PS3 Slim Rumors Intensify As Multiple Price Cuts Loom

GamesCom may turn out to be one hell of an event: not only might we see the unveiling of the oft-rumored PS3 Slim - which should also be cheaper than the default PS3 model - but it seems the competition wants a piece of the action as well. You knew they would.

Everything is beginning to come to a boil, as summarized by GameSpot. Firstly, and perhaps in anticipation of the long-awaited price cut, the hot rumor is that Microsoft will meet Sony's challenge by dropping $100 off the price of their 120GB Xbox 360 Elite model. This announcement should also come at GamesCom during MS's press conference, which is scheduled for the day after Sony's (August 18 and 19, respectively). Secondly, reports out of the UK say Sony will certainly confirm the European launch of the PS3 video store, although that announcement didn't exactly take the limelight when it arrived during Sony's E3 2008 presentation. So, what might take center-stage? Well, according to Hong Kong-based magazine GameWave, it's the slimmer, cheaper PS3 model everyone - absolutely everyone - keeps talking about.

Now, it appears as if Sony has been increasing PS3 hardware orders overseas, and MCV says stock of the machine has actually "dried up" in the UK. An anonymous source was quoted as saying, "We've been told not to expect any further [PS3] hardware deliveries until September." Lastly, we have the words of Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter, who offered the following to IndustryGamers:

"All of the rumors floating around suggest that a PS3 price cut and introduction of the PS3 Slim is going to happen by the end of the month, and GamesCom is the only significant event between now and then.

We have seen reports out of China about increased PS3 component orders, have seen pictures that look real of the PS3 Slim, and have seen recent reports of declining PS3 stock in Japan and Europe, with comments from retail that they have been told not to expect new supplies of PS3s until the end of August or early September. All of that points to the possibility of an announcement at GamesCom."

Oh, and let's not forget PSXE's own set of guarantees, as put forth by our latest Twitter update. All this being said, we assume it's only a matter of time and in less than a week, you'll have some huge hardware-related news...

8/12/2009 Ben Dutka

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Comments (70 posts)

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Zemus101
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 9:39:46 PM
Reply

Although I already have my ps3, this would be good for those that haven't picked one up yet. Video store in Europe? That's news to me! cool ...I've been waiting for it in Canada and I can only hope it's also released here as well. It's been a long time coming.

2 up, 0 down

kevinater321
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 8:32:01 AM

Oh my god same! that would make sony a lot of money considering i rent movies on demand all the time!

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 10:40:45 AM

Don't hold your breath... There's something about the Canadian copyright laws that we keep getting shafted up here for downloading movies to watch. Unless someone in the government suddenly decides that it's an issue, we won't see something like that for a little while, even though the rest of the world is doing it.

0 up, 0 down

Gregory Freeman
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 6:12:29 PM

it sucks that canadian laws are the only laws on this 3rd rock that restricts the distribution of digital media for sony. hell, i can get netflix here in ontario right now! so whats stopping sony??? same goes with psn cards... companies like microsoft, apple, nintendo, all had prepaid cards on sale 4 years now world wide, but canada only recieved them in june... so why is sony getting shafted???

microsoft and their far from micro sized bribes anyone???

0 up, 0 down

ThePearlJamer
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 9:53:48 PM
Reply

We all know the slim is coming...

Kotick should announce a resignation from Activision...thats the news
I'm waiting for...

14 up, 0 down

kevinater321
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 11:24:57 AM

amen!

2 up, 0 down

Hezzron
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 9:58:26 PM
Reply

Sony is gonna make their big move! M$ is reacting desperately......and Patcher still knows how to read the internet. I'm looking forward to all the supposed action on the 18th!

7 up, 2 down

NoSmokingBandit
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 10:05:24 PM
Reply

Even if MS drops $100 of the Elite it still wont be able to compete with the Slim or any kind of ps3 price drop. Everyone i know says they would own a ps3 if sony took $100 off the price. Very few people are in the market for a 360 but they buy the cheap model just to have something to game on while they wait for sony to drop the price.

0 up, 0 down

mexgeo86
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 10:07:23 PM
Reply

...and with the release of a slim model and or price cut, the SONY train moves along above the competition once more. Now leaving M$ behind; Next stop, Ninty...

