Rumor: Possible Budget PS3 Model To "Start At $199"

It almost seems as if all the big news has dropped before E3 this year - at least in terms of software - but maybe Sony has one final hardware-related ace up its sleeve.

So here's the thing: sources can make mistakes; there can be typos on web pages just as easily as there can be misinformation floating about forums. But when it comes to the official Sony Style page for their 3D promotion, one would have to assume everything is accurate. A reader has pointed us to the bottom right portion of that page, where it lists the PlayStation 3 and a "starting at" price. ...now, as far as we know, there's no such thing as a $199 PS3 and yet, it says very clearly, "Starting At $199." So what's the deal? Could it be an impending special sale of some kind? Or is it possible that Sony is planning a budget version of the PS3 in preparation for the PlayStation Move...? To compare, Microsoft did release the HDD-less Xbox 360 for a relatively cheap price and Sony may do something similar with the PS3, especially when they consider that Move will cost a bit and it will appeal more to casual gamers. They may not care as much about a hard drive and would rather just play around with Move every now and then.

It's a possibility. For the record, we certainly haven't heard anything about a potential price drop and going into this year's E3, it was actually the last thing on our minds. We got the big price cut of $100 in 2009; why should we expect the same treatment less than a year later...?

6/9/2010 9:00:48 PM Ben Dutka

Put this on your webpage or blog:
Email this to a friend
Follow PSX Extreme on Twitter

Comments (56 posts)

Toggle Scrolling | Reload Comments

Nynja
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 9:24:44 PM
Reply

Personally I think you may be spot on with the typo theory. If it's not that, my guess would be some sort of $100 rebate offer when purchased with new Sony credit card.

Would be nice to see a PS3 for $199. Then I can finally get one for the bedroom.

12 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:48:49 PM

That would be my best guess.

1 up, 0 down

mike rlz
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 11:08:33 PM

yeah typo. click the link and the lowest price is $299.

0 up, 0 down

Ben667
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 9:33:56 PM
Reply

I'm guessing there's something big in the works... between this, the PS4 virals, and the fact that it seems to most that Sony has nothing unexpected to announce...

I reckon there's gonna be a SURPRISE!

3 up, 0 down

Snaaaake
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 9:37:30 PM
Reply

$199?

Even if it's a price drop, that's just too fast.

Probably a typo.

3 up, 0 down

kevinater321
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 9:38:09 PM
Reply

Oh boy, not this again.

4 up, 0 down

ace_boon_coon
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 9:38:14 PM
Reply

ps3 will murder what's left of the 360

11 up, 1 down

telly
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 11:10:09 PM

Sony declares WAR on the competition! If true, what a HUGE move. Sony's been steadily gaining steam for some time, this would make PS3 completely unstoppable. I have to think it's a typo, but if it's real, HOLY SH*T. Between this, the upcoming avalanche of amazing 3D games, the blu-ray that's always been there, and quite possibly GT 5 before year's end, Sony could obliterate the competition a lot faster than expected. Seriously, HUGE if true.

1 up, 0 down

LegendaryWolfeh
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 9:39:28 PM
Reply

Lol, how many readers are there =P

I think it's possibly just something to do with the 3D movement, and likely just a sell for the month or more as Sony's 3D tv's are about to hit the market, but who knows, maybe a super slim PS3 is coming our ways

0 up, 0 down

Hezzron
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 9:56:10 PM
Reply

It's hard to take anything seriously this time of year. I'll believe it when I see it.

At the very least, rumors like this probably make the 360 pushers sweat a bit.

Last edited by Hezzron on 6/9/2010 9:56:40 PM

4 up, 0 down

mackid1993
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 9:59:03 PM
Reply

Someone's finger could have slipper a centimeter to produce a number like that. I call typo.

1 up, 0 down

GuernicaReborn
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:08:30 PM
Reply

It would have been better if the typo read "starting at $1299." Imagine the panic on the web. Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together.. Mass Hysteria!!!

That is, if it is a typo. If its not, Hooray!

4 up, 0 down

SmokeyPSD
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:12:25 PM
Reply

I dont see a ps3 with no harddrive being released. how on earth would games run off bluray, majority of the big ones need a install. It's the nature of the system that we need that harddrive.

5 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:25:55 PM

Yes, too many games already require the hdd, game saves are automatically written to the system drive, not a memory stick. Home requires an he'd, as do the majority of psn titles. The hdd is not an optional comment. In fact there really no optional major components.

6 up, 0 down

xnonsuchx
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:53:11 PM

It's not possible. Has anyone tried even turning on their PS3 w/o the HD in it?

