Rumor: New PS3 model coming next month

by Andrew Yoon { Jul 8th 2008 at 7:30PM }

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It looks like it's time to the PS3 SKU dance again. An alleged Wal-Mart spreadsheet sent to Joystiq states the 40GB PS3 "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August." What this new model will entail is unclear: it could be a new 40GB bundle, or it could be something different altogether. Perhaps we'll find out more at E3?

This isn't the first time hints of a new system were revealed through retail channels. The 40GB model is currently the cheapest model of the PS3, retailing for $399. It is the only model of the PS3 that does not feature any backwards compatibility support for PS2 titles.

Tags: 40gb, ps3, rumor, wal-mart

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Kiltman67 @ Jul 8th 2008 7:37PM

I don't know much about the subject, so what does it take to be considered a new SKU?

Would just shrinking the CPU be considered a new one as Sony did seem quite keen on it.

ajiezer @ Jul 8th 2008 7:47PM

Any change could be considered a new sku, werther a larger hard disk, a new bundle (new games on it), reduced size of contents in example a 65nm rsx instead of the 90nm.

JamesL007 @ Jul 8th 2008 7:52PM

A SKU is a new version of something, so when a new version of Hardware comes out its called SKU meaning (Stock Keeping Unit) and is given out to retailers to look out for it as it will either replace a older SKU or being something new.

I heard they made a quiter PS3 and more energy Efficient, so hats off to them for it.

I still say the 60GB Ones are the best,

paul @ Jul 8th 2008 8:56PM

I think they now have a cheaper version of the CPU and GPU along with the cheaper blu ray laser we heard about a few months ago

boy-in-da-corner @ Jul 8th 2008 7:41PM

maybe it has a laser gun and a shark pool?

ahsayuninew @ Jul 8th 2008 7:45PM

It would be nice if the new model was just this with more usb ports

Night Elve @ Jul 8th 2008 8:42PM

I really don't know why you would need more ports personally I own the 60 GB model and I've never used more than one port so two USB ports is more than enough I believe.

ahsayuninew @ Jul 8th 2008 9:53PM

I myself have a 60GB, but 2 isn't enough for some people that use a mouse, Playstation camera, and charging their controller and all that stuff

mavbsbll21 @ Jul 8th 2008 11:29PM

Any USB hub will plug right into any PS3. I got a couple for me and my friend for like 5 bucks a piece.

lorddshadow @ Jul 8th 2008 7:47PM

ps3minator

Dwag @ Jul 8th 2008 7:49PM

I'm hoping that it isn't just bringing back dead SKUs like the 60Gb or 20Gb. Maybe they could just release the 40GB with a pack in like cloverfield and/or a DS3.

Maybe they could jusdt phase out the 40Gb all together and just lower the 80Gb to that price but that just takes away the choice from the consumers who don't want an 80Gb.

--- @ Jul 8th 2008 7:53PM

i dunno about you, but i'd love to have the 60gb sku back, with a larger hard drive. it has the best hardware. i cringe with every firmware update knowing i could be killing off the best ps3 made available

vask @ Jul 8th 2008 7:53PM

my guess is another 40gb model with the new/cheaper rsx that they said they made and backwards compatability. Honestly, the lack of BC makes the 40 gb look really unattractive. Most of my friends sold their ps3's back only in hopes of getting one that has BC. Im just glad that i was one of the early adopters with the 20 gb system.

dave @ Jul 8th 2008 8:06PM

maybe it will be the ps3 slim

DahakaSand @ Jul 8th 2008 7:57PM

There's no way Sony is introducing a new SKU in 1 month without telling the public. That's kind of too big to be unheard of.

--- @ Jul 8th 2008 8:04PM

they have to alert the public to what they're doing now? what sense would it make to annouce a better ps3 is coming down the line, people would stop buying ps3's and wait for the new model

Mein Bratwurst @ Jul 8th 2008 9:09PM

With E3 being a week away, anything is possible.

dave @ Jul 9th 2008 8:47PM

60gb ps3 will allways be the top dog UNTIL PSQUAD, all firmware updates from day one!

maybe this will be ps3 slim?

--- @ Jul 8th 2008 8:04PM

slim version is a long way's off yet

dave @ Jul 8th 2008 8:04PM

can't wait to see what the BiG news is going to be.

Aerodynamics @ Jul 8th 2008 8:22PM

It's the Ceramic White PS3. YES!!!!

kentuckyfried @ Jul 8th 2008 9:09PM

Now that...would totally rock. Unfortunately I picked up an MGS4 bundle already though, I don't know how I'd justify yet another bundle. 2 ps3's is crazy. 3 is insanity. =D

The MGS4 bundle should've been available as either a black or ceramic white option (I mean, hell, they already made the box entirely white).

The Aggie CEO @ Jul 8th 2008 8:37PM

its just gonna have a Dualshock 3 instead of a SixAxis........

and MAYBE a movie or game........

no biggie.........

The Aggie CEO @ Jul 8th 2008 8:38PM

its just gonna have a Dualshock 3 instead of a SixAxis........

and MAYBE a movie or game........

no biggie.........

