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Sony planning 250GB PS3 Slim?

Source: An FCC filing brought to light by PS3 News. What we heard: Even though news of the PlayStation 3 Slim redesign leaked out six ways from Sunday before its official unveiling today, it was not for lack of surreptitious behavior on Sony's part. Just look at the FCC filing in question, which...

Source: An FCC filing brought to light by PS3 News.

What we heard: Even though news of the PlayStation 3 Slim redesign leaked out six ways from Sunday before its official unveiling today, it was not for lack of surreptitious behavior on Sony's part. Just look at the FCC filing in question, which consists of radio test reports for 120GB and 250GB versions of Sony's slimmed-down PS3. The filing was not actually made by Sony, but instead by Sand Dollar Enterprise, a Foster City, California, outfit that shares an address with Sony Computer Entertainment America. Then there's the Sand Dollar contact name given in the filing, SCEA senior vice president of legal Riley Russell.

So clearly, this is a Sony filing. And although it doesn't explicitly include the PS3 Slim moniker, the filing lists the model numbers of the two systems as CECH-2001A and CECH-2001B. Sony's own press pictures of the PS3 Slim display the machine with the CECH-2000 model number, while the system's spec sheet lists its product code as "CECH-2000A."

Of course, a PS3 Slim with 250GB of hard drive space falls right in line with Sony's penchant for multiple hardware configurations. The standard PS3 has been available in 20GB, 40GB, 60GB, 80GB, and 160GB packages, with or without PlayStation 2 backward compatibility, and with or without bundled games like Uncharted, Metal Gear Solid 4, and Killzone 2. Clearly, it's not a question of if Sony will tweak the PS3 Slim configurations offered to consumers, but when.

The official story: "We are not commenting at this time." - A Sony representative.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that Sony is prepping a 250GB PS3 Slim package for possible release. The real question is when Sony will release it, what it will cost--and what Sony will pack in to the box to sweeten the deal.

368 Comments

  • derek3257

    Posted Sep 17, 2009 1:34 pm GMT

    I would hope that Sony packages a mic with this 250 GB system so that there can be no real excuses for people not having a mic now. I think it's great idea to boost the harddrive. Does anyone have an HDD bigger than 500GB in their PS3 now?

  • brendanhunt1

    Posted Sep 16, 2009 7:52 am GMT

    "We are not commenting AT THIS TIME." that gave it away

  • Tom-Servo

    Posted Sep 13, 2009 3:41 pm GMT

    Ohh that'd be nice, yes it's alot but it'd still be nice

  • pb-balla

    Posted Sep 9, 2009 6:35 pm GMT

    120 is already more then enough

  • Decepticon_11

    Posted Sep 7, 2009 8:30 pm GMT

    250GB PS3 Slim sounds nice

  • handstone82

    Posted Sep 7, 2009 9:34 am GMT

    all's i can say is it better have backward compatibility. some games live on forever, i'd like to be able to play these games still. graphics, though essential to a superb game, do not determine its greatness alone. sony should resolve the PS3's overheating issue, mine has locked up since it was brand new. the only solution is to have a fan blow on it constantly.

  • ahnzz

    Posted Sep 4, 2009 8:31 am GMT

    that would be awesome .. because i havent bought a slim yet though i do have a the first 80 gig ps3

  • UnreaLuigi

    Posted Aug 27, 2009 8:42 pm GMT

    indeed shani boy101, why spend more for a few more built in gigs when u can just buy the lower one and upgrade urself as high as you want and prolly still pay less

  • GondorMage

    Posted Aug 27, 2009 7:21 am GMT

    before you know it the ps3 will be a portable laptop geez!

  • shani_boy101

    Posted Aug 27, 2009 12:00 am GMT

    i really don't see the point in releasing PS3 consoles with larger hard drives. sure its good for the not-tech-savvy dude who can't replace the hard drive, but cmon. you can replace the hard drive with ANY LAPTOP HARD DRIVE, and doing so doesn't even void your waranty. i'd prefer they'd spend more money on adding more features into firmware updates like BC (i know they said it'll never happen but they've gone back on their word a couple of times, always in a good way).

  • MikeDecz

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 8:37 pm GMT

    I had to confirm on amazon... yep the MS HDDs are still $120. So, for the price of two of those and a game, you can get a 120 gig PS3 slim... not that anyone would buy 2 hard drives at that price. Ok, how about 1 hard drive ($120), 1 hd-dvd player (obsolete: only $30), the wi-fi connection (on sale for $73), plus the arcade version ($200)? The PS3 is a remarkable value.