It's got to be a typo or some sort of rebate special...like the previous Sony credit card offer, or if you commit to a year or two of PSN Premium access, etc. Even offering a lesser 40GB model isn't worth $100 price reduction (since the HD cost between 40GB and 120GB is only $20-30).

Last edited by xnonsuchx on 6/9/2010 10:54:43 PM

0 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:53:55 PM

Well we could think of it as Sony saying, "You can get a larger HDD for much cheaper so why should we charge you so much for one when you were going to upgrade anyways?"

3 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:17:37 PM
Reply

And for those wondering about the new 250GB PS3 bundle, it is not the new model. I saw a stack of them today.

0 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:19:39 PM
Reply

If it's true, I can't imagine anything they could strip out of the PS3 to make it cheaper. I think the PS1 emulation is software, you already only get 1 controller and no HD cable. There would be no point in removing the ability to play blu ray movies. I can't figure this happening in any way.

0 up, 1 down

Highlander
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:27:51 PM

PS1 emulation via software has been the norm since the slim PS2 (yes, PS2).

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:21:51 PM
Reply

$199.99 for a PS3? It seems preposterous. They have only now started making money on the thing. Why on earth drop the price another $100? $50 I could believe, but not $100. There is nothing left to strip out to manage a $100 reduction. Yes, I'm sure that there will be some smart answers about Linux, but get real. The only major components that could save a significant fraction of $100 are the blu-ray drive and the he'd. Neither of which are optional.

I think this has to be a typo or a special price if you buy a 3D TV.

7 up, 0 down

Qubex
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:27:05 PM

Yes, you may have a point there Highlander, it is probably the case.

Oh well, my comment below may not make that much sense now, but yes, it could simply be a special price if you pick up a 3D TV simultaneously...

It may be a good move on Sony's part come to think about it, if indeed it turns out to be true!

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

*Back in SinCity, Singapore

Last edited by Qubex on 6/9/2010 10:27:37 PM

1 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:34:04 PM

If I bought a 3DTV they should throw in a PS3 for frickin free.

4 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:56:38 PM

World, if you buy a 3DTV from any other manufacturer, you'll be able to get multiple PS3's for "free".

0 up, 0 down

___________
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 7:48:53 AM

actually they are throwing in a free ps3.
well here at least.
if you buy any vio notebook or bravia TV you get a free ps3.
just my luck 2 weeks after i bought my TV they started this, if i waited 2 more weeks i could of been 500 bucks richer!!!

0 up, 0 down

Shams
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 8:58:02 AM

I hope you don't mind me asking, but from where are getting all this money? Student loan? Parents?

1 up, 0 down

Qubex
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:24:36 PM
Reply

Oh no, whilst a price cut is good, I hope this "budget" console doesn't "cheapen" PlayStation brand. I understand Sony wants to sell more, but to try and simply take on Nintendo head on is looking for trouble I think.

I may be completely wrong, but I think trying to emulate Nintendo could mean that they never really get it right, and end up degrading the PS brand and introducing a lot of "shovel-ware" into the gaming pipeline.

:: SIGH :: *Q puts on his helmet

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

*Back in SinCity, Singapore

Last edited by Qubex on 6/9/2010 10:24:50 PM

0 up, 0 down

eLLeJuss
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:32:48 PM
Reply

ps3 for 199?!?! W T F? Cheaper than the PSP GO? isn't psp go 250? lol. i hope they at least announce a psp 2 if not cutting the prices of the psp go!

2 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:37:35 PM
Reply

Maybe it's just an awesome price drop awaiting for us.
A PS3 without a mass-storage unit wouldn't make any sense. But a PS3 without a Blu Ray drive? I guess it could be done. Though I think Sony squashed that rumor some time ago already... Who knows...

0 up, 7 down

B-RadGfromOV
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 10:58:32 PM

How could a PS3 without a Blu-ray drive possibly "be done"?

The frickin' GAMES are printed on BLU RAY DISCs.

Last edited by B-RadGfromOV on 6/9/2010 11:02:21 PM

10 up, 2 down

Highlander
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 11:04:12 PM

A PS3 withot a blu-ray drive or an hdd is simply not possible. It would not be compatible with existing games. End. Of. Story.

4 up, 0 down

Qubex
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 11:50:06 PM

Yheap... it wouldn't do "everything" then :)

Q!

"play.experience.enjoy"

*Back in SinCity, Singapore

Last edited by Qubex on 6/9/2010 11:50:19 PM

2 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 2:41:31 AM

Hehe, I'll explain some more.

