Posts from the Hardware Category at PS3 Fanboy

NPD: PS3 sells 190k units in October

Posted Nov 13th 2008 8:00PM by Jem Alexander
Filed under: Business, Hardware

PS3 sales in October have dropped from the last month, despite the launch of many of this year's big hitters such as LittleBigPlanet and MotorStorm Pacific Rift. Around 190,000 units were sold in October (an increase of 56% over October 2007), though this is almost half of the nearest competition's sales, with the Xbox 360 selling around 371,000 units and the Wii continuing to storm ahead with over 800,000 sold during the month.

Despite being outsold to this extent PS3 software sales increased to 2.3 million units, a 200% increase over October 2007 sales. SCEA expects software sales to increase throughout November, in the lead up to Christmas and with the launch of Resistance 2. There are also more than 14 million registered users for the PlayStation Network worldwide. An increase of 166% since January.

Continue reading NPD: PS3 sells 190k units in October

Is this a slim PS3? No! It's a Sonilex!

Posted Oct 23rd 2008 1:45PM by Majed Athab
Filed under: Hardware

Just how can the PS3 compete with this new product called Sonilex? It's lighter, it's thinner, it can even play Nintendo titles! It can even play the unofficial NES port of Tekken, plus 40 other NES games. What Sony machine could do that? Believe it folks, PS3 is doomed. With an asking price of only $32, just who could say no? We're already registering "Sonilex Fanboy," so watch out!

[Via Engadget]

Japan gets Gran Turismo, LittleBigPlanet 80GB bundles

Posted Oct 8th 2008 12:30PM by Jem Alexander
Filed under: Hardware, News

Famitsu has already spoiled one of Sony's TGS surprises, but don't worry. You probably won't be that interested anyway. A couple of Japanese hardware bundles were revealed via Famitsu. The 80GB model will be hitting the region in two flavors. The first bundles Gran Turismo 5 Prologue Spec III with an 80GB system and a DualShock 3 for 39,800 yen ($398/€292). What's Spec III? Again, don't get too excited. It's a Blu-ray release of Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, including all the patched in features and content. Because Japanese people hate connecting their PS3s to the internet.

The second bundle will be known as the "PlayStation 3 LittleBigPlanet Dream Box" and will obviously include LittleBigPlanet along with an 80GB (in either black, silver or white) and two DualShock 3s. The box will also be covered in artwork of Sackboy. The Japanese will be able to pick this up for 44,980 yen (450/€329). LittleBigPlanet will also be bundled with DualShock 3 controllers, saving customers almost $35 in comparison to purchasing the items separately. Early copies of the game will come with a code to download an Ape Escape monkey costume. Hopefully, this isn't the extent of Sony's announcements at TGS tomorrow. We'll be there to bring you any interesting info from the show.

Sony/Toshiba making 45nm Cells in '09, slim PS3 on way?

Posted Sep 22nd 2008 10:00AM by Majed Athab
Filed under: Hardware, News

The current PS3s already have efficient functionality with the shrunken 65nm Cell processor, but now things are going to get even smaller. Sony and Toshiba have plans on mass producing a 45nm Cell processor starting in 2009. The plan is to integrate them first into PS3s. The result of which will allow PS3s to save power up to 40 percent.

As usual, smaller chips mean less heat, less space, and more reliability. Engadget suggests that this new hardware revision could usher in a price cut and a PS3-slim model. All seems logically sound, though -- even if the chips were produced early in the year -- we still wouldn't see the end product until late 2009 at the very earliest. So if you've been holding out for a PS3 until the slim comes into town ... you've still got a long wait ahead of you buddy.

[Via Engadget]

PlayTV goes back to DRM-free PSP-lovin' copying

Posted Sep 3rd 2008 4:45PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Hardware

Sometimes it's hard to keep track of what's "official" and what's not -- especially because Sony continues to contradict itself. (Case in point: PSP Brite's battery life.) When we first heard the Euro-exclusive PlayTV box would allow users to copy recorded shows onto the PSP, we all said "yay." The convenience of recording TV and taking it with us wherever we go sounded swell. Then, we found out that the files would be restricted.

Well, with PlayTV in the hands of reviewers, it appears Sony has switched back to the original plan. You'll now be able to copy DRM-free versions of your recorded programs to your PSP, or any other compatible MPEG-4 device, at least according to CVG.

Our European readers may want to check out CVG's review. The rest of us will just sit here in the corner, waiting.

[Thanks, benny boy!]

Two new European 80GB PS3 bundles

Posted Aug 27th 2008 9:30AM by Alan Tsang
Filed under: Hardware, News

Courtesy of Gamekyo, we get a glimpse of two upcoming bundles that include the new 80GB PS3. We'll start off with the less exciting Movie Pack, which includes an 80GB PS3, one Dual Shock 3 controller, and the French comedy Bienvenue chez les Ch'tis on Blu-ray. This Movie Pack will launch October 29th for 399€. The second one, a Gran Turismo 5 Prologue bundle, is definitely more exciting. Details and a picture of the bundle after the jump. Do these new bundles appeal to you, the European consumer?

Continue reading Two new European 80GB PS3 bundles

Let's review: all the PS3 SKUs

Posted Aug 26th 2008 9:35AM by PS3 Fanboy Staff
Filed under: Hardware

There's been some confusion about all the various PS3 models that are available. Sony has introduced, and discontinued, so many different SKUs over the PS3's relatively short lifespan so far. Did you know, with the discontinuation of the Metal Gear Solid 4 model, there will only be two SKUs on the market? And did you know that neither will have backwards compatibility? Check out Joystiq's handy reference guide to see the stats of each SKU -- and if make sure you've nabbed the system that fits your needs exactly!