2 up, 0 down

ThePearlJamer
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 10:27:15 PM

I don't think Sony even considers Nintendo competition...

13 up, 3 down

Jawknee
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 1:08:32 AM

Me neither Pearl. Nintendo's console is just to different.

7 up, 3 down

mexgeo86
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 9:20:13 AM

I meant it as far getting Sony to sell just as many ps3s as there are Wiis out there. Though this may seem like a long stretch, it doesn't mean it's impossible.

And yes, they are totally different systems.

0 up, 0 down

ShadowRunner
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 10:09:54 AM

@Jawknee

Nintendo's Gadget

1 up, 1 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 10:43:12 AM

Sony doesn't consider Nintendo Competition? Granted that they are completely different console, but wouldn't the fact that Sony is developing a wii style mote mean that Sony is paying attention to what Nintendo is doing? Sounds like competition to me....

2 up, 2 down

NoSmokingBandit
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 12:18:18 PM

Nintendo cant be competition for Sony because they are marketed to completely different demographics. The ps3 is the Mercedes E Class of gaming consoles and the Wii is the Honda Civic. Not competing with each other, but offering similar products

1 up, 3 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 3:11:45 PM

I think you missed my point, if they aren't in competition, why are they making a product that will enable them to compete for the "casual" gamer audience that Nintendo attracted? You're telling me that Sony and MS aren't trying to get some of that 40+ million person demographic? If they aren't trying to compete than what are they doing?

Granted that Sony is the "Mercedes E class and the Wii is the Honda Civic" as you mentioned, but when it comes down to it, they're both cars. And Mercedes would always love to have a Honda owner upgrade to improve their own market share. Every luxury car company has an Entry level car in order to get people to cross over and promote brand loyalty to them.(IE: Mercedes C-Class. Hell even Ben has upgraded from a Nissan to an Infiniti ;). Same company..wayyy different car.) Sony is doing the same thing with their wand. Sure the PS3 is more expensive, but it'll soon offer everything the Wii offers and more...you'll think twice about JUST getting a Wii...And that is going to mean some stiff competition between Nintendo and PS3.

Before? No they weren't in competition, It was like comparing Apples to Oranges. Now after what we saw at E3? Sony grabbed and apple and an Orange and made Fruit Salad. Why? So They could be competitive.

Last edited by CH1N00K on 8/13/2009 3:25:07 PM

3 up, 1 down

Jed
Friday, August 14, 2009 @ 11:36:03 PM

@CH1N00k

AHH, you're a clever one.

0 up, 0 down

DIsmael85
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 10:14:51 PM
Reply

Weird, I got an e-mail at my gamestop store today saying that the Elite's will no longer carry HDMI cables, I guess since they will be cutting the price, they want you to still buy the HDMI separate. Sony has to drop the price now, if they do not, they will be pretty much committing suicide because it will not sell.

1 up, 0 down

ThePearlJamer
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 10:29:01 PM

Leave it to Microsoft to cut corners the easy way...Sony has some balls to lose money on every console up until now...to me, that shows that they believe in their system

13 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 12:26:31 AM

That's pretty funny. Good thing you can get HDMI cables for $1.

3 up, 0 down

dlte
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 4:05:21 AM

i got one for 3 cents.
like $4.98 shipping if i recall correctly.

0 up, 0 down

godsman
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 10:38:22 PM
Reply

The Xbox is cheap already. Whoever that wants to buy the 360 probably will go for the Arcade. Microsoft is going for the casual market now, the Elite setting is too much for them.

The Wii will sell like hot cakes regardless of what price it is. Reducing the price probably have little to no effect.

On the other hand, PS3 has always been an envy to the others because of the high price point, people want it, just can't afford it. PS3 will benefit most from a pricecut.

1 up, 0 down

Jed
Friday, August 14, 2009 @ 11:37:04 PM

The arcade is getting phased out

0 up, 0 down

Day_v
Wednesday, August 12, 2009 @ 10:54:50 PM
Reply

M$ is such a devious company. But can they really drop the price of the arcade and the pro, from where it is now(low). Ive been waiting to see ps3 outsell 360 since this gen, maybe this is it.