A PS3 without a HDD would disable a massive portion of BD printed games. A good deal of them require information to be stored onto the HDD. Even many games that don't require an install process have files that quietly dump themselves onto the HDD in the background.
The issue here would be mass customer confusion for compatible software. It just doesn't make sense no matter how you slice it.

I suggested that a Blu-Ray drive-less PS3 could be done.

PSN already offers a wealth of content (perhaps even a lot more with the PSN premium announcements being made next week). Sony has total control over this content and they could release a lower-cost PS3 that aims at delivering a multi-media product via the net alone. This isn't too dissimilar from the PSPgo.
Do I think this will happen? No. I'm just throwing it out there. While glancing over the majority of posts I noticed a whole lot of curiosity surrounding the release of a HDD-less PS3. I wanted to add my perspective on that.

0 up, 5 down

Alienange
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 11:05:53 PM
Reply

I don't think it's a sale or a typo. A sale is temporary and "Starting at" doesn't sound temporary. As for a typo, maybe, but you just don't see typos that often. Probably a promotion of some kind. "Buy Move and get a PS3 for 199" kinda thing.

0 up, 0 down

telly
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 11:15:22 PM
Reply

FYI everyone that $199 price tag is STILL UP, as of 12:12 a.m. June 10 EST. TRUST me, Sony's PR shop would NEVER let that stay up for a fraction of a second if it was there in error. VERY strange.

Like Ben, I haven't heard anything elsewhere, and considering we JUST got the $299 model it seems awfully fast for a $199 model. But shoot, anything's possible. Sony clearly has the wind at their backs, and they may have decided it's time to go after the competition's jugular. We'll see!

0 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 11:24:28 PM

Whoa there. Nothing has a $199.99 price tag. All there is is a sentence on a promotional link. Look at the prices on the products actually listed. It is clearly an error on the main page since the actual products are priced correctly.

Good God people. Lets ratchet back to Defcon 4 please. There is no redson for this rampant speculation over something so clearly an error.

1 up, 0 down

fluffer nutter
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 12:07:49 AM

If I recall, SonyStyle has had a massive pricing error on their site twice in the last year and a half so I wouldn't be so quick to assume that just because it hasn't been cleaned up yet that it isn't an error. Be patient and the truth will reveal itself.

2 up, 0 down

Highlander
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 11:19:13 PM
Reply

Go to the site and click the link. Its clearly a typo as all the products listed are $299.99 and above.

3 up, 0 down

WorldEndsWithMe
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 12:03:39 AM

What a big Oopsie.

1 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Saturday, June 12, 2010 @ 4:26:10 PM

They might get dinged for bait and switch if there really aren't any $199 items available.

Better fix that typo fast.

0 up, 0 down

RebelJD
Wednesday, June 09, 2010 @ 11:52:19 PM
Reply

A PS3 for casual gamers would be awesome. Smaller hard-drive at a cheaper price bundled with the goods.

0 up, 0 down

Fane1024
Saturday, June 12, 2010 @ 4:27:57 PM

Smaller hard drives aren't cheaper enough to make any price drop worth it for Sony. Plus, no one is maufacturing the small drives any more. That's why the new models have bigger HDDs.

0 up, 0 down

kraygen
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 12:09:11 AM
Reply

Not true, typo. Just because it's sony's website doesn't mean it doesn't have typos.

Typo, no doubt about it.

3 up, 0 down

___________
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 3:19:23 AM
Reply

typo.
this is not the first time incorrect info has gone up on a manufactures site.
anyone remember left 4 dead popping up on games website for PS3?
or mass effect 2 popping up on EAs site for ps3?
wont be surprised if someones hacked the site and are playing a little joke, but than if you were to do that surely you can come up with a better joke than this?

0 up, 0 down

FullmetalX10
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 4:18:10 AM
Reply

Ima go with typo, unless it's some crazy bundle thing, I don't think Sony will release a PS3 50 bucks under a PSP GO.

If it's a typo, people are still people, and people make mistakes, it happens.

If not, then hey, I hope they can find some way to make money out of it.

0 up, 0 down

tes37
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 5:58:46 AM
Reply

With there being a shortage of ps3's because of the high demand at $299, it wouldn't make sense for this price drop. I believe Sony isn't going to waste any time dropping the price as soon as they're able to do so.

1 up, 0 down

Cesar_ser_4
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 6:21:11 AM
Reply

I got nothing...

0 up, 3 down

RadioHeader
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 6:44:33 AM
Reply

tpyo

3 up, 0 down

WolfCrimson
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 7:25:56 AM

I don't know if that was intentional or not, but LMAO.

