Enjoy a new slimmer and lighter PlayStation 3, due to hit stores in September 2009 with a lower price and extensive software line-up in time for the holiday season.

At gamescom in Cologne, Germany, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. unveiled the new PlayStation 3 computer entertainment system, featuring a streamlined form factor with a 120GB Hard Disk Drive (HDD). The new PS3 will be available in stores from September 1, 2009, in the UK at a very attractive recommended retail price (RRP) of £249.99.

With the introduction of the new PS3 system, SCEI will also reduce the price of the current PS3 with 80GB HDD to a RRP of £249.99 from August 19. By launching a vast library of exciting and attractive software titles for PS3 this holiday season and offering customers a line-up of hardware models and pricing to match their preference, SCEI will build on the momentum and further accelerate the expansion of the PS3 platform.

The internal design architecture of the new PS3 system, from the main semiconductors and power supply unit, to the cooling mechanism, has been completely redesigned, achieving a much slimmer and lighter body. Compared to the very first PS3 model with 60GB HDD, the internal volume as well as its thickness and weight are trimmed down to approximately two-thirds. Furthermore, power consumption is also cut to two-thirds, helping to reduce fan noise.

While inheriting the sleek curved body design of the original model, the form factor of the new PS3 system features a new meticulous design with textured surface finish, giving an all new impression and a casual look. With the compact body and casual appearance, the newly introduced model will appeal to a wider audience who are looking to buy the best entertainment system for their home.

Concurrently with the release of the new PS3 system, SCEI will modify the PS3 brand name from PLAYSTATION 3 to PlayStation 3, and introduce a new logo, which is engraved on the surface of the new PS3 system. By unifying under the familiar PlayStation name, which represents the entire PlayStation family, PS3 together with PlayStation 2 and PSP will further expand the PlayStation business, and will continue to enhance the entertainment experience along with the ever-growing PlayStation Network.

The new PS3 continues to offer the cutting-edge features and functions of the current models, such as the ability to enjoy High Definition Blu-ray Disc (BD) movies and games, as well as various content and services downloadable through the network.

The new PS3 system’s storage size has increased from 80GB to 120GB, and with the extra capacity users will be able to store more games, music, photos, videos as well as various content and services available through PlayStation Network. Having more than 27 million registered accounts around the world, as of the end of July 2009 PlayStation Network offers more than 15,000 pieces of digital content, ranging from game titles, trailers, and demos to more than 15,000 movies and TV shows via PlayStation Store.

PlayStation Network members can also download free applications, such as PlayStation Home, a ground-breaking 3D social gaming community available on PS3 that allows users to interact, communicate and share gaming experiences, as well as Life with PlayStation, which offers users various news and information on a TV monitor in the living room by connecting the PS3 to the network.

Since the launch of PS3 in November 2006, the number of disc titles has reached more than 1,000, and downloadable PS3 games to 1,400 titles worldwide, with the support from a broad range of third party game developers and publishers. In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are to be released from SCE Worldwide Studios, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, EyePet, Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time, Heavy Rain, God of War 3, MAG, ModNation Racers, Gran Turismo 5 and more.

Other features of the new PS3 include:
PS3 system software update version 3.00
Concurrently with the release of new PS3, system software will be upgraded to version 3.00 on September 1, 2009. The update adds various user-friendly features such as the What’s New screen, where users can quickly browse the new items available in PlayStation Store as well as their recently played games directly on the XMB (XrossMediaBar), with short cuts to each piece of content.

PS3 will evolve continuously with the system software updates, further improving the operability and enhancing the user experience available through the network. PS3 owners will be able to enjoy new features by simply updating the PS3 system software to version 3.00 via the System Update function on the XMB*.

Bravia® Sync™ Feature
The new PS3 system is also equipped with the Bravia® Sync™ feature. By connecting the new PS3 system and a Bravia TV with the HDMI cable, users are able to directly operate the XMB on PS3 using the TV remote control. Other functions include System Standby that will automatically turn off the PS3 system when the Bravia TV is turned off.

Vertical Stand for new PS3 (CECH-2000)
By utilising the separately sold Vertical Stand, users will be able to set the new PS3 in vertical position, making it easier to place the PS3 system anywhere at home.

Removal of Install Other OS feature
The new PS3 system will focus on delivering games and other entertainment content, and users will not be able to install other Operating Systems to the new PS3 system.

Product Outline: PlayStation®3 (CECH-2000)

Product name: PlayStation®3
Product code: CECH-2000 (Charcoal Black)
CPU: Cell Broadband Engine™
GPU: RSX®
Audio output: LPCM 7.1ch, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, Dolby TrueHD, DTS, DTS-HD, AAC.
Memory: 256MB XDR Main RAM, 256MB GDDR3 VRAM
Hard disk: 2.5” Serial ATA 120GB *1
Inputs / Outputs *2 Hi-Speed USB (USB 2.0): 2
Networking: Ethernet (10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T) × 1; IEEE 802.11 b/g; Bluetooth® 2.0 (EDR)
Controller: Wireless Controller （Bluetooth®）
AV output Resolution: 1080p, 1080i, 720p, 480p, 480i　(for PAL 576p, 576i)
AV output HDMI OUT connector *3: 1
AV output AV MULTI OUT connector: 1
AV output Digital out (optical) connector: 1
BD／DVD／CD drive (read only) Maximum read rate: BD × 2 (BD-ROM); DVD × 8 (DVD-ROM); CD × 24 (CD-ROM)
Power: AC 220 – 240, 50/60Hz *4
Power consumption: Approx. 250W
External dimensions (excluding maximum projecting part): Approx. 290 × 65 × 290 mm (width × height × length)
Mass: Approx. 3.2kg
Included *5: PlayStation®3 system × 1; Wireless Controller (DUALSHOCK®3) × 1; AC power cord × 1; AV cable × 1; USB cable × 1

*1. Hard disk capacity calculated using base 10 mathematics (1 GB = 1,000,000,000 bytes). System software versions 1.10 and later calculate capacity using binary mathematics (1 GB = 1,073,741,824 bytes), which will display lower capacity and free space. A portion of hard disk capacity is reserved for system administration, which varies depending upon system software version, and is not available for use.
*2. Usability of all connected devices is not guaranteed.
*3. “Deep Colour” and “x.v.Colour (xvYCC)” defined by HDMI ver.1.3a are supported.
*4. Power changes depending on countries or regions.
*5. For certain regions, Euro-AV cable will be included.
Note: This product is not compatible with PlayStation 2 games.

Product Outline: Vertical Stand (CECH-ZS1)

Product name: Vertical Stand
Product code: CECH-ZS1
Included: Vertical Stand （CECH-ZS1） × 1
External dimension: Approx. 88 mm x 18 mm x 260 mm (width × height × length)
Mass: Approx. 115g
Supports: CECH-2000 series*
* The Vertical Stand is for the new PS3 system (CECH-2000 series) and cannot be used on the current model.