0 up, 0 down

Luan
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 12:03:27 AM
Reply

Why can't Sony keep secrets...it's a shame, but on the other hand, the hype for it is just thunderous.

3 up, 0 down

Gregory Freeman
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 6:32:29 PM

maybe its some kind of bizarre outer limits kind of market strategy???

think of it... sony's ps3 marketing strategy up until now has been far from the best... maybe some1 thought like "hmm... we spend money on ineffective advertisements that lead to a little amount of hype, if only we could spend no money, and recieve an amazing amount of hype!" then realised that pictures of the slim on the internet would cause intrest to explode overnight! and maybe as hype dies down, and skepticism rises, they distribute several early models in the phillipeans in the hopes that some1 will find it, and show it on the net... and with their "no comment on rumor and speculation" stance, would never have to admit it... the perfect advertisement, mondo effective and didn't cost anything!

1 up, 0 down

ThePearlJamer
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 7:25:37 AM

another skeptic...wonderful

0 up, 0 down

Oyashiro
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 12:10:03 AM
Reply

Reading this, all these reports from around the world. If this was a movie, all this news would come up on spinning newspapers with the last one reading... WAR! Haha...

3 up, 1 down

Krispy
Monday, August 17, 2009 @ 11:01:22 AM

The console war :D

0 up, 0 down

pyrobomber70
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 12:16:13 AM
Reply

We all know this to be true....I want to know 2 things....Is B/C in it and when is the release date?!

1 up, 0 down

Bugzbunny109
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 12:20:56 AM
Reply

I would love to see a cheaper Xbox 360 and ps3. But why won't MS create a xbox 360-slim like Sony?! I have been waiting to see something like that happen. A price cut would be good for both sides. I can't wait to see what happens ^.^

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 1:13:47 AM

Because they're mainly a software company. Sony, mainly hardware. Hence why PS3's aren't plagued with it's own RROD type problem. Sony knows how to build gagits. MS...eeeh not so much. MS needs to focus getting their fat 360's working correctly before making a Slim.

7 up, 1 down

Orvisman
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 9:17:39 AM

Because a 360 Slim would melt! ;)

7 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 1:05:18 AM
Reply

$299 is still too much for an Xbox Elite. You've have to be a friggen idiot to choose an Elite over a Slim PS3 if they were both priced at $299. If people are smart, Sony might mop the floor with MS these coming years. Sony has a greAt oppertunity to make some strides.

7 up, 3 down

Imagi
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 1:51:23 AM

But people are not smart :(

7 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 10:47:01 AM

I'm guessing that the selling point for the Elite will be that it has more HDD space than the similar priced PS3 slim will have...but we'll to wait and see.

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 11:21:24 AM

Then Sony should counter that by offering more HD space or by letting everyone know how easy it is to replace the HD themselves. I still have friends who are surpises when I tell them my PS3 houses a 500gb HD. Either way a smart consumer would choose a blue ray player/game/media device over a few more gigs of space. The Elite has nothing to offer at a $299 price point. Especially of a sleeker PS3 is the same price. Like I said, anyone who chooses an Elite over a PS3 at the same price would have to be a friggen moron.

3 up, 1 down

ThugNificent101
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 2:11:55 AM
Reply

well i cant say they will since the pro model is supposedly being dropped, but they will probably do something like that if sales are too sluggish, or else more bundles with the arcade unit

0 up, 0 down

fundando
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 2:48:07 AM
Reply

I for one am excited! I will be buying a slim ps3 for myself this christmas and moving my phat model to the living room for the enjoyment of my roommates.(and so we can play rock band) woohoo!

0 up, 0 down

Qubex
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 2:55:29 AM
Reply

Guys... I think the announcement is almost a certainty... if they don't announce then there is something odd cooking.

Why the confidence; well I went over to a retailer I frequently visit to look at new PS3 game releases here in Singapore. Whilst we do not have a GameStop as you have in the United States; the stores here in Singapore are primarily mom and pop stores. Anyway, after a while of huggling with the owner and having to prove to him that I was not about to purchase another PS3, he finally devulged this... "Yes the PS3 Slim exists, and our order should be fulfilled during the October month".

