Rumor: New PlayStation 3 model less than 18 months away
by Kevin Kelly 
{ May 3rd 2007 at 6:31PM }
We already know that Ken Kutaragi had a vision for the next several PlayStations, but we didn't think they'd literally be right around the corner. Smarthouse claims that we'll be seeing the next version of Sony's game machine within 18 months, which seems way too soon to us. Upon closer reading, it is.Despite Smarthouse's "it's a PlayStation 4!" it sounds more like the PS3.5 to us. According to the story, "The device will include the same chipset as the current PS3 but where it will differ from the current model is in the drive bay and in the attachment area. It will also include an extensive software suite for the managing of content being streamed to a TV or Hi Fi source."
Actually, it sounds a lot like the less than stellar PSX / Frankenstein system, set to make a return after a jolt of lightning that we like to call "poor PS3 sales."
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
kingofwale @ May 3rd 2007 6:38PM
although the source of this is from " an unnamed "Sony insider" has reportedly claimed that a new PlayStation could be available next year."
I have to say. It might not be a bad idea to have PS3 Slim at 2nd anniversary.
aegies @ May 3rd 2007 6:39PM
I think it would be fair to say the PSX was ahead of the Media Center age that we're sliding into now; if Cell actually manages to take off as a small, consumer alternative to X86 based platforms, the market may be ready for the kind of system this seems to be implying. An 800 dollar media center device isn't that unreasonable.
http://eat-sleep-game.com/news
TheGuy @ May 3rd 2007 6:39PM
Instead of creating a new model, Sony should be doing what everyone wants them to do...LOWER THE F&@#ING PRICE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
zwarrior @ May 3rd 2007 6:40PM
PS3 lite?
Ian Von Porter @ May 3rd 2007 6:42PM
Sounds like its the PSthree ... small form factor, 65nm Cell and gpu, top loading BD drive, larger HDD, fruity colours, etc, etc... the current PS2 didnt reallt take off until the PStwo came along.
Grog @ May 3rd 2007 6:46PM
"An 800 dollar media center device isn't that unreasonable."
Eh? People call the Apple TV overpriced at $299 - and that's because you can get more functionality (like DVR functions) cheaper with an old PC, a capture card, and something like MythTV.
rtcfilm @ May 3rd 2007 6:51PM
Is it just me, or is the whole "release a title before it's done because we can always patch it later," mentality now breeching into the way systems are released? The whole reason why I'm a console gamer before a PC gamer is when I buy something, it'll work without me having to worry about hardware upgrades...
Geoff Gibson @ May 3rd 2007 6:58PM
I'd definitely prefer a slimmer, smaller, better looking PS3.
Perhaps I'll wait to purchase a PS3 until this new design comes to fruition.
Chris Putnam @ May 3rd 2007 7:02PM
Media center functions on PS3? Meh. I'd perk up at the sound of a smaller, lighter, more power-efficient PS3, though.
DSR7997 @ May 3rd 2007 7:06PM
PS3 Elite
bearattack79 @ May 3rd 2007 7:07PM
How about some games first Sony?
n_revolution9 @ May 3rd 2007 7:26PM
"This is getting ridiculous!"
Ken @ May 3rd 2007 7:27PM
Get rid of blu-ray and drop the price, and I'll bite Sony. So will ALOT of people! ;)
Curse @ May 3rd 2007 7:29PM
Smarthouse? Really? The guys that reported on original Xbox sales figures as Xbox 360 sales? http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/04/xbox-360-sales-below-expectations/
copa @ May 3rd 2007 7:33PM
"An 800 dollar media center device isn't that unreasonable."
You're right. PS3 sales have been in the toilet, because people are craving a more expensive model with more high-end features.
shirizaki @ May 3rd 2007 7:33PM
@ rtcfilm
The PS3 is in no way broken. If confirmed, Sony is simply redesigning the PS3 a la PSone and PStwo. They are probably stacking this on top of the 60GB version, so hopefully if it's confirmed this would take the $600 place while the current once takes the $500 place so for only $20 more you get a built in high def disk format that works with games and for $100 more you get DVR functionality.
3cubedminus3squared @ May 3rd 2007 7:35PM
This just might work for Sony. As number 4 said, it will do to the PS3 what the lite did for the DS
letmethinkaboutit @ May 9th 2007 10:14AM
800$ does not sound too exspensive to you? I can get a dual CPU (Not want to be dual like the ps3 actual) with a Computer monitor included and a fair amount of power for only 500$ So what are you talking about?
n_revolution9 @ May 3rd 2007 7:38PM
No....it won't.
Einhanderkiller @ May 3rd 2007 7:40PM
According to Gamespot, it's bogus.
http://www.gamespot.com/news/show_blog_entry.php?topic_id=25607499&sid=6170092&action=convert&om_clk=latestnews&tag=latestnews;title;3
Malcom @ May 3rd 2007 7:42PM
Not if they keep the 600 price tag, which I bet they will.
G_G @ May 3rd 2007 7:59PM
C'mon Joystiq, how can you possibly complain about this when Microsoft has done the SAME EXACT thing. Even if it comes out 12 months from now, it would be on the same time table as the Xbox 360 and its Elite model (1 1/2 years after launch).
Draco @ May 3rd 2007 8:14PM
This is just 2 playstations 3 duct taped together. Sony saw how well that worked for Nintendo
Jake @ May 3rd 2007 8:34PM
How come when MS announces a new revision, Sony fanboys flood the thread with "you're getting bent over. MS screwed the fanbase. LOUD NOISES!!"? Then, when Sony announces the inevitable second revision of their device the MS fanboys don't really make a scene.
Is it possible that Sony fanboys are worse?
Sorry, that was just an observation. These hardware updates always happen. What is interesting here is it seems Sony is looking to add a lot more for TV type stuff than just a larger HDD ala MS. They seem to be making a repeat of the PSWhatever you call it thing they did back in the day. It failed then, but the landscape has changed now.
Taylor B @ May 3rd 2007 8:52PM
If Sony did add anything, I would be plenty upset. However, if it is just a slim / lite model, I wouldn't care. While it may run quieter / cooler (I can never hear my PS3 anyways.) Slim models are made because the manufacturer is able to eliminate parts, and typically because parts become smaller. All a slim model would mean is that it was able to eliminate components.
horngreen @ May 3rd 2007 8:54PM
I hear that the change to the drive bay will be to include a Betamax player along with the Blu Ray.
Grog @ May 3rd 2007 8:54PM
"These hardware updates always happen. What is interesting here is it seems Sony is looking to add a lot more for TV type stuff than just a larger HDD ala MS. They seem to be making a repeat of the PSWhatever you call it thing they did back in the day. It failed then, but the landscape has changed now."
I disagree on that. Sure you have some hardware revisions back in the day, like the second NES form factor. You also had add-ons like the Sega CD. But substantive hardware revisions like the PSX are a very new thing - last generation new. Changes like the Elite are one thing (it mostly just increased the HD and added HDMI, right?), but this is talking about adding functionality rather than simply an upgrade. While upgrading the HD makes the system more useful, you could already do that to an older system. You couldn't, on the other hand, change a PS2 into a PSX, and it seems like this revision would be the same kind of thing.
Still, if the PS3 has gained popularity by then, this might have a chance. I have to say that adding more tech into an already overloaded system with a staggering price point doesn't scream "affordable sedan" so much as "I own a Cadillac!" to me.
waves @ May 3rd 2007 9:06PM
G_G,
They can complain about a PS3 revision because they did complain about the 360 Elite. Listen to the latest podcast where they pretty much tear it apart.
shirizaki @ May 3rd 2007 9:10PM
@Grog
They only state changes tot he drive bay and attachment area: both area that used to be changed back in the PS1/PS2 days.
During the PS1 they removed the serial and parallel i/o ports to cut out hardware costs, and the PS2 say the move to a fliptop instead of a disk tray.
Yes, old time changes, but nothing new to functionality. Pretty much the same thing that MS did tot he 360 (adding an hdmi port). The software suite they stated can be released on the current PS3 models.
gregory mitchell @ May 3rd 2007 9:16PM
I love my 360 but what they did with the elite was just stupid. Xbox has just been fucking up. I mean I loved my 2k and Ninja gaiden cause it used a HD now they took it out now they added a bigger one for what the 1st xbox cost after its 1st price drop(199)
Mr Khan @ May 3rd 2007 9:20PM
Maybe they should change the GPU to one that is Cell-based, so it can effectively interface with the CPU, and put its yield rates about equal to that of the 360
Would be the wisest move, and level the playing field for port performance (or raise it in thier favor)
TiaMaster @ May 3rd 2007 9:55PM
*gregory mitchell*
Um, what the hell did you just say?
English this time, please.
mrlogical @ May 3rd 2007 10:03PM
Hah! I just want to publicly mock myself for almost posting the comment "Why is this just now being spread around? The linked article says it was posted on 02/05/2007, shouldn't we have heard something about this since February?" Damn foreigners and their tricky different date setups.
Mike @ May 3rd 2007 10:06PM
I hate Sony with every ounce of my being,Sony will Fall at the hands of Microsoft.I think its funny that i seen this because some people i know on my forums say the PS3 is supposed to last 10+ years(Whatever),but i see the PS3's dying just like The Xbox360 launch consoles.They make fun of MS because they are offering the Elite wich i think is a good idea.I'll buy A Xbox360 Elite When my Current 360 dies,lets face it,all consoles die,but Sony Will Die as a company.
vidGuy @ May 3rd 2007 10:19PM
"set to make a return after a jolt of lightning that we like to call 'poor PS3 sales.'"
By introducing a new, probably more expensive version? Yeah, right. "Hmm, the $600 beast isn't selling, let's make an $800 version!"
At this pace, the PS3.9 will release in 2009 for the pricetag of $999.99. One person will buy it.
V @ May 3rd 2007 11:01PM
Even if this new version of the PS3 doesn't happen, I think we can all agree that the PS3 will undergo at least one big change in the coming months: They'll add rumble to the SIXAXIS controllers now that the Immersion thing has been settled. Comments from Sony seem to confirm this.
Really, I can't imagine buying a PS3 until the rumble-enabled units arrive. It's going to happen.
Grog @ May 3rd 2007 11:35PM
Rumble is *so* last generation.
samfish @ May 3rd 2007 11:49PM
Maybe it'll be an actual PSWii. A "recycled" PS3 with motion controllers.
But more than likely, it'll be a PSX3.
...and absolutely no one will want to buy the thing.
sheppy @ May 3rd 2007 11:53PM
I'm going to be busy...
@Topic...
Even when PS3 was first announced and the two SKUs were shown, Kuturugi said he would like to add even more functionality to a more premium PS3 and adding more SKUs. Would this move suprise me? Not really. But at this point, standard PS3 is the premium. They need to work on reducing that version before coming out with their ubervariant.
@Ian Van Porter
Bzzt! Wrong. PS2 really caught on during the holiday season of 2002. The same year Sony announced the PS2s price drop to $200, forcing Xbox to drop early and Gamecube to slash $50 off the price. In fact, that December STILL remains their highest month of PS2 sales for December for the PS2s lifespan. Seriously, it came dangerously close to 3 million. Something NO system has come close to achieving. Closest? GBA at 2.2 million. Incidently, it was that same holiday season.
@bearattack79
How about some games first? Have you seen release lists? PS3 has games right now and I'm fairly certain there will be plenty of games to come out over the next 18 months before this even hits, if it is true. "How bout some games first," indeed. How about you update your Trolling 101 PDA?
@N_revolution9
"This is getting ridiculous!"
This coming from a Nintendo fan is quite funny to me. Bet it stings your nethers that Perrin Kaplan said we could see the first Wii console revision as early as THIS holiday season...
@G_G
Really, Joystiq hasn't complained about the Elite at all? I would double check their coverage. For something they apparently approve of, "Meh-Lite" isn't exactly a kind petname.
@Jake
"Is it possible that Sony fanboys are worse?"
Not saying which one is worse, but find me one PS3 thread that isn't filled with trolls. Because this one is loaded. Likewise, Sony trolls are quite bad too. The ones I find most hilarious are the ones that jump into any threads with PS3 news as good news and instantly scream "Joystiq is sucking Sonys dick all the time." This one amuses me to no end.
@Mike
The hell are you talking about? You see PS3s dying all the time, just like the launch 360s? 360 started red ringing within two weeks of launch. On PS3, here we are, month 5, with no widespread problems. Hell, actually, to my knowledge, damn near no problems. I mean, not claiming the system is invincible or some unforeseen issues won't crop up later but right now, the thing is a fucking tank.
Phour ZwanZig @ May 4th 2007 12:29AM
10. PS3 Elite
Posted at 7:06PM on May 3rd 2007 by DSR7997
Nah.. itll be the
PS3 3lit3
and they will say that that was there plan all along.. and that MS stole the Elite name from them..
Cuja @ May 4th 2007 12:51AM
Why don't they just call it a number 2 again and flush it!
Sly @ May 4th 2007 1:06AM
I told some fanboy 2 days ago this is exactly what's going to happen with the PS3 and that the next version will be out by Christmas 2008.
Aberu @ May 4th 2007 2:02AM
A little something you like to call...
More like SHOULD call "PS3 outsells X-Box 360 in Japan 7 to 1". Or "PS3 outsells 360's first quarter, and is on pace to break 360's sales by the end of the year". But that would require delving into the facts. How about "our coverage about games losing exclusivity isn't equally matched with games that lose exclusivity from the 360 often enough, or currently existing blockbuster games that are either for the PS3 exclusively or both systems".
That being said at least you put the article-writers in their place with facts. There is no way the PS4 would use the identical core processor. I could see them using the Cell again, seeing how it is the most innovative and one of the fastest at computing information ever designed. With Intel and AMD doing nothing but increasing numbers, increasing cores, and shrinking wafer size on the same kinda CPU architecture, thank god we have Sony willing to donate 1 billion to further science.
wackychan @ May 4th 2007 3:27AM
Fact: the longer ps3 stays at $600 the more fans that will buy a 360 or wii and say fuck sony.
Fiction: Despite the cost of a ps3, fans will be more than willing to purchase the $600 system when the AAA titles start dropping.
This is the truth. Eat it.
bearattack79 @ May 4th 2007 4:10AM
Sheppy,
Thank you for yet another "list" and the usual wait and see crap.
Your name kinda spells Sheep.
reakt @ May 4th 2007 10:26AM
The software suite for managing content should have been on the original PS3 at launch! I had assumed that the PS3, being the "living room media hub" and all, would have a decent facility for organising and gathering media. Sony had better role out this software to the PS3 as well!
bearattack79 @ May 4th 2007 4:17AM
Actually Sheep, I mean Sheppy... TSK TSK
"Have you seen release lists? PS3 has games right now and I'm fairly certain there will be plenty of games to come out over the next 18 months before this even hits, if it is true"
Yep Ive played most of those games with better visual quality, but Im glad your "fairly certain" you will be playing some games on your "tank"
John @ May 4th 2007 6:54AM
They need to release the ps3.5 with 1GB of RAM for the cell processor to use, 512MB of ram for the graphics processor to use, a faster bluray drive and rumble in the controllers
At the same price as the current 60GB ps3
Then il buy one lol
:)
Jake @ May 4th 2007 9:42AM
sheppy,
Are you serious. Compare this thread with a 360 Elite thread and report back to me. There are not that many blatant trollbait posts. Go to a 360 Elite thread, or even a 360 game thread, and over half the posts are blatant fanboyism. Serial.
sheppy @ May 4th 2007 9:43AM
@bearattack79
Congrats, moron! You are like only the 700th person to recognize the simularities between my username and sheep. You know why? My last name is Sheppard. Wowwie, phoeneticly associated with a Shepherd. He who leads sheep, in other words. And when you are one of 8 people in a group with the same first name, sudden people decide it's time to call people by their last name. Then nicknames come up. A nickname like, for example, shep, sheppy, sheppyboy. It's not a bad associated aside from the fact that I have yet to read a novel where a characters name is Shep and he isn't a bad guy. And there you go, a simple explanation you can take back with you to middle school on Monday.
And it's amazing to me that you mention a list that I never created. Seriously, where was my list, troll? I didn't mention a single game in this thread. I merely stated the PS3 has games out RIGHT NOW and there are plenty more on the way. So stating that the console has NO GAMES is about the most moronic thing a person can do. Even furthering to a point in thinking where you actually believe PS3 will never get a larger library over the next 18 months. You can say there are no games that INTEREST YOU at the moment and that's not a debatable statement. But you made a flat statement and one which is wrong.
And, incidently, you can enjoy the "better visuals" (which appear to be more of a game per game basis on who has the ups) all you want, and likely, I'll be right there with you. Because, you see, I have a PS3, 360, and a Wii. Your assumption that I'm only a PS3 gamer is every bit as moronic as your statement about my username. I was merely swatting down trolls (although Ian got caught in some crossfire. He's not a troll). In England, it used to be as simple as burning a bridge and having archers ready as your kind ran for cover. But the internet has not only increased your numbers but protected you from physical harm as well.