Cheats-Area.com

   Sony, who long ago used to say that there would only be a single PlayStation 3 model, so as not to confuse their fans like Microsoft did, are now launching yet another PS3 model, cheaper and less-equipped. So, instead of four USB 2.0 ports, this latest model features only two, the multi memory card port is gone, and also the backwards compatibility with PS2 games has been completely abandoned. The HDD capacity is fairly modest, of 40 GB, and the price is the lowest so far: €399.

   The offer only seems to be valid in Europe and the other PAL territories covered by the SCEE division (Middle East, Africa and Australasia), and at the same time we notice a price cut for the existing "Starter Pack", down to €499. This includes a PlayStation 3 with 60 GB HDD and PS2 compatibility, an additional SIXAXIS Wireless controller and two first-party games (a great deal, if you can afford it), and it will remain on sale only as long as the current stocks last. So they abandoned the 20 GB model, they're slowly ditching the 60 GB, and stepping back to 40 GB... talk about firm strategies.

   Oh and speaking of controllers, the new DUALSHOCK 3 Wireless announced by Sony last month has missed today's (re-)launch. This will finally combine the classic rumble function with the new motion sensitive six-axis system, however it will not be available in Europe and North America until spring 2008.