Last week in Cologne, after the big Gamescom show the Times Online had a sit-down with Kaz Hirai, the Sony Computer Entertainment boss. One of my friends George was present there to attend that big event and saw the official launch of the new Playstation 3 (PS3) Slim. He questioned there that whether the lower-priced $299 PS3 Slim will be sold at a loss relative to its cost to manufacture. Kaz Hirai quick replied him “YES”.
That was a shocking reply for me because of two reasons. First reason, the PS3 Slim has advantages from efficient 45-nm manufacturing processes that has used on its less power-hungry and smaller Cell processor. Second reason, Sony’s CFO told investors just last month that manufacturing costs of the PS3 had dropped by about 70% which has come to about $240 based on original manufacturing estimates of $800 when the PS3 launched back in 2006. A console being sold as a loss-leader is nothing latest in this industry world. The PS3 is a platform that includes the software, hardware, peripherals and services.
The PS3 Slim is two-thirds the weight and thickness of the current PS3 model. And also, to help to reduce fan noise, power-consumption has been cut to two-thirds.
The hardware features involves a textured surface finish that is unlike the current glossy model. The hardware also includes a 120GB hard drive, an increase from the entry-level 80GB model. The PS3 Slim includes system software 3.0 which includes a ‘What’s New’ screen and improved user operability.
When the console is plugged in with an HDMI cable, the PS3 Slim with a Bravia Sync feature will allow owners to operate the XMB on the PS3 via TV remote. When the Bravia TV is turned off, the hardware will also move to Standby mode
Good news for you is that the new $299 Playstation 3 Slim hardware will be available on Sept. 1 in the U.S. So, what’s the program?
