Sony unveils greener, lighter PS3 slim in Japan
updated 09:30 am EDT, Mon June 20, 2011
Sony PS3 slim gets cheaper power
Sony's mystery new PS3 model was uncovered on Monday with a new model in Japan. The CECH-3000B, a Japanese version of the CECH-3001B, should be better-behaved than the old model with a 200W power draw instead of 230W on the current slim PS3. The newer design would be lighter, too, at 5.7 pounds instead of the usual 6.6.
The newer slims will have a limitation, however, in limiting their video resolution: Blu-ray movies will be limited to at most 480i output when not using HDMI or otherwise relying on video out with HDCP. Games are exempt from the rule.
Japanese should get the new system on June 30 in a 320GB model that will cost the same $436 equivalent and replace the earlier 2500B model. At the same time, a special HDD Recorder bundle will be available to let Japanese record TV shows to the hard drive using Torne. A tie-in 160GB bundle with Tales of Xilia is coming on September 8 for $473. North American release plans haven't been mentioned so far, but the FCC presence means the new model should arrive soon.