I then asked about price, but he said Sony had not sent them information on that yet, the only suggestion to them was to clear stock and discount where possible in the coming weeks.

Basically, they are expecting slims in by October which to me makes perfect sense if you listen to what else is happening around.

Thought you guys may have wanted to hear about that from my end of the world, South East Asia!

Q!

"i am home"

8 up, 0 down

___________
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 3:26:28 AM
Reply

theres allot of rumors running rampent saying the elite will be the price of the PRO and their dropping the pro.
they would of been better off dropping the arcade having the pro at the arcade price and elite at pro price.
but anyway if this is true, sonys really going to struggle.
120GB HDD instead of 80 HDMI cables headset, all things the PS3 should come bundled with.
if the ps3 is any more than 600 bucks here by years end, i cant see them keeping up.
the ps3s better but not 200 bucks better.

0 up, 6 down

dlte
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 3:55:46 AM

Where's "here"?

1 up, 0 down

Alienange
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 3:39:35 AM
Reply

Maybe now all the cheap bastards will finally buy one.

9 up, 2 down

ThePearlJamer
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 7:26:31 AM

inglorious basterds lol

3 up, 1 down

Titch1794
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 4:22:26 AM
Reply

Do you think this is a good swap: my current 1.5 yr old 40gb ps3 for a brand new ps3 slim?
Will this slim have b/c?

0 up, 0 down

Jawknee
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 9:14:16 AM

I hope so. I have a 60gb model and would go out and buy a slim on day one if they brought back b/c.

1 up, 1 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 10:58:14 AM

What happened to the rumour that B/C will be done via update? Did that die or is it something that people just don't care about with the new "slim" news? OR...

at this point, does Sony consider B/C a selling point? $99 for a ps2 slim, a great collection of PS3 games to chose from now, if you were making decisions at Sony, where would you put B/C on the list of priorities?

0 up, 0 down

Deleted User
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 6:21:44 AM
Reply

i am upgrading my 80gb/bc for a slim if the slim has full bc

here is my dream news.

all 360 only games becomes ps3 only games leaveing actavioison (sorry if my spelling is of) as the only games for the xbox 360. LOL

1 up, 0 down

www
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 6:39:28 AM

Oh so you think 40gb/80gb ps3's will be left without bc whiles the slim will be given bc?

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 11:00:00 AM

Why would you get rid of your 80GB? I love mine with the 4 usb ports and Flash card readers. I might buy a slim eventually but I'm keeping my 80gb until it dies.

Last edited by CH1N00K on 8/13/2009 11:01:20 AM

0 up, 0 down

Gregory Freeman
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 6:51:26 PM

same here chinook.. the 4 usb's are handy when yu have
A) a controller on the charge,
B) PS eye
C) IPOD charging
D) FLASH thumb drive..

and no access 2 a pc lol

wouldn't trade it for anything (well, if someone offrerd alot of cash 4 it, i would, then buy another 1 from my cousin... (Hes got 2 80's n 3 60Gb units from launches in his basement.. lol))

0 up, 0 down

BTNwarrior
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 6:47:12 AM
Reply

the only thing that I'm worried about with the slim is if it is too slim to put an aftermarket hard drive in.

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 11:02:29 AM

You should be okay, if a laptop can fit a 2.5 SATA hard drive, the Skinny PS3 will be allright, Compared to a laptop even the Slim will look pretty fat.

3 up, 0 down

Mr Bitey
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 9:10:23 AM
Reply

This is going to be huge. Slim/Price cut coupled with GOW III & GT 5 is going to make thinks very interesting over the coarse of the next few months.

3 up, 0 down

Dancemachine55
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 9:10:51 AM
Reply

At least they're clearing old stock first. I remember when little Jimmy bought a PS2 for $499 AUD and it dropped to $299 AUD 2 weeks later.

Better to stop production of the old model early I reckon. Good move on Sony. My respect only continues to rise for Sony while Nintendo and Microsoft continue to disappoint year after year.

Keep up the great work Sony!!! You really are the true future leader of the video games market.

