Editing PlayStation 3 (section)

== History ==
Development of the PlayStation 3 began on March 9, 2001, when Sony Computer Entertainment president [[Ken Kutaragi]] announced a partnership with [[Toshiba]] and [[IBM]]  to develop the [[Cell (microprocessor)|Cell]] microprocessor.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=June 30, 2013 |title=Mark Cerny frankly recounts Sony's mistakes with the PlayStation 3 |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/06/30/a-frank-recounting-of-the-mistakes-sony-made-with-the-playstation-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713015933/https://venturebeat.com/2013/06/30/a-frank-recounting-of-the-mistakes-sony-made-with-the-playstation-3/ |archive-date=July 13, 2018 |access-date=July 12, 2018 |work=VentureBeat}}</ref>  Around the same time, [[Shuhei Yoshida]] led a team focused on exploring next-generation game development. By early 2005, Sony shifted its focus toward preparing PS3 launch titles.<ref name=":0" />

In September 2004, Sony confirmed that the PlayStation 3 would use Blu-ray as its primary media format, with support for DVDs and CDs.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunham |first1=Jeremy |date=21 September 2004 |title=Kutaragi Confirms PS3 Info |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/549/549950p1.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040923032251/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/549/549950p1.html |archive-date=23 September 2004 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=IGN |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc.}}</ref> [[Nvidia]] was announced as the partner for the console's graphics processing unit in December 2004.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Dunham |first1=Jeremy |date=7 December 2004 |title=Sony Announces PS3 GPU |url=http://ps2.ign.com/articles/571/571460p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041209051357/http://ps2.ign.com/articles/571/571460p1.html |archive-date=9 December 2004 |access-date=4 November 2023 |website=IGN.com |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc.}}</ref> The PS3 was officially unveiled on May 16, 2005, at [[E3]],<ref>{{cite web |last=Sulic |first=Ivan |date=May 16, 2005 |title=E3 2005: PS3 Official |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/16/e3-2005-ps3-official |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071007084818/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614619p1.html |archive-date=October 7, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |website=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref> alongside a prototype of the [[Sixaxis]]<nowiki/>controller featuring a [[boomerang]]-shaped design.<ref name="Boomerang">{{cite web |date=May 16, 2005 |title=E3 2005: PlayStation 3 – The ("boomerang") Controller |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-playstation-3-the-controller |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110106180832/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614736p1.html |archive-date=January 6, 2011 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |publisher=IGN Entertainment, Inc}}</ref> No working hardware was present at E3<!--I could not find an article that specifically stated that there were no actual PS3s at this E3, though several implied it, but I think it is safe to assume that there were no PS3s there if there were none at the TGS almost 4 months later--> or at the [[Tokyo Game Show]] in September,<ref name="E305pressconference">{{cite web |date=May 17, 2005 |title=Sony E3 2005 press conference video |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-sony-press-conference |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071211193018/http://media.ps3.ign.com/articles/615/615091/vids_1.html |archive-date=December 11, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |website=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref> though demonstrations such as [[Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots|''Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots'']]''<ref name="NoPS3">{{cite web |date=September 15, 2005 |title=TGS 2005 booth round-up |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=6554 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081222004930/http://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=6554 |archive-date=December 22, 2008 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |website=Gamasutra |df=mdy-all}}</ref>'' were shown running on [[software development kit]]s and comparable [[personal computer hardware|PC hardware]].<ref name="NoPS3" /><ref name="E305pressconference" /> Sony also showcased concept footage based on projected system specifications, including a ''[[Final Fantasy VII]]'' [[tech demo]].<ref name="gameprerender">{{cite web |last=Allen |first=Jason |date=May 15, 2005 |title=E3 2005: Eyes-on the Final Fantasy VII Tech Demo |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/05/17/e3-2005-eyes-on-the-final-fantasy-vii-tech-demo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209002255/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/614/614859p1.html |archive-date=February 9, 2012 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |website=IGN}}</ref>

