[stevietee]

Not really sure whether this can actually be considered a bargain or not since it will still set you back £300. Obviously sony has finally realised its not competing with the XBOX360 and the Wii so they are rolling out a new streamlined model PS3 with a 40 GB hard drive and fewer features. The features its missing are:

* Backwards Compatibility with PS2 Games
* Memory Stick Card Readers
* SACD Playback
* Ethernet Cable
* 4 USB Ports, this model features 2.

The only real issue there is backwards compatibility with the PS2. But then I never owned a PS2 so I don't have any games.. :)

[tracey_sws]

Without the backwards compatibility, I can't see that it's going to do Sony any favours. I don't own a PS3, but would certainly expect it to play some of my older games if I did own one.

[TheReverend]

I thought the PS3's backward compatibility was severely lacking in the european PS3 anyways, or did they fix that before release? I remember the whole arguement when they announced they wouldn't bother on their PAL release of the console. Sony are being pretty stupid here I think. None of the parts they've taken out cost particularly much, and the price of the full thing has fallen to £349. Sony having to manufactue a whole new set of skins for these to ship in with the less ports etc will just add to the cost of the machine, and be another thing for them to lose money on as i don't see it being at all popular without ps2 compat, unless you just want a decent bluray player which it is

[homerpovey]

I never understand the need for backward compatibility on a console. I played one xbox game on my 360 and that was enough. I used my xbox for xbox games and my 360 for 360 games. I don't see the point in using a next gen console to play games from a weaker machine. Just my opinion of course but it wouldn't be a reason for me to buy ot not to buy a console.

[TheReverend]

Some people don't have the space and/or the effort for having two consoles and swapping over leads etc though. Alot of rich Sony fanboys will be living in small rooms with their mummies and daddies buying them the console, and not have room for both next to their schoolbag ;)

[KirkSi]

Shopto have got this as in stock in 5 days and at a price of £279.99. Not a bad price.

[tracey_sws]

Originally Posted by TheReverend

Some people don't have the space and/or the effort for having two consoles and swapping over leads etc though.

I agree.

With the PS3, I think Sony on the whole have failed dismally, and changing what they have for this newer version just seems pointless really - apart from the fact it's dropped the price of the console. It's a shame, but even with the price, Sony have put themselves behind the XBOX and Wii straight off the bat. Come Christmas, I can't see them being too much competition for the other consoles.


Move on to the PS4!

[Charlie]

I believe Sony are going to be doing the "Full Spec PS3" upto Christmas for £350 with 2 Games? Can't find it on the web yet.

[KevD]

Originally Posted by Charlie

I believe Sony are going to be doing the "Full Spec PS3" upto Christmas for £350 with 2 Games? Can't find it on the web yet.

Sadly, unless they release some good games it doesnt matter how many they give away :(

I have had mine for about 8 months and thank good its plays Blu-ray cause thats all it is used for.

Worth noting this also has fewer USBs and no memory slots, not sure on Wireless.