introduced PlayStation 3 Slim version earlier this week. The new console is about one third smaller compared to the original one. Besides, the slim version consumes approximately one third less energy, which means that the new video game system is powered by less power hungry components.

According to a claim posted at Sony’s U.S. web-site, the new PS3 uses a new version of Cell processor made using 45nm process technology.

The most expensive component of Sony PlayStation 3 is Nvidia’s Reality Synthesizer (RSX) chip, which used to cost Sony about $58 earlier this uear. Another important chip inside the video game console, the Cell processor, used to cost $46, while being made at 65nm node. The reduction of the pricing should be associated with higher yields as well as thinner manufacturing technology, which means that the new 45nm chip is much cheaper compared to the predecessor.

The new Cell processor is made by Toshiba Corp.

It is ordinary for game console makers to lose money on hardware, and make up for the loss via video game-title sales. Still, the size of Sony’s loss per unit is still a pity, even for the video-game console business. It is expected that Sony may reach the break-even point with the PS3 in 2009.

PS3 “Slim” Model Specifications

• “OtherOS” support has been removed.
• You still get 2 USB ports.
• Hard drive sizes will be bigger, it will come in 120Gb and 250Gb flavours. It’s still replaceable and will actually be slightly easier as it has been relocated to the front of the console.
• It will NOT have any “new” features, such as backwards compatibility or enhanced peripheral support. It’s just a PS3, but slightly smaller and cheaper.
• The power supply is still internal, but a different power cable will be used.
• Rear ports are still the same: 1x HDMI, 1x Sony AV port, 1x Optical, 1x Ethernet. And of course a power port.
• Release date and official announcement are not final.
• Price is undetermined, but make no mistake, this is a “slimmed” PS3 in ever sense of the word. It’s as cheap as can possibly be, so expect it to launch with a smaller price tag than what you’re paying now in your respective territories.
• Internally, several daughter boards have been removed, but all functionality is still there. This is due to a more advanced manufacturing process. It still uses a few extra boards, though, we’re not quite at PSTwo levels yet.
• A Cheaper Blu-ray drive is being used. It wont be any slower, but expect to see similar issues that another competitor had a while ago.
• Touch-sensitive buttons on the front for power/eject are gone in favour of cheaper push buttons.
• It has a slightly different startup screen. Only slightly.
• It’s about 50% smaller than current PS3s.
• It wont be called the “PS3 Slim”. The PS1 “slim” and the PS2 “slim” were never officially called the “slim”, either.
• In short: It’s a smaller PS3, but that’s it. No new features, no special hardware, just smaller and cheaper.

Amazon has the PS3 Slim available for order. Order yours now for $299 to make sure you get one, I’m sure these will sell out fast.

Playstation 3 Slim
Sony announced today that they are releasing the Playstation 3 Slim in September. The new Playstation 3 slim is smaller and lighter, has a 120GB HDD, and packs “all the same features” of the regular PS3. The new slim version also consumes 34 percent less power and takes up 32 percent less space. Retail price is $300 with a release date coming soon.

It’s confirmed!  The new PS3 Slim is now available for $299.  Yes, NOW! Today, Kaz Hirai also announced a new, slimmer form factor 120 GB PS3 (available September 1st).  SCEA President and CEO Jack Tretton shows off the new hardware in this video: