Rumor: PS3 Slim coming this fall
by Scott Jon Siegel 
{ Feb 1st 2008 at 11:30AM }
While we don't doubt that Sony will eventually give the PS3 a little nip and tuck, it's still far too early in the console's life-cycle to warrant such a drastic revision of the hardware – but we're not ruling out the possibility of a new SKU in the near future. The PSOne redesign appeared over four years after the first PlayStation was launched, and the slimline PS2 didn't appear until over three years after the original.
A redesigned PS3 probably wouldn't appear until late 2009 at the earliest, making the possibility of one showing up this fall slim to none. Now pass that skeptical sauce, please.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Thierry @ Feb 1st 2008 11:34AM
Whichever new sku they come out with, they better bundle an hdmi cable with it.
Carlos @ Feb 1st 2008 12:01PM
Oh yeah, cause hdmi cables are soooooo expensive! You've never heard of www.monoprice.com?
borland502 (SDF - Macross Ring) @ Feb 1st 2008 12:06PM
He's got a point though. I love my black monolith, but for a console that's prime enjoyment is within HD...a cable should be included. I think it should be Sony looking at Monoprice for cheap cables.
Karen @ Feb 1st 2008 12:18PM
It's not that simple Carlos. When people decide to buy something they want to take it home and use it now not wait a 3-7 days for the Monoprice cheap HDMI cable to come in the mail. Your paying $20-$100 in store and most regular people don't have a clue about Monoprice.
Also if it is so cheap for a HDMI cable why doesn't Sony put it in the Box or at least a Component/Composite in one cable. I paid $2.92 for my HDMI cable from Monoprice on sale last October, Sony can afford it when they buy in bulk. I shake my head every time I visit friends house and see all composite cables hooked up to their HDTV. It would be nice to know every person buying a PS3 has out of box everything they need to hook it up properly so it looks the best. It's good customer service. This problem also applies to Nintendo with no Component cable in the box also.
On topic though, I would greatly appreciate a smaller PS3 I'm running out of room in my entertainment center. I'd love to have a small Blu-ray player.
Robobagins @ Feb 1st 2008 12:26PM
I might understand this if it didn't come with cables. But it does. The PS2 didn't come with component cables. The point of the bare bones cables is so everyone who buys one, can use it fresh out of the box. Not everyone has HDMI.
FidliousWong @ Feb 1st 2008 12:30PM
But on the flipside, Karen, imagine this much more common scenario...
Someone opens their new PS3 and doesn't own an HDTV (I know, like how 1970s can you get, right?) but it comes with an HDMI cable. Component and composite cables are missing, but that HDMI cable is in. Suddenly those people get much more upset they have to go back to the store and buy the most commonly used cable connection.
Microsoft was smart with the dual cable but those do costs a bit more. But if Sony went on a similar all in one scenario, it would get more costly. So why switch exclusively for an HDMI cable when so few people have that ability?
Karen @ Feb 1st 2008 12:32PM
Robobagins ithe PS3 comes with composite cables not component. Composite is the L and R audio and yellow video cable.
Karen @ Feb 1st 2008 12:34PM
FidliousWong I want both an HDMi cable and a component/composite in one cable like the 360 has. Every thing in the box :)
I think a 1970's TV would have an RF connector anyway.
Zoesch @ Feb 1st 2008 12:37PM
So they include a 5ft cable and people will complain that it's too short or too long, or that the cable quality isn't top notch, etc. What about those people whose HDTV's don't have HDMI but DVI plus toslink? Do you want to throw the adapter in as well? And the component cables?
It's a bunch of whining waiting to happen, personally I prefer to buy my cables somewhere else, so I know I can get the right type, length and quality. Composite AV cables are still the lowest common denominator.
d-pad @ Feb 1st 2008 1:25PM
Fidlious Wong/Sheppy 2.0,
Because Sony has been touting the PS3 as the only TRUE next gen system.
It's a steak dinner, remember?
Not including HDMI cables is fucking lame.
Bluebrake @ Feb 1st 2008 2:16PM
Robobaggins:
The PS2 didn't come with component cables, but it also didn't do HD (well, a couple games late in its life did, but PS2 wasn't an "HD system"). PS3 is supposed to be *the* HD system. For both practical and symbolic reasons, the fact that it isn't HD-ready out of the box is absolutely ludicrous.
Most PS3 owners do have HDTVs, by the way, something like 80% according to a recent study.
Tranando @ Feb 1st 2008 2:24PM
I can't believe there are idiots that complain about the lack of a $5 HDMI cable in the box. Sounds like all their other complaints about the PS3 have dried up.
Including HDMI is not a wise move. Mnay won't need it, so it's a unnecessary expense, others will want a shorter one, others a longer one, others a better quality one and so on.
Just buy a fucking $5 HDMI cable and stop crying you dumbasses.
Superstar90 @ Feb 1st 2008 9:18PM
I always think Tranando is Fernando, then I think "why is he saying this?" Then I read his name again and say "oooooh"
superaktieboy @ Feb 2nd 2008 11:56AM
nope not hdmi cable, but a bluetooth headset (and call it blutooth headset since they can't spell blue bluray :P) but a headset is really needed, i mean i bought a ps3 for £425, and i can't believe they didn't bundle a headset!!
Anam @ Feb 1st 2008 11:36AM
I see how it works Scott. I call you out on slacking off and so you go and make up news to make it look like you're doing something. Very clever indeed.
KushielsScion007 @ Feb 1st 2008 11:36AM
sony = schizo
See Britney Spears
FidliousWong @ Feb 1st 2008 11:44AM
Ha ha... hahahaaaaa.. ha, *snort*
You are truly becoming sadder with each passing minute.
KushielsScion007 @ Feb 1st 2008 11:38AM
Actually that depends on how SOON this new "slim" version comes out and if the article turns out to be right then it wouldn't be that bad of a move.
However I think it would be stupid and just add to the confusion surrounding their current SKU scheme if they released a slimmer psTRIPLE soon.
And since this is a "sony rumor" its probably 90% true.
KushielsScion007 @ Feb 1st 2008 11:39AM
Joystiq
Reply System...FIX IT
Thanks
Tranando @ Feb 1st 2008 11:39AM
Anyone sat waiting for one of these, has a long wait ahead. This is nothing short of Xbot Viral marketing to try and make people hold out on PS3 purchases.
NATO_Duke @ Feb 1st 2008 11:43AM
Oh, I see what you did there - you took Fernando and put make-up on his avatar, oh then you call your self Tranando. Oh yes, very clever. Very good. Very good indeed. You sir are a genius.
/sarcasm
Anyway, I imagine they would do this after a few years, but the present system, though large, isn't bad looking. People always ask about it when they see it in our tower.
Anam @ Feb 1st 2008 11:46AM
You have a TOWER?! Can I be a guard?
ViagraFiend @ Feb 1st 2008 11:48AM
Personally, I thought it was very funny and will +1 him until I get bored.
NATO_Duke @ Feb 1st 2008 12:20PM
Do you have a crossbow? Then maybe you can be a guard. No promises though.
What do you call those entertainment centers that you have this kinda crap in? OK, I guess an entertainment center. Doh!
Anam @ Feb 1st 2008 12:22PM
I'm looking on eBay right now. Hold the position for me!
GRANTED @ Feb 1st 2008 1:35PM
brilliant, tranando. brilliant.
playwhutyalike @ Feb 1st 2008 1:48PM
So, um, Tranando....You wanna meet somewhere? You're not a cop, right? Sweet.
Tranando @ Feb 1st 2008 2:50PM
Nah not a cop, what's your pleasure? I got a DualShock3....
Synner @ Feb 2nd 2008 9:00AM
Yes, because MS needs to do this to make people not buy PS3.
Looks to me like they are already not buying it without the rumor.
And if I recall correctly, the viral marketing BS is a sony trademark.
I don't remember an all I want for christmas is a zune site.
douche
paragraph @ Feb 1st 2008 11:39AM
I think a slim PS3 is a ways away. While removing the power would slim it up, and the drive will definitly get a slimming, doubt they will release a slimmed down version just yet.
After all Sony wants a good 10 years out of this sytem, to do that they will need to save ammo like this for when the next XBox comes out.
I have no doubt that we will eventaully see a new slim PS3, but not now.
However, the new SKU should ship with the slimmer lasers, meaning lower costs, meaning price break just in time for holiday 2008 ;)
paragraph @ Feb 1st 2008 11:41AM
Additionally, if you'll notice the lack of a card reader. Thats something that sony wouldn't scrap just yet.
Intentless @ Feb 1st 2008 12:12PM
Keep in mind this is an artistic mock up... Maybe the "artist" didn't think to include it.
Ian @ Feb 1st 2008 6:40PM
Actually they already did. The 40GB model which has been on sale in the UK and Europe for some time as a replacement for the 60GB model (now phased out) lacks the card readers, backwards compatibility with the PS2 and dropped USB port count from four to two...
DarthDavid @ Feb 1st 2008 11:42AM
At this point, I'm just glad I got a 60GB EE (with free Heavenly Sword at BB) late Oct. This redesign can wait....mock up looks hot though =)
Marty @ Feb 1st 2008 11:42AM
So the idea for their 10 year lifespan of the PS3 is to just release a new model every 6 months and hope everybody goes out and buys it again?
Carlos @ Feb 3rd 2008 12:33AM
I know what you mean, it's not like Sony has ever done anything like this before!
Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo) @ Feb 1st 2008 1:53PM
That's what I'm thinking.
Geist @ Feb 1st 2008 3:20PM
I think they stole the idea from Nintendo. Maybe it'll work for them as well.
Mr Khan @ Feb 1st 2008 3:57PM
I doubt it would've worked so well if DS was $400 and up
32_Footsteps @ Feb 1st 2008 11:44AM
Actually, I could see Sony showing one off... and then saying that it's coming out in two years.
I mean, let's be realistic - Sony first talked about making the PS3 at E3 2001. They've got a rep for projecting hardware releases well in advance.
ck @ Feb 1st 2008 11:45AM
Yeah, I would assume they would introduce a slim version next year, possibly 2010. That's when I'm buying my PS3 - there will be more likely another price drop by then and all of those great games this year will be much cheaper by the time I pick it up.
It's just waiting that's the hardest part.
Shimrra @ Feb 1st 2008 11:47AM
You know this is the big problem I have with SONY.
STOP RELEASING DIFFERENT SKUs.
Just release 2 or even 3 SKUs stay with that and just work on games. Please for the love of all that is holy just concentrate on your game development. Just when I am at that point where "Yeah you know I think I should get a PS3." They go and announce another SKU if not maybe even lower priced. So then I should wait and while I'll wait I'll go buy some more 360 or Wii VC games. I know they think they are doing good by changing things around but at some point the consumer is just not going to go for it only because in the back of there head they are going to know another SKU is coming down the line. The system is fine as it is it offers just the right amount of goodies but they keeping F* up in this that people will be afraid to invest in one if there is going to be another one just down the road.
FidliousWong @ Feb 1st 2008 11:52AM
*sigh*
Yes, the hardware engineers and people who are not involved with game design at all should get their priorities straight and make some fucking games! Right?!? I mean... Fantavision was definately a top tier title, I'd like to see more of that... and not just those PSEye tech demos... those should be like fully featured games. I'm outraged they aren't being sold at $60...
P.S. You're retarded...
Shimrra @ Feb 1st 2008 12:05PM
Who the hell is talking about Fantavision. Is that what you think is considered a game at all??? I understand the point you think are trying to make but if you really read into what I am trying to say is that from an educated consumer you dont just drop such amount on money on just anything but you do research. So in saying that is this if the Sony consumer who bought there PS3 on day one knew that there would be a price drop 6 months after its initial release would that person get the PS3 at that price or just wait? A smart consumer would want to get as much as they can for as little as possible because lets face it gaming these days its becoming very expensive. So you would want to stretch your money as much as you can. Not all of us live off our mommies and daddies wallets but work hard for our dollar.
Trev @ Feb 1st 2008 1:02PM
Welcome to buying electronics. You act like Sony is the only company doing this. There's always something better coming out for less money.
You could get a Premium at launch (? motherboard), but they died. Then the Elite (Zephyr) with HDMI. Then a premium came out with HDMI (Zephyr). Then one came out with a smaller CPU and HDMI (Falcon), first in a Halo 3 package with a small harddrive, then in the regular package. By Christmas, another set of SKUs will be out with a smaller GPU as well as CPU (Jasper). Maybe they'll include wifi and rechargeable controller batteries with that like they should have in the first place.
If you have a problem with Sony releasing different SKUs, how the fuck do you live with a 360?
MariosInferno @ Feb 1st 2008 1:40PM
If you don't like it, don't buy it. Just wait until it's a bit more settled. This is not unusual.
Shimrra @ Feb 1st 2008 2:22PM
thats just it when is it really going to be at a stable price? At this rate its either borrow one from a friend or just not get one because its just not a sound financial investment.
Trev @ Feb 1st 2008 3:38PM
Never.
No game console (or any electronic device) will ever be a "sound financial investment" because there will always be price drops or better versions of something coming out.
That didn't stop you from getting a 360 with all it's ambiguously labeled hardware revisions, so I don't know why the PS3 doing the same gets under your skin so much.
Shimrra @ Feb 1st 2008 3:50PM
@Trev
There have been plenty of game console (or any electronic device) that have been considered "sound financial investment" Ever own a Bose headphones? or a Nes/Snes maybe even PS1.
As for 360 the only reason I got it was I liked the Xbox and its online components so its wasnt hard decision to get a 360 that doesnt mean I bought right when it came out and I know all about its failure rate. But what does break down I mean I use to own PC and god knows how many times it broke down or some app failing. Its no different than when PS1 lens use to break down.
Noshino @ Feb 1st 2008 4:15PM
wow Shimrra,
I guess you didn't get sheppy's comment.
Sony is a big company, and as such, it has MANY departments...SOME take care of game development, while OTHERS take care of the hardware, might it be revisions and so on, but when have you seen an engineer make a game? or a game developer make a hardware revision?
They are 2 separate groups, heck, what the hell do you want the engineers to do until they begin working on the PS4? nothing?
Its quite idiotic to blame the engineers for lack of games, but then again
1) there ARE games for the PS3, must haves if I may say
2) Why bitch about games? what do you think the developers are doing? what are you going to gain by bitching?
"But what does break down I mean I use to own PC and god knows how many times it broke down or some app failing. Its no different than when PS1 lens use to break down. "
I'm sorry, but on both cases, the damage was repairable, even by the customer him/herself.
well, if we were to compare the 360 with a pc (PS1 was pretty much just a videogame console), when a pc crashes, most of the time, a fix is a available, the owner can go and buy w/e piece is needed depending on the damage, but what about the 360? yah, RRoD and your whole console is fucked, no games, no videos, nothing...and you have to wait until Microsoft's craptastic Customer Support gets to fix your console....