Another of the big rumors of the week has now been confirmed, with Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today officially announcing the €399 40GB PS3 model we’ve all known was coming for a while now. The new model will launch in SCEE territories next week on October 10th and will include “all the features central to the High Definition entertainment experience; true next generation gameplay, stunning High Definition Blu-ray Disc movies, SIXAXIS wireless controller, Wi-Fi and HDMI connectivity.”
To make the cheaper price point though, there are obviously some features being stripped out. Most aren’t a big deal whatsoever, such as only two USB ports instead of four and the complete elimination of the multi memory card port. However, there’s one feature drop that I am completely baffled by: the 40GB will not be backwards compatible with PS2 titles in any way, “reflecting both the reduced emphasis placed on this feature amongst later purchasers of PS3, as well as the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific titles,” according to SCEE. Given the fact that all the newer PS3 models are using software emulation for the backwards compatibility now, I just don’t get why such a key component was trimmed. I could understand dropping BC if it was a hardware thing like the original PS3, as that would save some manufacturing costs, but cutting software BC doesn’t seem like it would have any big effect on cost reduction. But maybe I’m wrong…
“The introduction of the new PS3 has been the result of extensive research into the entertainment needs and preferences of the next generation of PS3 owners,” said David Reeves, President of SCEE. “It has allowed us to deliver an extremely advanced, yet incredibly affordable High Definition gaming and entertainment system, configured to the needs of the next generation of European PS3 owners. PS3 has always been the device of choice for the discerning gamer and entertainment seeker, and the new PS3 is more than ever the perfect High Definition entertainment system.
On the 60GB PS3 front, SCEE has also announced today that the current Starter Pack, comprised of the 60GB PS3, two SIXAXIS wireless controllers and two first party games, is dropping in price to €499, which is quite a deal. Like the US 60GB price cut, though, this deal will only be in place until stock runs out. After that the 40GB will be the only SKU available in the SCEE regions, until even more PS3 price cut/model introduction madness comes around again of course…
Now it’s time to wait and see what happens here in the US…
Matt Litten is the full-time editor and owner of VGBlogger.com. He is responsible for maintaining the day to day operation of the site, editing all staff content before it is published, and contributing regular news, reviews, previews and other articles.
Matt landed his first gig in the video game review business writing for the now-defunct website BonusStage.com. After the sad and untimely close of BonusStage, the former staff went on to found VGBlogger.com. After a short stint as US Site Manager for AceGamez, Matt assumed full ownership over VGBlogger, and to this day he is dedicated to making it one of the top video game blogs in all the blogosphere.
Matt is a fair-minded reviewer and lover of games of all platforms and types, big or small, hyped or niche, big-budget or indie. But that doesn't mean he will let poor games slide without a good thrashing when necessary! 
