From X-bit Labs: Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. on Thursday confirmed plans to release PlayStation 3 Slim with 250GB hard disk drive (HDD) in the U.S. in approximately two weeks from now. The new unit will further strengthen Sony’s positions on the market and will allow to either earn something on the console hardware or, at least, minimize its losses. Sony PlayStation 3 250GB will cost $349 and will be available in stores starting the 3rd of November. The U.S. unit will not be able to boast with any special bundle, but in Europe Sony will put either FIFA or Uncharted 2 video games into the PS3 250GB box, which will retail for €349, which equals to $521, meaning that gamers in the U.S. should hardly regret about the lack of “bonus” features. Sony PlayStation 3 Slim utilizes 34% less power compared to the previous-generation model thanks to Cell processor version made using 45nm fabrication process and other optimizations. The device sports slot-loading Blu-ray disc optical drive, wireless networking, Bluetooth and other key-technologies found in the original console. The installation of a 250GB hard disk drive will allow Sony to boost the price of PS3 Slim (which features 120GB drive) by $50, considerably more than the price difference between 120GB and 250GB HDDs. As a result, the company will be able to minimize its losses on each console sold or even start making some money on the hardware. In addition, the firm will be able to offer a product that will compete against special edition Xbox 360 Elite 250GB versions in terms of capacity while offering built-in Blu-ray, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. View: Article @ Source Site |