40GB 399USD PS3 Confirmed for N-America, 80GB Drops to 499USD

***wraggster*** · October 18th, 2007, 20:06

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced plans to introduce a new 40GB model of its PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) computer entertainment system.
Beginning November 2nd, to further enhance the HD entertainment experience, the new 40GB PS3 model will come bundled with the blockbuster movie Spider-Man(TM) 3 Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BD) from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, and will be available in North America for a suggested retail price of $399 (USD/CND). The company also announced that effective immediately, the current 80GB PS3 model will be available in North America for $499 (USD/CND), $100 below the original launch price.

"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 & Clank(R) Future: Tools of Destruction(TM), THE EYE OF JUDGMENT(TM), Uncharted: Drake's Fortune(TM), Heavenly Sword(TM), Call of Duty(R) 4: Modern Warfare, Assassin's Creed(TM), Haze(TM) and RockBand(TM)."

The new 40GB PS3 will no longer play PlayStation(R)2 titles, reflecting the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific titles. Consumers looking for backwards compatibility can take advantage of the limited PlayStation 2 backwards compatibility of the 80GB PS3.

SuccessHK already sell with worldwide shipping the 80GB PS3 for USD 497.10 (£244)

**Basil Zero** · October 19th, 2007, 02:54

Wow

500 bucks, man 100 dollars closer to a PS3 XD

**ketchup** · October 19th, 2007, 13:30

Now if the 80Gb version with the same HW configuration as the US, (with 240V or auto detecting PSU's) was at the equivalent £250 (~$500) then PS3 would be selling a hell of a lot more in Europe than it currently is.
Even this new 40Gb version with its' far lower HW spec. costs nearer £300.
Major league ripoff. Accusing differing Euro laws for the price difference is complete BS! I've even heard the excuse of currency exchange rates. That too is BS as we would all make ourselves millionaires by just changing between USD, YEN and GBP!

Also how can Sony be reducing costs effectively while making so many, (and increasing) variants? Surely the best and cheapest method is to make one HW type with firmware being the only difference!

I just hate being ripped off!
Sony aren't the only guilty ones with this issue though!