  • MikeDecz

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 8:22 pm GMT

    I think I have the best setup. I have the BC 60G PS3. If I get low on space, all I have to do is update my hard drive. This price point makes it tempting to add bluray to my other two tvs and drop some music on the huge hard drives... so many options!!! BTW, when the heck is MS going to drop the price on their HDD? They are phasing themselves out with their lack of flexibility/reliability. I love their exclusives, but jeez, that hard drive has been the same price since it launched and my 20Gb hard drive is full. Thank you Sony.

  • kertzy

    Posted Aug 26, 2009 2:56 pm GMT

    Um people, the thing about the ps3 is the you can swap out the hard drive for one with bigger capacity. Now if only the 360 had this same feature.

  • TWilliamz

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 5:33 pm GMT

    When are they planning on putting a stop to forcing ppl to install games on HDD? Faster loading isn't important to everyone.

  • juanjpr1

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 12:58 pm GMT

    As the PS3 slim 120GB will now be at $ 299 the 250GB will be $ 399 replacing the 160GB... very good...

  • necronaux posted Aug 25, 2009 9:36 am GMT (does not meet display criteria. sign in to show)

    necronaux

    Posted Aug 25, 2009 9:36 am GMT (hide)

    Trying to get back their $599 price/platform???

  • HeadshotAce

    Posted Aug 22, 2009 2:04 pm GMT

    I agree the matte finish makes the slim look cheap. The shiny finish made the original PS3 look sexy and it cost Sony more to make it with this finish. Yes they have saved some costs but not worth it in my eyes. Sorry but it's true!

  • onlymetal75

    Posted Aug 22, 2009 8:58 am GMT

    once the 360 upgrades to a tb hdd I can put in a 500 gb for around 30$. that my friends is a mint thing.

  • onlymetal75

    Posted Aug 22, 2009 8:55 am GMT

    with a 12v fan in my 360 I would have no problems leaving it on overnight. As a matter of fact it has been left on,no problems dude.

  • ManuChris

    Posted Aug 22, 2009 4:27 am GMT

    "Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that Sony is prepping a 250GB PS3 Slim package... ...and what Sony will pack in to the box to sweeten the deal."

    Many are forgetting about the motion controller. I think Sony is planning to bundle the PS3 Motion Controller with this 250GB PS3 Slim Package if it ever comes out. What do you think people? This is my strongest guess though since I think that many people would buy the 299 over the 400-500 price tag if the 250GB comes with a unit-only box.

  • warhawk-smakaho

    Posted Aug 21, 2009 5:02 pm GMT

    I still can't figure out why it's so hard to put a decent amount of space on these consoles in the first place.

  • final_kaoss

    Posted Aug 21, 2009 2:36 pm GMT

    250 GB is literally nothing these days. I have 4 1TB drives (IO 1000 GB of space per drive). I don't use ps3 anyways since I have a Wii & PC but it's really disappointing to see sony give it's customers the shaft so to speak & not hook them up with a 500+GB model.

  • fede_pyro

    Posted Aug 21, 2009 7:48 am GMT

    @ hatieshorrer

    the only thing that really changed from ps3 to another it's the harddrive capaicty...the wi-fi card readder and backwards, were opcional since day one

  • stupid199412

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 8:17 pm GMT

    250 GB? DAAAAAAAAAAMMMMMMMMMMMMNNNNNNNN

  • grungeman91

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 5:49 pm GMT

    Play a PS2...It's a PS3 for a reason...why don't you go and buy a PS2 instead...if that's all you worry about is the Emotion Engine, Just look at it this way...Sony don't want to compete with there OWN console....it's bad for business and game sales in general....And I'll shoot it to you straight...I think the new slim has a bad choice on it's design...older PS3's look much better than this.

  • amari24

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 4:37 pm GMT

    After the PS2 is discountinued their may be an update to emulate PS2 games on the PS3 slim

  • christ4ever9889

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 2:59 pm GMT

    awheaten I never thought of backward compatibility that way, I never thought it was bad of sony to not include it but I just thought it was price, your thought seems spot on, I'll definately be getting the new model, I've been meaning to get a PS3 for awhile but haven't had the money, I'll get this when it comes out.

  • hatieshorrer

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 2:54 pm GMT

    I dont see the reason in buying a PS3 because after I buy it a new model will come out almost immediately in less then three years there have been six versions of the PS3 I have no doubt Sony will continue to hash out two versions of the PS3 every year.

  • smbius

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 1:24 pm GMT

    @awheaten - I understand why Sony's removing BC but that should not be a reason why anyone should stop wanting that feature. Sony is stopping BC to cut costs in emulating and testing legacy software. The smaller installed base of the PS3 and people's tendency to save their money in this weak job market are the main reasons PS3 software isn't selling as much - not a bunch of old PS2 games. Any PS3 owner who has a large library of PS2 games will tend to buy lots of PS3 games. Look at anyone's collection....especially mine.