[[File:PS3s and controllers at E3 2006.jpg|thumb|left|Prototype PlayStation&nbsp;3 on display at E3 2006]]

The 2005 prototype included two [[HDMI]] ports, three [[Ethernet]] ports and six [[USB]] ports,<ref name=":1">{{cite web |date=May 16, 2005 |title=PlayStation 3 announced for 2006 |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/2005/05/16/news_6124681.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110804220936/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6124681/playstation-3-announced-for-2006 |archive-date=August 4, 2011 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |website=GameSpot |df=mdy-all}}</ref> but by E3 2006, these had been reduced to one HDMI, one Ethernet, and four USB ports to cut costs.<ref name="IGNPS3E32006">{{cite web |date=May 24, 2006 |title=IGN: E3 2006: The final word on PlayStation |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/05/25/e3-2006-the-final-word-on-playstation |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070813085038/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/709/709973p1.html |archive-date=August 13, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |website=IGN |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="IGN FAQ 1">{{cite web |date=March 26, 2007 |title=IGN's Official PlayStation 3 FAQ |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2005/07/27/igns-official-playstation-3-faq |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070409070759/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/636/636848p1.html |archive-date=April 9, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |publisher=IGN}}</ref> Sony also announced two launch models: a 60&nbsp;GB version at {{US$|599.99}} / {{JPY|60,000}} / {{€|599.99}}<ref>
{{Multiref|{{cite web |date=January 24, 2007<!--this press release was released at 00:01 on the 25th--> |title=SCEE official press release |url=http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4317&NewsAreaID=2 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080119221144/http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4317&NewsAreaID=2 |archive-date=January 19, 2008 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=Sony Computer Entertainment Europe}}|{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2007 |title=PlayStation 3 launches March 23 in Europe, 425 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/playstation-3-launches-march-23-in-europe-425/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901113349/https://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/playstation-3-launches-march-23-in-europe-425/ |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |access-date=September 1, 2018}}|{{cite web |date=2007-01-24 |title=Sony Confirms PS3 Euro Launch Details |url=http://www.edge-online.com/news/sony-confirms-ps3-euro-launch-deta |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120121141727/http://www.edge-online.com/news/sony-confirms-ps3-euro-launch-deta |archive-date=2012-01-21 |access-date=2008-01-14 |publisher=Edge-Online}}}}</ref> and a 20&nbsp;GB version at {{US$|499.99}} / {{JPY|49,980}} / {{€|499.99}}.<ref name="IGNPS3E32006" /><ref>{{Multiref|{{cite news |date=November 17, 2006 |title=Sony's PS3 makes U.S. debut |url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-11-17-ps3-debut_x.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308233638/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-11-17-ps3-debut_x.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2008 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |newspaper=USA Today |df=mdy-all}} | {{cite news |date=November 13, 2006 |title=PlayStation 3 hits 'grey market' |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6142576.stm |access-date=May 14, 2024 |newspaper=BBC News |df=mdy-all}}}}</ref> To further reduce costs, the 60&nbsp;GB model was to be the only configuration to feature HDMI output, [[Wi-Fi]], flash card readers and chrome trim.<ref name="IGNPS3E32006" /> It was scheduled to launch on November 11, 2006 in Japan and November 17, 2006 in North America and Europe.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 9, 2006 |title=Sony PlayStation 3 launch details |url=https://arstechnica.com/old/content/2006/05/6781.ars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090220200043/http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2006/05/6781.ars |archive-date=February 20, 2009 |access-date=January 18, 2008 |publisher=Arstechnica |df=mdy-all}}</ref> 

On September 6, 2006, Sony delayed the [[PAL region]] launch to March 2007 due to a shortage of Blu-ray drive components, and announced it would not sell the 20&nbsp;GB model in the region.<ref>{{cite news |date=September 6, 2006 |title=PlayStation 3 Euro launch delayed |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5319190.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080307022543/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/5319190.stm |archive-date=March 7, 2008 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=BBC |df=mdy-all}}</ref> Later that month at the Tokyo Game Show, Sony confirmed that it had decided to include HDMI output on the 20&nbsp;GB model.<ref>{{cite web |date=September 23, 2006 |title=TGS 2006 – TGS 06: No US PS3 price drop; HDMI in 20&nbsp;GB model |url=http://www.gamespot.com/downloads/6158499 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091017133918/http://www.gamespot.com/downloads/6158499 |archive-date=October 17, 2009 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |website=GameSpot}}</ref> The Japanese launch price for the 20&nbsp;GB model was also reduced by more than 20%,<ref name="20 GB HDMI">{{cite web |last=Gantayat |first=Anoop |date=September 22, 2006 |title=TGS 2006: Price Drop For Japanese PS3 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/09/22/tgs-2006-price-drop-for-japanese-ps3 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219045344/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/734/734349p1.html |archive-date=February 19, 2007 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |publisher=IGN PlayStation 3}}</ref> while the 60&nbsp;GB model would be sold under an open pricing scheme.<ref name="20 GB HDMI" /> Sony showcased 27 playable titles running on final PS3 hardware at the event.<ref name="IGN">{{cite web |date=August 16, 2006 |title=TGS 2006: PS3 to Take Over Tokyo |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/08/23/tgs-2006-ps3-to-take-over-tokyo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110074152/http://uk.ps3.ign.com/articles/727/727456p1.html |archive-date=November 10, 2006 |access-date=June 11, 2020 |website=IGN}}</ref>

Despite the cost-cutting efforts, the PS3 would still be sold at a loss due to high component costs, including the GPU (estimated at US$129) and Blu-ray Disc drive (estimated at US$125). The 20&nbsp;GB model was estimated to cost US$805.85 to manufacture, about US$307 more than its retail price, while the 60&nbsp;GB model was estimated at US$840.35, or US$241 above its retail price.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Becker |first=David |date=2006-11-16 |title=Sony Losing Hundreds On Each PS3 |url=https://www.wired.com/2006/11/sony-losing-hun/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420161509/https://www.wired.com/2006/11/sony-losing-hun/ |archive-date=2025-04-20 |access-date=2025-04-20 |magazine=Wired |language=en-US |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> Subsidizing the hardware contributed to SCE reporting an operating loss of ¥232 billion (approximately US$1.91 billion) for the fiscal year following the launch of the PS3.<ref name="Reuters2007Loss2">{{cite news |last=Takenaka |first=Kiyoshi |date=2007-08-04 |title=Nintendo Wii outsells Sony PS3 5-fold in Japan |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/technology/nintendo-wii-outsells-sony-ps3-5-fold-in-japan-idUST332955 |access-date=2025-04-20 |newspaper=Reuters}}</ref> Sony later acknowledged cumulative losses of about US$3.3 billion on the PS3 hardware through mid‑2008.<ref name="Wired2008Loss2">{{cite magazine |last=Cavalli |first=Earnest |date=2008-06-05 |title=Sony Loses $3.3 Billion Since PlayStation 3 Launch |url=https://www.wired.com/2008/06/sony-loses-33-b |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241231170624/https://www.wired.com/2008/06/sony-loses-33-b/ |archive-date=2024-12-31 |access-date=2025-04-20 |magazine=Wired |issn=1059-1028}}</ref> 

=== Launch ===