1 up, 0 down

Palmetto
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 7:53:07 AM
Reply

I would have to agree that it is most likely a typo. However for the sake of argument, as the PS2 enters the end of its life cycle it may be Sony’s attempt to garner the support of those who have yet to purchase a new generation console. I am just not sure how much longer Sony will continue to support the hardware or license development of the PS2 since it directly competing with its PS3. Just a thought.

0 up, 0 down

gumbi
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 8:16:35 AM
Reply

My first thought is that it's a typo, plain and simple... but this typo is taking a really looooong time to fix. Surely someone over at Sony has been made aware of it by now, and since it still hasn't been fixed I'm starting to think that maybe, just maybe this is some promo pricing deal. There's absolutely no way Sony could viably cut the price another $100, so I can't believe that's the case.

'tis a mystery for now.

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 10:14:22 AM
Reply

PS3's have been selling like hot cakes at $299.99 for a while now. I don't think it would be in Sony's best interests to lower the price while demand is already exceeding the supply.

I do remember Sony commenting on considering a network based storage solution for PS3 while contemplating the PS3slim back in the day. Though, for whatever reason, they opted out of that decision and stuck to HDD.

0 up, 0 down

coverton341
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 10:33:26 AM
Reply

I am fully behind the typo theory. I have done a bit of investigation into the site and not only are they saying the PS3 starts at $199, but they are advertising other products starting much lower than they actually do once you click the link to said product.

Prime example, if you go to the PC section for students and look at the 15.5" laptops they "start at $480" but when you go to put one together there is absolutely no way to get it below $680.

They most likely just have a bad editor for the website that doesn't really cross reference anything.

0 up, 0 down

firesoul453
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 10:41:50 AM
Reply

If this is a digital only ps3 I will be mad. I all ready hate the psp go. I want a psp with a drive and 16 gigs memory (and the ability to insert regular SD cards)
If this happens I may just finally have given up on sony.

0 up, 0 down

pyrobomber70
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 1:49:28 PM
Reply

It is going to be a PS3 with a 20GB hard drive and no game in the package deal or it is a promotion for the new 3D tv's coming out. It could be a credit card promotion for signing up also. PEACE!

0 up, 0 down

CharlesD
Thursday, June 10, 2010 @ 4:00:04 PM
Reply

I will be very glad if the price drops again, regardless of the hard drive space. If it does drop then there will be more systems going out than ever, non-gamers and families will look into them more and game stores will want to push the old ones to get ready for the new. Therefore flooding the market w. the PS3 giving the xbox even more of a run for its money.

The only thing I hope won't happen is getting a bunch of little kids and idiotic morons on the PSN

0 up, 0 down

Temjin001
Friday, June 11, 2010 @ 1:20:00 AM
Reply

I checked the Sony site again. Looks like it's back up to $299.99. Sorry guys, but that ever popular PSN-only version of the PS3 will have to wait for another time =p

0 up, 0 down

Please login or register to leave a comment.

Do you plan to buy a PlayStation Vita this year?
	Yes, I'll definitely get one in 2013.
	No, but I'll get one eventually.
	No, I have no intention of buying the Vita.
	No, I've already got one.

Playstation 3

Playstation 4

PSP

Playstation Vita

Playstation 2

Playstation

Other

PSX Extreme

Site Stats

Rumor: Possible Budget PS3 Model To "Start At $199"

Comments (56 posts)

Leave a Comment

Latest Updates

Popular Cheats

Recent Reviews

Recent Previews

Popular Sections

Extras

Sponsor

Our Poll

Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories cheats	PSP
Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas cheats	PS2
Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings cheats	PSP
The Simpsons: Hit and Run cheats	PS2
Jurassic: The Hunted cheats	PS3
Grind Session cheats	PS1
Test Drive Unlimited 2 cheats	PS3
Resistance 2 cheats	PS3
Virtua Fighter 4: Evolution cheats	PS2
Gran Turismo cheats	PS1

Resident Evil: Revelations review	PS3
Metro: Last Light review	PS3
Zombie Tycoon II: Brainhov's Revenge review	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon review	PS3
Star Trek: The Video Game review	PS3
Injustice: Gods Among Us review	PS3
Dead Island: Riptide review	PS3
Defiance review	PS3
Sniper: Ghost Warrior 2 review	PS3
Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel review	PS3

The Bureau: XCOM Declassified preview	PS3
Time and Eternity preview	PS3
Ride to Hell: Retribution preview	PS3
Call of Juarez: Gunslinger preview	PS3
Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon preview	PS3
Spartacus Legends preview	PS3
Payday 2 preview	PS3
DUST 514 preview	PS3
Dynasty Warriors 8 preview	PS3
Disgaea D2: A Brighter Darkness preview	PS3