PS3 "Slim" rumor partially hogwash
News regarding the rumored PS3 “Slim” exploded across the Web as word came out today about a contract between Sony and Foxconn to manufacture a revised PS3. Many sites across the Web have taken this rumor to be true, but before everyone jumps to conclusion keep in mind that there are a few holes in the theory.
As I wrote earlier last month, the PS3 “Slim” is more than likely to happen for various reasons. I can see Sony releasing a super compact lite model with a lower price. Rumors indicate that the PS3 Slim will have a 120GB HD and will come in Xbox-like matte finish.
According to Engadget, there is some level of confirmation that Foxconn has signed a contract with Sony to manufacture a revised version of the PS3. However, before everyone jumps to conclusion, lets keep in mind that a revised version of the PS3 does not necessarily mean the PS3 “Slim,” as it could mean internal changes like the shrinking of the processor size.
Believe it or not, Sony has gone through various revisions in the past, not all physically different. Subtle revisions such as the Cell processor has been shrunk already with a new mobo. Also, keep in mind that Foxconn is the manufacturer that Sony has been using since the launch of the PS3 back in 2007. Actually, Foxconn manufacturer’s parts for the Wii, Xbox 360, and even the PS2 to this day. So, Foxconn resigning a contract with Sony to keep doing what it has been doing is not so shocking.
The other part of the rumor that seems even more ludicrous is indications that Sony will be launching a new next-gen model with motion controls in 2010. As Engadget points out this part seems less likely to be true just by the fact that the motion controller is fully compatible with the current system out now.
My take on the whole rumor is that there is a bit of confusion mixed with some truth and speculation. I believe that there is some merit to the PS3 Slim rumors, but the whole thing about a new next-gen model launching next year is completely hogwash. However, I can see Sony launching a new PS3 SKU next year bundled with the motion controllers like Microsoft is allegedly doing as Ballmer hinted during the Executive Club meeting.
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48 Responses to “PS3 "Slim" rumor partially hogwash”
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July 1st, 2009
I don’t see the point behind releasing a PS3 slim at this stage in the game. It’s not like as if thousands of potential buyers are holding off on buying a PS3 because they find the current console just far too bulky. Why would sony add the extra cost of tooling new molds, designing new motherboards & component layouts, getting EC & FDA approvals etc, testing for thermal efficiency etc just to appeal to a demand that doesn’t exist. Their order of priority is clearly:
1. achieve profitability with each console
2. reduce retail price to increase uptake
3. continue to reduce manufacturing costs
4.after about 5 years, introduce a new case design to revive a naturally stagnant uptake by then.
BTW Mike, you may want to edit you text – I believe you meant to say Foxconn are re-signing a contract with Sony, not resigning, which means the complete opposite. Unless that was a Freudian slip!
July 1st, 2009
You make some valid points there Rimmer. But if sony can reduce the material and manufacturing costs by even a few dollars per unit, the knock on effect is dramatic.
If it costs them $1m to refine the case and mother board etc, they could make that back in a few months time and then make profit?!? Doing so would make your point 3 more valid and point 2 could be achieved.
I am sure sony, for all their faults, would not look at doing it unless it made more financial sense than to leave it as is.
July 1st, 2009
^^^ i agree, dont see it happening anytime soon
July 1st, 2009
You’re missing the point Rimmer. It’s not because it’s too bulky, it’s because people aren’t interested in the PS3 at the moment, probably because they’ve been put of by the price and that it’s not a BC unit.
A redesign is akin to a refresh, and will get people interested again.
It’s not too dissimilar to the PSP…Sony said that when they introduced the PSP-2000 and 3000, hardware sales went up, even though the PSP game sales were going down; and the PSP probably had the worst games lines up.
But because of the surge in PSP sales, 3rd parties wanted to know how they could get back into making games for PSP, hence the current surge in PSP games you have coming from 3rd parties coming up this year and next. (MGS, GTA, Tekken, Soul Caliber, Rock Band, Dante’s Inferno, Assassin’s Creed, Dirt, etc, etc)
It’ll be the same with the PS3 when the slim comes along, along with a price cut and GT5…and perhaps BC put back in now that Michael Pachter thinks PS2 sales will dry up.
July 1st, 2009
I think the price cut and the redesign will go hand in hand. I think potential buyers are holding off mainly due to the price. The Slim model would lower production costs, plus the new model would also help to generate more interest over all.
The way I see things playing out is, PS3 slim/price cut & firmware 2.8 before the holidays. The combination of the three together, should help to increase sales before the busy holiday season.
July 1st, 2009
Barnabe is right. Slim models have always come with a price cut.
-Arvis
July 1st, 2009
I never understood all the man spooge that was ejected over slim models.
July 1st, 2009
But remember, the PS2 slim came over 4 years after the full size PS2 and whilst being smaller, it also meant it had to sacrifice the HDD expandability, tray loading disc drive and internal power supply. The cost savings came from omitting elements as well as squeezing more elements into a a single chip. The new BC they are working on is unlikely to be hardware based, so does not need a new design. Maybe the slim will be the budget model to counter the 360 arcade, without wifi, a minimum number of connectors, external power brick, top loading bluray drive and fixed hdd (whatever the cheapest capacity will be)
July 1st, 2009
SW, please don’t be gross.
July 1st, 2009
SW seems to be in a more-perverted-than-usual mindset lately. I think Harry is a bad influence.
-Arvis
July 1st, 2009
Rimmer, I think if they went with the external power brink, that would probably create a lot more space. Not sure what else they could actually cut out though.
July 1st, 2009
I think Barnabe has hit it on the head there. What better way to spark interest in a failing console than a new slimmer model, new firmware and price cut.
Rimmers right that the PS2 slim can out 4 years or so after the first PS2, but the PS2 sold millions more than the PS3 has, so this might be the kick the PS3 needs.
Andrew might have to rethink his PS4 jokes
lols.
July 1st, 2009
Man spooge. heh.
Well i’ll put it this way, if this new slim PS3 hits sub $250 with nothing else left out, I may get one.
July 1st, 2009
@Arvis: Oh, you mean *THAT* Harry! At first, I thought you were talking about Harry Knowles.
July 2nd, 2009
Who’s Harry Knowles?
July 2nd, 2009
I guess they have to try something.
Interesting how Sony used to claim a Euro sales lead, well I can’t find numbers for all of Europe but I can find a survey for the UK out today.
“As of late June 2009, DS sales were close to ten million units, with Sony’s PSP trailing behind in the handheld market, having sold 3.3 million units to date.
Nintendo’s Wii is the UK’s biggest selling home console, having sold 5.4 million to date, followed by Microsoft’s Xbox 360 (3.9 million units) and Sony’s PlayStation 3 (2.2 million).”
h**p://www.techradar.com/news/gaming/uk-has-24-2-million-new-gen-games-consoles-613105
July 2nd, 2009
BTW I think this means PS3 sdales are down on last year, Xbox numbers continue to rise year on year and the Wii outsells both of them combined (and didn’t need a price cut to do it).
Ninty must be laughing their tooties off, Microsoft must be quitely pleased and Sony, well, they have idiots telling them it’ll all come good by 2015!
(seriously)
h**p://www.digitalspy.co.uk/gaming/a162814/analyst-ps3-to-surpass-xbox-360-by-2015.html
July 2nd, 2009
1.7 million is nothing.
also I have a friend from there he told almost everybody there buys there ps3 oversee because its cheaper and since the PS3 is region-free.
so oversee sales dont count as UK sales
July 2nd, 2009
Ninty must be laughing their tooties off, Microsoft must be quitely pleased and HH must be around the back giving himself a reacharound.
July 2nd, 2009
Roca, people in the UK haven’t purchased the PS3 abroad since mid 2008, when the pound reached near parity wit the euro, so there goes that theory. Infact the UK is now one of the cheapest places in europe to buy a PS3. Amazon.co.uk have it at £289 (approx 330 euro) whereas amazon.de sell it at 370euro and amazon.fr are selling it for 399euro. And both of these regions have a higher PS3 uptake than the UK. You fill have to admit it – People just aren’t buying the PS3, fullstop.