The PlayStation 3 was first released in Japan on November 11, 2006, selling over 81,000 units within 24 hours.<ref name="Japandate">{{cite news |date=November 11, 2006 |title=PS3 sells out at launch |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6135452.stm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071217190903/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/6135452.stm |archive-date=December 17, 2007 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |publisher=BBC |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 14, 2006 |title=Japanese PS3 Sales Data Also Depressing |url=http://kotaku.com/gaming/sony/japanese-ps3-sales-data-also-depressing-214864.php |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071212205927/http://kotaku.com/gaming/sony/japanese-ps3-sales-data-also-depressing-214864.php |archive-date=December 12, 2007 |access-date=October 24, 2008 |publisher=Media Create Co. via Kotaku}}</ref> It launched in North America on November 17,<ref name="NAdate">{{cite news| url=https://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-11-17-ps3-debut_x.htm| title=Sony's PS3 makes U.S. debut| date=November 17, 2006| newspaper=USA Today| access-date=January 14, 2008| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308233638/http://www.usatoday.com/tech/gaming/2006-11-17-ps3-debut_x.htm| archive-date=March 8, 2008| url-status=live| df=mdy-all}}</ref> where demand was high and incidents of violence were reported at retail locations.<ref>{{cite web |title=Camping PlayStation gamers robbed at gunpoint |url=http://www.ocmodshop.com/news/displaygamingnews.asp?articleid=3275&zoneid=15<!--this press release was released at 00:01 on the 25th--> |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080228152709/http://www.ocmodshop.com/news/displaygamingnews.asp?articleid=3275&zoneid=15 |archive-date=February 28, 2008 |access-date=November 17, 2006 |publisher=KMTR}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=November 16, 2006 |title=Four People Shot While Waiting for PlayStation Console, Including 27 NEWSFIRST Reporter |url=http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/4661551.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061120023734/http://www.wkyt.com/news/headlines/4661551.html |archive-date=November 20, 2006 |access-date=November 17, 2006 |publisher=WKYT News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Augenstein |first=Neal |date=November 17, 2006 |title=PlayStation3 Crowd Gets More Than It Bargained for in Tysons |url=http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=600&sid=978347 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070303123924/http://www.wtopnews.com/?nid=600&sid=978347 |archive-date=March 3, 2007 |access-date=November 17, 2006 |publisher=WTOP News}}</ref> The console was released the same day in Hong Kong and Taiwan.<ref>{{cite web |last=Jenkins |first=David |date=November 2, 2006 |title=Sony Confirms Hong Kong, Taiwan PS3 Launch |url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/sony-confirms-hong-kong-taiwan-ps3-launch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://gamasutra.com/view/news/102479/Sony_Confirms_Hong_Kong_Taiwan_PS3_Launch.php |archive-date=2021-10-08 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Gamasutra.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The console launched in Europe, Australia, and other PAL regions on March 23, 2007.<ref name="autogenerated2">{{Cite web |date=January 24, 2007 |title=PlayStation 3 launches March 23 in Europe, 425 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/playstation-3-launches-march-23-in-europe-425/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180901113349/https://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/playstation-3-launches-march-23-in-europe-425/ |archive-date=September 1, 2018 |access-date=September 1, 2018}}</ref> It sold 600,000 units across Europe in its first two days,<ref>{{cite news |date=March 28, 2007 |title=Sony's PS3 has record launch in Europe |url=http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4a4dc0ee-dd67-11db-8d42-000b5df10621.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/http://www.ft.com/cms/s/4a4dc0ee-dd67-11db-8d42-000b5df10621.html |archive-date=2021-10-08 |accessdate=April 2, 2007 |publisher=Financial Times}}{{cbignore}}</ref> with 165,000 sold in the UK, making it the region’s fastest-selling home console at the time.<ref>{{cite news |date=March 26, 2007 |title=PlayStation 3 becomes UK's fastest-selling home system |url=http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23781 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071012182901/http://gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23781 |archivedate=October 12, 2007 |accessdate=April 2, 2007 |publisher=GamesIndustry}}</ref> Sales dropped sharply in the following weeks, with some retailers citing high price points and early cancellations.