The PlayStation 3 is finally a $400 system – and still a ways off from being affordable. It took Sony a year for its cheapest model to reach the highest price of the Xbox 360 before the Elite was released in early 2007. Xbox 360 launched at $400 with a 20 GB hard drive and $300 for the “Core” system without a hard drive. Sony has gone through several models and pricing structures, but never once fell below $500. Launching at $600 for the 60 GB model and $500 for the 20 GB model. Sony phased out the 20 GB model in April 2007 and in July it announced a price cut of the 60 GB model to $500 (to be discontinued) in favor of a $600 80 GB model of the PS3, which would be released on August 6. If you find all of this hard to follow, we don’t blame you.
Sony Computer Entertainment America today announced plans to introduce a new 40 GB model of its PlayStation 3. Beginning November 2nd the new 40 GB PS3 model will come bundled with the blockbuster movie Spider-Man 3 Blu-ray Disc from Sony Pictures, and will be available in North America for a suggested retail price of $399. The company also announced that effective immediately, the current 80GB PS3 model will be available in North America for $499, $100 below the original launch price. The new 40GB PS3 will no longer play PlayStation 2 titles
“We’re pleased to offer the consumer a lower price point without sacrificing the core technology components that make PS3 the most advanced high-definition entertainment system available. Every PS3 comes with a Blu-ray drive, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, Cell Broadband Engine and a built-in hard-drive,” said Jack Tretton, President and CEO, SCEA. “This holiday season we’ll be able to offer attractive retail pricing with a broad portfolio of outstanding games including Ratchet and Clank Future: Tools of Destruction, The Eye of Judgement, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Heavenly Sword, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Assassin’s Creed, Haze and RockBand.”