Organic_Shadow @ Jul 8th 2008 9:05PM

The 60gb shall return. 40gb/80gb shall receiveth thine blessings of software BC, PS2 downloads appear on PSN with expanded PS1 offerings, and there will be much rejoicing.

Jesse @ Jul 8th 2008 9:14PM

that would explain why at work our scanners say "deleted" when we scan the 40 gig, we've only gotten 80 gigs in since the MGS4 bundle came out and those have been few and far between

Dwag @ Jul 8th 2008 9:17PM

A white PS3 with DS3 that will sell over here.

Kspraydad @ Jul 8th 2008 11:27PM

Yep...The white one passed FCC how long ago now?

tojfs7931 @ Jul 8th 2008 11:32PM

Is this gunmetal grey ps3 out yet? if not I believe it is this version?

Logan @ Jul 8th 2008 11:55PM

the MGS4 gunmetal grey units are only sposed to be 40 gig if i remember correctly. i'ld say that's it.

"Odds are they were probably basic white cotton underpants, but I started thinking, maybe they're silk panties. Maybe it's a thong, maybe it's uh, maybe it's something cool I don't even know about ya know?"

Dwag @ Jul 8th 2008 11:56PM

Well as long as they keep the 40GB I'll be okay. Hopefully Sony won't screw us 40Gb owners over.

McDuck @ Jul 9th 2008 12:38AM

This is obviously a sign that the white 40GB PS3 with the smaller RSX and revised motherboard is going to be released by SCEA.

Since Sony is all about profitability atm, my prediction is that there will be three PS3 SKUs going into Christmas 08:

-Limited (aka gotta have it at any cost but can't find it must have) edition 80GB MGS4 bundle.

- white 40GB (new) PS3 with PSN download voucher.

-black 40GB (new) PS3 with PSN download voucher.

Expect them to drop the price of all PS3s by $50 across the board if the 20GB Xbox 360 premium "clearance" becomes a threat.

NobleArc, The Lazy Canadian @ Jul 9th 2008 1:43AM

My guess would just be a newer 40GB PS3, still with no PS2 backwards compatibility, but with a DUALSHOCK 3, a game/movie bundled in (possibly one of each), the new cheaper internal parts (BD laser, RSX, CPU), and no colour change.

So.. take the current 40GB PS3, make it cheaper to make, bundle in a game or movie, and make the DUALSHOCK 3 standard, rather than a SIXAXIS. Announce it at E3 as a new bundle containing some upcoming game set for release in August, and also put in a voucher for a download of one of the new trophy-enabled games like PixelJunk Eden.

But that's just my guess.

Mark @ Jul 9th 2008 2:05AM

anythings possible with E3 coming up next week

HanzoTheRazor @ Jul 9th 2008 3:31AM

If the 40 was BC then it would be by far the superior unit. I have a 60 and a 40 and belive me, the 40 is much, much quieter smoother and energy efficient. It also has les dust catchers and vents. Got a feeling though that Sony will give us BC in the future, but at the moment they are moving so many PS2's, so maybe they will hold off a bit. Expect a white model, a bigger HD pack comming and ofcours the smaller RSX. Anything is possible though, so expect some BIG announcements at this E3.

Dwag @ Jul 9th 2008 10:03AM

Well releasing a 40GB with BC would be a mistake because most of those 40GB people knew what they were getting into and chose to buy it so to me people who buy 40GBs are either people who frankly don't care about BC or people that only have that as there option. Like I said before 40GB doesn't need BC.

This is what I'm predicting
40GB with DS3 and all those little new chips and diodes and a movie/game. Color would be interesting but only fools complain about not getting a PS3 in Red or Blue and plus when did color ever matter Hardcores never care and when they do they pimp it out themselves to me only casual gamers would really be interested in color.

They'll phase out these old ass 40GBs then release a new model with new stuff bundled and inside the system at the same price point. I believe Sony doesn't need to lower price to beat MS all they need is good games and right now they don't have many but in 09 and hopefully late 08(not Resistance 2 cause thats just a joke) games like
FFXIII and God of War 3 come out and put a big dent in MS' side.

Carney @ Jul 9th 2008 9:27AM

This is VERY timely information as my 60GB has died and I'm considering where to spend my refund: refurb 60GB, new 40GB, or new 80GB? Each has its downsides. If this new SKU features full hardware PS2 compabitility, SACD, 4 USB ports, and a full complement of flash card readers, I'll snap it up (hard drive size is a lower priority for me).

Carney @ Jul 9th 2008 9:30AM

I hope it's piano black with chrome trim, just like now. That's a gorgeous look and I have no interest in any other.

Dreadhead541 @ Jul 9th 2008 11:07AM

But, but...

I was going to go buy a 40 gig ps3 tomorrow, i don't want to have to wait till next week to find out if a better one comes out.

Lummox @ Jul 9th 2008 11:18AM

Considering the August time frame, I'd hazard a guess that it may be a Madden 09 PS3 bundle. They are already planning to release the Madden 09 PSP bundle, it's the 20th anniversary of Madden NFL games, and they need to win back the core sports gamer which makes up a large chunk of North American games revenue after last year's Madden frame rate debacle.

I'd also like to see some minor hardware upgrades to the 40 GB SKU (addition of USB ports and flash reader would be nice to have).