<ref>{{cite web |date=March 27, 2007 |title=Sony PS3 hit by £10m in cancellations |url=http://www.brandrepublic.com/BrandRepublicNews/News/646182/Sony-PS3-hit-10m-cancellations/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081201155937/http://www.brandrepublic.com/BrandRepublicNews/News/646182/Sony-PS3-hit-10m-cancellations/ |archive-date=December 1, 2008 |accessdate=March 29, 2007 |publisher=BR}}</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20080611202402/http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=23977 PlayStation 3 hardware sales plummet 82 per cent], Gamesindustry.biz</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Boxer |first=Steve |date=February 1, 2007 |title=PS3 launch price is no fun for UK gamers |url=https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/feb/01/games.guardianweeklytechnologysection2 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2007/feb/01/games.guardianweeklytechnologysection2 |archive-date=2021-10-08 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=The Guardian}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The PS3 launched in other markets throughout 2007, including Singapore (March 7),<ref>{{cite web |date=March 8, 2007 |title=Singapore's PS3 launch party |url=http://asia.cnet.com/photogallery/0,3800005208,61994590-001p,00.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219122620/http://asia.cnet.com/photogallery/0,3800005208,61994590-001p,00.htm |archive-date=February 19, 2008 |access-date=January 14, 2008 |website=CNET}}</ref> India (April 27),<ref>{{cite web |date=March 23, 2007 |title=Sony PlayStation 3 Launch In India Next Month; Price Rs 39,990 |url=https://gigaom.com/2007/03/23/419-sony-playstation-3-launch-in-india-next-month-price-rs-39990/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://gigaom.com/2007/03/23/419-sony-playstation-3-launch-in-india-next-month-price-rs-39990/ |archive-date=2021-10-08 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |website=Gigaom.com}}{{cbignore}}</ref> Mexico (April),<ref>{{cite web |last=Murray |first=J. |date=December 15, 2006 |title=PS3 launching at $974 in Mexico |url=https://www.engadget.com/2006-12-15-ps3-launching-at-974-in-mexico.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.engadget.com/2006-12-15-ps3-launching-at-974-in-mexico.html |archive-date=2021-10-08 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Engadget}}{{cbignore}}</ref> and South Korea (June 16).<ref name="Korean Specs">{{cite web |title=PlayStation 3 (80&nbsp;GB) Korean |url=http://www.playstation.co.kr/ps_community/com_news_view.sce?sid=8942 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070523054842/http://www.playstation.co.kr/ps_community/com_news_view.sce?sid=8942 |archive-date=May 23, 2007 |access-date=January 18, 2008 |publisher=SCEI}}</ref> Sony often hosted promotional events or offered bundled content in these regions to drive interest.<ref>{{cite news |date=February 1, 2007 |title=Sony finalises Middle East PS3 launch date |url=https://www.arabianbusiness.com/sony-finalises-middle-east-ps3-launch-date-149486.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.arabianbusiness.com/sony-finalises-middle-east-ps3-launch-date-149486.html |archive-date=2021-10-08 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Arabian Business}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=February 13, 2007 |title=Hard-Core Gamers Drive Gray Console Sales |url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/294375 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211008/https://www.arabnews.com/node/294375 |archive-date=2021-10-08 |access-date=August 11, 2021 |work=Arab News}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

=== ''Slim'' model ===
Following months of speculation, Sony officially unveiled the "Slim" hardware revision (model CECH-2000) on August 18, 2009, during its [[Gamescom]] press conference,<ref name="PS3SlimPressRelease">{{cite news |date=August 18, 2009 |title=Entertainment on PS3 has a new look |url=http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229653/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821173909/http://uk.playstation.com/games-media/news/articles/detail/item229653/Entertainment-on-PS3-has-a-new-look/ |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2009 |publisher=PlayStation UK}}</ref><ref name="PS3Slim">{{cite news |date=August 18, 2009 |title=Sony Announces Slim PS3 – It Lives This September! |url=http://kotaku.com/5339968/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090821080924/http://kotaku.com/5339968/ |archive-date=August 21, 2009 |access-date=August 18, 2009 |work=Kotaku}}</ref> and it was released in major territories by September 2009. This model featured a significantly slimmer and lighter chassis, reduced power consumption, and a quieter cooling system. These improvements were made possible in part by transitioning to smaller fabrication processes for the system's CPU and GPU.