July 2nd, 2009
Roca
Actually in the UK closing in on an almost 2 million lead is quite a lot (it’s getting close to almost double the PS3 sales).
But you want to pretend it’s nothing.
Funny as always.
Sooner or later we’ll be getting EU-wide numbers, last year Xbox pulled 1 million ahead there (after the Sept price cut), it must be quite a gap if they have come close to doubling that in the UK alone.
Spideydog
Jezz but you are sad.
July 2nd, 2009
One million truly is a momentous lead.
July 2nd, 2009
As we all know, the UK is the centre of Europe…
July 2nd, 2009
lol
July 2nd, 2009
That’s why all the immigrants want to come here.
I wish they’d go to Australia instead…
July 2nd, 2009
For a start it’s a hell of a lot closer to 2 million than just 1 million….
…..and if an Xbox lead of almost 2 million really is no big deal and nothing to talk about just what exactly does that say for total PS3 UK sales of just over 2 million then, hmmmmm?
SW
I seem to recall us having a discussion about the Xbox Euro sales lead last year and the lead was then ‘only’ 1 million.
Don’t you think there’s some significance in the UK alone seeing that lead double?
I wonder just how far ahead total European Xbox sales are v the PS3.
(and Roca, explain the logic to me, why would anyone in the UK buy a PS3 from one of the other EU countries?
If you can think of a credible reason – given you’ve already seen the currency argument makes no sense – then why would that only apply to the PS3 and not Xbox?
Please, I’m looking forward to seeing you try to wriggle out of that one.)
July 2nd, 2009
‘Don’t you think there’s some significance in the UK alone seeing that lead double?’
Sure do, but I wasn’t really making the comment for any particular reason than to yank your chain (I know how you like to respond).
Its my friday, I’m sleepy, its warm out, and I really don’t care about who’s winning what.
July 2nd, 2009
Friday on a thursday SW?!
What have you been taking?
July 2nd, 2009
Oh, leave perhaps?
July 2nd, 2009
SW,
What about Andy Murray? Surely you care whether HE wins, don’t you???
-Arvis
July 2nd, 2009
‘Friday on a thursday SW?!’
Loooooooooonnnng weekend!
@Arvis – You get one guess to that answer. It ryhmes with ’snow’…
July 2nd, 2009
“the Xbox is siting pretty with 3.9m units, up 1.7 from last year, while the PS3 is at 2.2m, up 900k from last year (and, coincidentally, right where Microsoft would’ve been a year ago).”
All this data proves is that the PS3 is right on track with the 360, nothing else. Nice try though.
July 2nd, 2009
How good is it that Murray is doing well though?
All the Scots are pissed off that the English are latching onto his success by calling him “British”.
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/edwest/10132907/stop_trying_to_claim_andy_murray_for_britain/
July 2nd, 2009
How good is it that Murray is doing well though?
All the Scots are pissed off that the English are latching onto his success by calling him “British”.
blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/edwest/10132907/stop_trying_to_claim_andy_murray_for_britain/
July 2nd, 2009
Barnabe
Where does it say
“Barnabe Jones:
July 2nd, 2009
“(and, coincidentally, right where Microsoft would’ve been a year ago).”
You made that bit up yourself, didn’t you?
Here’s another little interesting bit of analysis –
“Data from January 31st 2009 put the Xbox 360 at 3.3 million and the Nintendo Wii at 5.1 million, meaning that Microsoft’s console has actually sold two times the amount of the Wii in the last six-months.
When comparing to the same six month period last year, this equates to a 100 per cent rise in sales for the Xbox 360 and a 66 per cent drop in sales for the Wii. It appears that the Nintendo Wii is experiencing a drop off in the UK after the January period, with the Xbox 360’s competitive price doing Microsoft proud.