  • awheaten

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 11:55 am GMT

    Hey, I am sick and tired of people talking about backwards compatibility. If you don't understand what Sony's doing, let me explain it to you. Sony wants Devs to make games for their PS3. Dev companys do not want to compete with other PS3 games and PS2 games. That is Sony's problem in a nut shell. People don't buy enough PS3 games. When Sony gives users the option of playing PS2 games, then Sony is essentially competing with their last generation console. That makes 3rd party devs not want to make exclusive games for Sony.

  • Threesixtyci

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 11:29 am GMT

    We'll likely get PS2 BC back, when PS2 console sales quit making a profit. PS2 consoles are probably the only thing using black ink, on their spreadsheets.

    As for PS2 slim has nothing over the Phat, comment.... How 'bout price? It's got that....

    As for that other comment about a TV needing a lot of connections.... The PS2 uses the same exact Component Cable that the PS3 uses. And if you are using HDMI for the PS3, then the complaint isn't really valid, to begin with. Because most likley your TV only has one HDMI connection, and your PS3 is already fighting for position for it, between an Xbox, and/or your cable box.

  • Geo119

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 10:31 am GMT

    The new PS3 Slim got nothing over the PS3 Phat except the HDD. The design is awful.

  • joynul

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 9:31 am GMT

    hah i'll wait for this to come out before i change my ps3 i just got it under a year ago so not really looking to change but the hdd space is very tempting as my current 80gb is nearly out after less than a year

  • LosDaddie

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 8:39 am GMT

    Sony should stick with just one SKU

  • monson21502

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 7:41 am GMT

    sorry folks. ps2 playback is the biggest and easyest way to cut cost on the ps3. your not getting it back. untill other costs come down. meanwhile other ps3 fans will be enjoying great ps3 games like uncharted 2, ff 13, god of war 3

  • kavadias1981

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 2:26 am GMT

    @FallenOneX

    Too right. Adding PS1 and 2 BC would have really added to the Slim's appeal. I don't think the masses really give a damn but you know what, I still want one despite owning a fatty lol.

  • avondale31

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 12:09 am GMT

    sony*

  • avondale31

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 12:09 am GMT

    that pisses me off, we paid loads for a ps3 that only has 40gb and now they release this. STFU song!

  • chris_assassin

    Posted Aug 20, 2009 12:05 am GMT

    i don't really think the new ps3 slim looks as good as the old ps3's

  • truck2

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 11:59 pm GMT

    cant wait for the ps3 slim to come out it looks awsum

  • FallenOneX

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 10:57 pm GMT

    UltimateRAGEX

    Yes, but many of us who haven't bought a PS3 don't feel like either A) pulling out a system every time we get the urge to play an old game we already own and don't want to download and pay for again (especially if the only reason we can't do it is because we were not going to spend $600+ at launch to get a BC machine), or B) having 20 million things connected to our TVs. I still like to play all of my old systems, but If I can cut down on how many of them i have out at one time, GREAT! I'll even admit it's a petty reason not to get a PS3, but it's one many share.

  • monson21502

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 10:22 pm GMT

    nice holding out ps2 fans. the ps3 is at sony`s normal launch price. better get there early on september 1st lol

  • Jag-T1000

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 7:45 pm GMT

    Xbox 360 will come out with a new model next year. It'll be called 360 Slim. In the coming years, we won't get new systems...We will only get new models of PS3s and 360s. The technology is capped out! New systems till 2015. I have spoken!

  • icemancell

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 6:34 pm GMT

    i just reserved mines today, hope they bring back ps2 compat in some way in the future

  • UltimateRAGEX

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 6:14 pm GMT

    lolz you can just play your ps2 games on your ps2. You do in fact buy a Playstation 3 to PLAY PLAYSTATION 3 GAMES!

  • Wonderboy2790

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 4:45 pm GMT

    I've got my original 60gb version with full BC. Until they add full BC to a slim version of the PS3, I've still got the best version of the console. And something I just thought of in regards to the 250gb model, is that they might be planning ahead for the possibility of adding PS2 games to the playstation store.

  • andrew_ribbons

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 4:44 pm GMT

    It still doesn't change the fact that it has no games i want and some of my favourite game developers hate it. I.e. Valve. It also has a bloated price tag for UK £. £250 for UK, but $300 US? Exchange rate is 1.6 right now, so that should equate £180. Ok bloated taxes.....£200 then. So why £250 Sony? Once again Sony is snubbing it's UK marketbase, despite it being one of the stronger compared to how the PS3 is comparitively doing in the States with population difference in mind.

    I don't even see the PS3 as a cheap BluRay player, £150 if i want a decent Samsung BD player for HDTVs, £60 if i want to install on in my PC with software...

  • hatieshorrer

    Posted Aug 19, 2009 4:36 pm GMT

    PS3s are like iphones your only cool if you have the most recent version. ^_^;

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