<ref name="ArsTechnicaInterview">{{cite web |date=August 18, 2009 |title=Sony answers our questions about the new PlayStation 3 |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/08/sony-answers-our-questions-about-the-new-playstation-3.ars |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090820035753/http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/08/sony-answers-our-questions-about-the-new-playstation-3.ars |archive-date=August 20, 2009 |access-date=August 19, 2009 |website=Ars Technica}}</ref> The manufacturing changes reportedly reduced production costs by about 70 percent.<ref name="GameSpot2009Cost">{{cite web |last=Thorsen |first=Tor |date=2009-08-05 |title=PS3 manufacturing costs down around 70% |url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ps3-manufacturing-costs-down-around-70/1100-6214569/ |website=GameSpot}}</ref> Nevertheless, due to the console’s simultaneous price reduction to US$299, Sony was still estimated to be losing around US$37 per unit at launch,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Terdiman |first=Daniel |date=2009-12-11 |title=Report: PS3 design cost finally nearing break-even |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/report-ps3-design-cost-finally-nearing-break-even/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140925191956/https://www.cnet.com/news/report-ps3-design-cost-finally-nearing-break-even/ |archive-date=2014-09-25 |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=CNET}}</ref> with losses per unit reduced to approximately US$18 by early 2010.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Reisinger |first=Don |date=2010-02-05 |title=Sony still losing on every PlayStation 3 it sells |url=https://www.cnet.com/home/smart-home/sony-still-losing-on-every-playstation-3-it-sells/ |access-date=2025-04-20 |website=CNET |language=en}}</ref>

=== ''Super Slim'' model ===
Sony announced the "Super Slim" hardware revision (model CECH-4000) in September 2012, which launched in major markets later that year.<ref name="PCWorldSuperSlim">{{cite web |last=Paul |first=Ian |date=September 19, 2012 |title=New PlayStation 3 console slims down for the holidays |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2010081/new-playstation-3-console-slims-down-for-the-holidays.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120921113032/http://www.pcworld.com/article/2010081/new-playstation-3-console-slims-down-for-the-holidays.html |archive-date=September 21, 2012 |access-date=September 20, 2012 |work=PC World}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=MacManus |first=Christopher |date=2012-09-18 |title=Sony unveils super slim PlayStation 3 |url=https://www.cnet.com/news/sony-unveils-super-slim-playstation-3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226094101/http://www.cnet.com/news/sony-unveils-super-slim-playstation-3/ |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |access-date=December 26, 2014 |work=CNET |publisher=CBS Interactive}}</ref> Compared to the previous "Slim" model, the new chassis was approximately 20 percent smaller and 25 percent lighter, featured reduced power consumption, and replaced the slot-loading disc drive with a top-loading drive, changes that further lowered manufacturing costs. While the redesigned disc mechanism helped cut costs and save space, reviewers criticized it as feeling cheap and described it as "ultimately a step back".<ref>{{cite web |last=Detwiler |first=Bill |date=October 11, 2012 |title=PS3 Super Slim teardown reveals hardware changes, but no real upgrades |url=http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/cracking-open/ps3-super-slim-teardown-reveals-hardware-changes-but-no-real-upgrades/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226094258/http://www.techrepublic.com/blog/cracking-open/ps3-super-slim-teardown-reveals-hardware-changes-but-no-real-upgrades/ |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |access-date=December 26, 2014 |work=TechRepublic}}</ref> The Super Slim was offered with larger 250&nbsp;GB and 500&nbsp;GB hard drives, as well as a low-cost model featuring 16&nbsp;GB of [[eMMC]] flash storage, with the option to install a hard drive later.<ref>{{cite web |last=Plunkett |first=Luke |date=September 19, 2012 |title=Sony Unveils a Brand New Model of the PS3 [Update: Now With Official Pics] |url=http://kotaku.com/5944433/sony-unveils-a-brand-new-model-of-the-ps3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141226121313/http://kotaku.com/5944433/sony-unveils-a-brand-new-model-of-the-ps3 |archive-date=December 26, 2014 |access-date=December 26, 2014 |work=Kotaku |publisher=Gawker Media}}</ref>