Educate me! >

80GB Core model draws less energy than 40GB

Posted Aug 25th 2008 7:11PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Hardware

Looks like the 80GB Core PS3 may be more energy efficient than ever. A user at the Slickdeals forum connected his brand new 80GB Core system to a Kill-a-watt and discovered a slight energy savings. For example, the 40GB model used 155.2 watts when playing MGS4 -- the 80GB model used only 130 watts. The 40GB used 125.8 watts when idle on the XMB, while the 80GB used 111.9 watts. The popular theory is that Sony has secretly switched to new 65nm RSX chips: these are cheaper to manufacture, and are considered more reliable. Sony has not yet responded to these claims, but we wouldn't be surprised if each new SKU introduces new savings for the costly PS3 manufacturing process.

[Via Joystiq]

MGS4 80GB bundle may be discontinued

Posted Aug 20th 2008 2:00PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Hardware

It looks like the 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle really was "limited edition." The $499 bundle has been deleted from the Wal-Mart databases, to make way for the 80GB Core and upcoming 160GB Uncharted pack. Considering the current MGS4 pack is the only system to support PS2 backwards compatibility, this may be your last chance to get your hands on a PS3 that can play PS2 games. Neither the current $399 80GB Core nor the upcoming $499 160GB bundle will support PS2 games at all.

Stay tuned for Sony's official response.

160GB model also announced for America: $499, November release

Posted Aug 20th 2008 12:22PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Hardware

The 160GB model announced at Leipzig today will also be coming to America in a new bundle featuring last year's blockbuster PS3 exclusive, Uncharted. For $499, the 160GB system will include the new 160GB system, a DUALSHOCK 3 controller, a voucher for PAIN and a copy of Uncharted. It will be available in November.

"As PLAYSTATION Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value."

80GB goes on sale in Europe this Friday, 160GB PS3 available 10/31

Posted Aug 20th 2008 11:25AM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Hardware

Looks like the retailer leaks were right. The 80GB PS3 will launch in Europe this Friday (except for Australia). A new 160GB model has also been announced. Retailing for €449, this premium bundle will include a €70 game and will be available on Oct 31st. This bundle will not include PS2 backwards compatibility either.

New 80GB Core Packs can be sold as soon as stores get them [Update]

Posted Aug 19th 2008 1:23PM by Andrew Yoon
Filed under: Hardware

While they're not supposed to "officially" go on sale until the end of this month, it appears that many retailers are stocking their store shelves with the new 80GB Core Packs. These systems, which retail for $399, offer an upgraded version of the previous 40GB system: a larger hard drive and a DualShock 3 controller. It does not, however, provide any backwards compatibility. Various tipsters have mailed us with reports of systems being on store shelves, and Ashhong from NeoGAF even posted a photo of one system.

If the new 80GB Core Packs are available, that means the two current PS3 SKUs both feature 80GB hard drives. The more expensive ($499) 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle includes a copy of the popular stealth action game and offers backwards compatibility.

Update: SCEA rep Al de Leon tells us that "Shipments of the new 80GB PS3 started this week, and retailers can sell them as they receive the inventory." If your local store has the new 80GB system, they're allowed to sell it immediately.

Retail says new 80GB PS3s out in Europe this Friday

Posted Aug 18th 2008 12:55PM by Majed Athab
Filed under: Hardware, News

Despite the golden word of SCEE boss David Reeves, European online retailers are listing release dates for the new 80GB PS3s a week ahead of schedule. That means -- while the SKU was previously announced for an August 27 launch date -- online retailers such as Amazon UK and GAME suggest, nay confirm, that the new units will arrive this Friday, August 22. With Games Convention 2008 happening in Leipzig this week, an announcement regarding the early release is expected.

Australia gets new 80GB SKUs priced and dated

Posted Aug 15th 2008 6:00PM by Majed Athab
Filed under: Hardware

Everyone seems to be getting in on the new 80GB SKUs, including the Aussies. These new units, dubbed the new "core pack" set to replace the current 40GB machines, will feature double the storage space at no additional cost. Sony Australia confirms that the core pack is coming to Australia on August 28 and will retail for AUS$699.

The same pack will be available in North America this September and Europe on August 27. As a reminder, the units come with a DualShock 3 and the same functionality as the 40GB units -- namely 2 USB slots, no memory card readers, and no PS2 backwards compatibility.

[Kotaku via Edge Online]

Another modder stuffs the PlayStation 3 into a laptop

Posted Aug 10th 2008 11:00PM by Alan Tsang
Filed under: Hacks and Homebrew, Hardware, News

Considering the size of this behemoth, weighing in at 15 pounds, we wouldn't really call it a laptop. Nevertheless, inspired by Ben Heck's PS3 laptop, another successful attempt at fitting the insides of a PS3 into a portable enclosure has surfaced. Specs are as follows:

80GB SKU with 320GB HDD
17" 720p HDTV LCD Monitor
Keyboard
Built-in speakers with headphone jack
Custom cooling (SilenX fans)
Size: 16" x 10.5" x 4" (when closed)
Weight: 15 pounds

With the success of this 3-month project, the modder known as Pirate plans to create a slimmer version in the future. Check it out in action after the jump.

[Via Engadget -- thanks, jimb!]

Continue reading Another modder stuffs the PlayStation 3 into a laptop

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