TGS 06: 20GB PS3 to have HDMI, cost 49,980 yen
[UPDATE] Following his 2006 Tokyo Game Show keynote address, Ken Kutaragi reveals the low-end PlayStation 3 will now have a high-end A/V output--and go for around $429.
TOKYO--After Sony's press conference, Ken Kutaragi held a small question-and-answer session with the press to talk about the company's future, and specifically the PlayStation 3. During it, the president of Sony Computer Entertainment dropped several new details about the lower-end model of the next-gen console--details that were curiously not mentioned during the conference itself.
Speaking to reporters, Kutaragi almost casually mentioned that the 20GB PS3 will now have a high-definition multimedia interface port for high-definition video output. At the Electronic Entertainment Expo 2006, Sony irritated many by announcing only the higher-end 60GB model of the console would have an HDMI port. The previous year, there had been only one PS3 model with two HDMI ports for so-called "super-letterbox" display on side-by-side HDTVs. Kutaragi did not specify any territories for the 20GB PS3, but it would presumably be for the worldwide form factor.
[UPDATE] Secondly, Kutaragi announced the Japanese pricing for the 20GB PS3, which will go for 49,980 yen (circa $429) when it hits stores in Japan on November 11. That’s around 10,000 yen (approx. $85) less than its prior price, which was around 60,000 yen (about $515). It's also $70 less than the lower-end model's $499 sticker price when it hits US shores the following week. However, no price drop for any other territory was announced at the event.
The higher-end PS3 will go for a set $599 stateside, but it will carry an "open price" in Japan--meaning retailers can charge whatever price they like. Given that there will be only 100,000 units available on day one in the country, that price is likely to be quite high.
Speaking through a translator, Kutaragi also reiterated the "big picture" statements he delivered during the conference. His feeling was that his full vision for the PS3 would be realized within the next three to five years. He also stated that his stress on bringing the console online via the PlayStation Network Platform is to create an environment that will encourage users to become involved in the PS3 community.
Kutaragi was also apologetic about the PS3's delay and said that the company's "new approaches and ways" have caused delays in mass production, but they're being overcome.
Hot Stories
Newsmakers
-
EA and Disney team up for Star Wars games
As part of multiyear exclusive arrangement, DICE and Visceral will work on new "core" Star Wars games. Full Story
- Posted May 7, 2013 6:28 am AEST
-
Assassin's Creed creator claims he was fired
[UPDATE] Patrice Desilets says Ubisoft terminated his position today and did not allow him to collect personal belongings. Full Story
- Posted May 8, 2013 3:44 am AEST
Featured Stories
-
Study: Violent games can desensitize players
New research finds frequent exposure to violent games can have numbing effect on teenagers, though no cause-and-effect relationship proven. Full Story
- Posted May 10, 2013 11:17 pm AEST
-
World of Warcraft subs fall to 8.3 million
Subscriber base for aging MMO dips 1.3 million in three months; Activision Blizzard posts $456 million profit on $1.32 billion in revenue for Q1. Full Story
- Posted May 9, 2013 6:18 am AEST
-
EA extends FIFA licensing agreement to 2022
"FIFA continues to be very strong," says EA, which has been making FIFA games since 1993. Full Story
- Posted May 8, 2013 7:19 pm AEST
-
No multiplayer in new Wolfenstein
MachineGames' upcoming shooter will be single-player-only experience. Full Story
- Posted May 8, 2013 11:49 pm AEST
-
Ubisoft: PlayStation 4 like a 'perfect jewel'
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag producer says Sony has created a compelling piece of technology and it is up to designers to make most of it. Full Story
- Posted May 10, 2013 2:37 am AEST





