In a desperate move to cut losses and stop a slide in gaming console sales, Sony Computer Entertainment has launched a new slimline version of their PS3. It comes with a 120GB hard disk drive.
The new version of the console which will go on sale in September has seen the cabinet volume reduced by two-thirds.
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The sleek machine is also around a third lighter, a third slimmer and uses a third less power than the original, said Kaz Hirai from Sony.
It will sell in Australia for $499 compared to the same US model going on sale at $299.
Speaking at the Games Com conference in Cologne, Germany, he said the console would hit shops in early September.
The new model, which is significantly cheaper to manufacturer than the current model PS3 consoles, is set to be heavily promoted running into the peak Christmas/New Year period.
With the introduction of the new PS3 system, SCE said it will reduce the price of the current PS3 overseas with the 80GB HDD being slashed to $299 and the 160GB HDD version will drop to $399, both effective by Aug. 18.
In the past Sony SCE Australia has refused to pass on price cuts with Sony Computer Entertainment Australia and New Zealand managing director Michael Ephraim threatening to sue ChannelNews and SmartHouse for daring to suggest that the company is price gouging when in the past they have refused to pass on International price cuts.
