- Sony PS3 is expected to be involved in some cost cutting measures including a reduction in a number of its parts. (26 Jun 08)
- PS3 will start using 65 nm RSX graphics chips this autumn (26 Jun 08)
- PS3 heat sink producer announced a smaller heat sink. (25 Apr 08)
- IBM announces plans for 45 nm Cell (7 Feb 08)
- Toshiba is planning to produce 65nm followed by 45nm.(27 Nov 07)
Prediction
- Expect a slimmer PS3 model (bundled with DualShock 3) soon.
- The PS3 was launched in Nov 2006. To celebrate its 2 year old birthday, it would be great for the slim version to appear before Christmas 2008. The 40 GB model (that uses 65 nm Cell) was launched in Oct 2007.
Why do I think so
- Sony is losing money selling PS3 console. To achieve profitability, it need to reduce cost. Its much cheaper to produce newer generation of chips like 45 nm Cell and RSX.
- Rising energy cost. Among the 3 next gen consoles, the PS3 consumes the most energy. It consumes 10 times more energy than a Wii. Most of it is used up by the Cell processor and RSX graphics chip. These chip generate lots of heat and heat sink are then used to dissipate them from the PS3. Newer chips use less energy.
- Sony PS3 sales is lagging behind XBox360 and Wii. Consoles usually boost their sales when a slimmer version appears. (e.g. It happens to DS Lite, PSP Slim.)
- Launch of recent blockbuster titles like GTA4 and MGS4 failed to boost PS3 sales significantly. Some of the recent Ps3 exclusive games were a major letdown e.g. Haze. No more exclusive must have titles scheduled for the rest of the year. The earliest must have PS3 exclusive mega-blockbuster might be arriving is in 2009. (E.g. FFXIII, GOW3,GT5)
- Rising cost coupled with a weakening dollar and heightened risk of recession might curb consumption. If so, demand for luxury entertainment like PS3 might be cut
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