3 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 9:25:09 AM
Reply

Well, I have a 60G w/bc in my living room and an 80G in my bedroom.

I'm planning to upgrade the 60G (I have 12G left) with a 500G hard drive soon. I would love to add a 1TB drive, but I don't think they make them for 2.5 drives yet.

Anyway, if they bring backward compatability back, I'll pick up a third PS3, this time from Japan, so I can play some of my old imports in the living room.

I've retired my U.S. and Japanese PS2s to my den, where I have all my legacy consoles hooked up to a 27" TV.

I'd also like to pick up a second 360 with an HD output.

2 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 11:04:45 AM

How often do you update your PS3's to keep your save game files current on both systems? I've thought about this when I thought of getting a second PS3. Do you have to keep restoring your save game data to the other system?

Last edited by CH1N00K on 8/13/2009 11:05:07 AM

0 up, 0 down

Reccaman18
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 6:29:59 PM

CH1N00K, I have 2 PS3s, and all you gotta do is save the game saves to a flash drive. You can change them out and swap them if you wish. And Orvisman, I'd like to get a 1 TB HDD too, but 500GB is more than enough ;) You can go to places like newegg.com if you are curious as to how big of an HDD you can get.

0 up, 0 down

Orvisman
Friday, August 14, 2009 @ 10:10:02 AM

What he said about the game saves.

But it is real easy to buy games from PSN on one PS3 and redownload them to the other PS3.

0 up, 0 down

Thrill Kill
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 9:31:33 AM
Reply

im just tickled pink thinking about all the announcements that may be coming our way

1 up, 0 down

Giukbulu
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 9:42:22 AM
Reply

is there any extras on the slim or is it just the size?
Because the old ps3 look good compare to the slim ps3.

0 up, 0 down

hobgoblin
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 10:28:06 AM

I think the slim has the same features as the "fat" 40gb.

TBH I just wish Sony would announce it, get it on the shelves and start selling it. Every day, at least one website (and I'm not criticising this site :) ) has "pictures" of this "new" build. I'm sure once it's out, people will still find something to complain about.

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 11:13:58 AM

lol, I can see it now.

Average customer:

"Look at the new PS3! For the price I'm paying for it, I expected it to be bigger then that! Forget it, I'm sure the Xbox is way better, it looks bigger, I better go with that instead..."

Last edited by CH1N00K on 8/13/2009 11:14:57 AM

1 up, 2 down

Deleted User
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 11:53:28 AM
Reply

^ LOL

0 up, 0 down

PS3addict
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 2:01:10 PM
Reply

There is a fake "best buy" ad floating around right now with the exact specs of the original 60gb PS3, except someone added a "1" so it is a 160gb drive. Priced at $399. Now that is a rumor tht requires rubber boots and a shovel.

4 usb ports, smart card reader, full BC. No mention if is uses software or hardware emu, but it has got to be fake anyway.

If not, day 1 for me. I can always use a new PS3 for the office.

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 2:54:27 PM

They have a 160GB Uncharted bundle in Best buy's for sale. I'm not sure how much they are but I thought they were $399. Pretty sure that they aren't B/C though. I've seen them sitting on the floor so I'm not sure if you're as is the same as this promotion or not.

Last edited by CH1N00K on 8/13/2009 2:55:09 PM

0 up, 0 down

CH1N00K
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 3:50:17 PM

Just looked into it, it's $499.00 for the 160GB.

0 up, 0 down

Jed
Friday, August 14, 2009 @ 11:40:46 PM

Ya I just read about that, It did look fake. The person that made it said it was just a representation of the real one that he saw.

Another intersting point about that ad, it had Uncharted as a greatest hit.

0 up, 0 down

Alienange
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 3:01:25 PM
Reply

With all the PS3 sales from a cheaper slim, look for a ripe field of n00bz in all your multi-player games.

1 up, 0 down

Hezzron
Thursday, August 13, 2009 @ 4:34:00 PM

That's a great comment....but maybe, maybe not. It's the same controller and more or less the same game play from the PS2 days. They should catch on quickly. Either you got it or you don't!

0 up, 0 down

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