The PlayStation 3 and PSP sales over the same period (January to June 2008) show no growth or decline, with the Nintendo DS experiencing 44 per cent decline, despite the launch of the DSi.”
h**p://www.gamezine.co.uk/news/game-industry/360-sells-more-than-wii-and-ds-in-uk-s-2009-$1308462.htm
I see PS3 game sales aren’t going too good either –
” 30th June 2009
It’s been reported today that Sony are having difficulty making million sellers out of their first-party PLAYSTATION 3 (PS3) releases in North America. Since the PS3’s North American launch in late November 2006, only Insomniac’s launch title Resistance: Fall of Man has managed to surpass one million unit sales in the territory.”
h**p://electronictheatre.co.uk/index.php/playstation3/playstation3-news/2377-first-party-ps3-releases-struggle-to-reach-1m-sales
Still there’s always 2015 to look forward to……or maybe another invented little quote, eh?
Ha ha ha ha
You couldn’t make it up, as they say…..oh wait, you did!
July 2nd, 2009
Its just the English way.
If there’s no English competitor, fall back to the Scots, then the Irish, and if you REALLY have to, the Welsh…
July 2nd, 2009
Yeah SW, we’re all jolly great Brits together……….. right up until they lose, then they’re back to being Scot, Irish or Welsh.
July 2nd, 2009
Kinda like the way us Aussies claim the New Zealanders as our own. E.g Crowded House, Icehouse, Evermore etc.
July 2nd, 2009
“Spideydog
Jezz but you are sad.”
Nah, I quite happy actually …. Happy !
July 3rd, 2009
Here is the Andy Murray Nation guide :
Knocked out before final = Scottish
Gets to final but loses = British
Wins Wimbledon = English
I am sure if Tim Henman ever won Wimbledon, he sure has hell wouldn’t have been called British.
Great Britain is too small a place to be divided up in to small states like England, Scotland, Ireland and Taffland.
I am British and proud to be. Technically I am English but the English really get on my tats at times with their hypocritical pride. And they are not as well like abroad as the Scots.
July 3rd, 2009
Ahhhh, Bravehart, a movie about a whole lot brave scotsman, with a lead aussie actor and director …..
LOL
July 3rd, 2009
Spideydog, ha ha. What are you getting at LOL!
And an American/Canadian actor does a Scottish voice for Shrek. Heres an idea. Why not use a Scotsman to do Scottish roles?
It reminds me of an episode of the Simpsons when the new Radioactive man movie comes to Springfield to film. The crew are painting a horse to look like a cow and Bart asks why are they doing it. To which he gets told that horses look more like cows as cows don’t look like cows on screen. Bart then asks what happens if they need a horse in the film. The crew guy tells him they just tape a load of cats together.
LOL. Hollywood. Who cares if its right, as long as there is loads of Whoop ass in the film!
July 3rd, 2009
Um, isn’t Mel Gibson actually American?
July 3rd, 2009
‘Why not use a Scotsman to do Scottish roles?’
Because a Canadian pretending to be a scotsman is alot easier to understand than a real one…
July 3rd, 2009
Well that’s a little clouded. Mel Gibson was born in New York, but moved to Sydney when he was a few years old. So he’s kinda American, but I think he got naturalised somewhere down the track.
July 3rd, 2009
Was that a ironic joke you were making before harry? …if Wikipedia is to be believed Crowded House and Icehouse are actually Australian…
In other news, it’s good to see Murray get knocked out.
So he’s definitely Scottish then
July 4th, 2009
Yeah, it was awesome, a bit like a Dr Who regeneration.
You could practically see the ‘Britishness’ draining right out of him and the revived Scottishness taking over in a live TV transmogrification stylee way.
Amazing TV.
Besides, according to the commentators his previous ‘I prefer anyone other than England to win’ in sport comments has a lot of the English Tennis fans very cool towards him.
July 4th, 2009
Wikipedia is definitely wrong there. Crowded House are proud Kiwis, as is Iva Davies (Icehouse).