After months of slimmed down PS3 rumors, all has been revealed. And boy is it ugly. While the classic PS3Â enclosure is quite large (and shiny), sporting unique angles and curves, it’s got some charm. Sort of like Gehry’s Experience Music Project. But this PS3 Slim with textured matte surface reminds me of some old plastic outdoor furniture we used to have. Or maybe a Foreman grill knockoff. Which is why I found Engadget’s roof-top patio unboxing quite fitting.
Of course, the real news here is Sony dropped the PS3’s entry level price by 25% to $300. For the next month while inventory is being cleared out, you’ll able to pick up the discounted prior low-end model in all its piano black glory. Followed by the Slim replacing it on store shelves in September – which loses open platform support (think Linux), but increases hard drive by 50% to 120GB. I can’t say I’m a fan of the XMB or PlayStation online gaming network, but 300 bucks for a modern gaming console that also happens to be a capable Blu-ray player is very reasonable. However, I’m probably holding out for a refreshed Xbox 360 replacement that ditches the tractor trailer of a power brick.
