New PS3 Design Greener

Sony opened an official page for the new CECH-3000B model of the Playstation 3 console today, following the recent leak by a Japanese retailer who had been provided with specs from the gaming company. In an article posted on Andriasang earlier today, some of these details were revealed.

The new model sports not only a 320 Gb HD, but draws 200 watts vs the prior versions more power hungry 230 watt design. Additionally, the designers cut about .4 Kg from the design (thats approximately 14 oz) from the weight, trimming the prior 3.0 Kg (6.6 lbs) to 2.6 Kg (5.7 lbs). While most people don't carry their PS3's around with them, it does add up to energy savings in the production process, and less consumption of materials.

It might be seen as an cost saving measure to some, given the steep rise in the cost of raw materials, which some attribute to China's attempt to hold a virtual monopoly on the supply of these minerals which are used in all sorts of electronics. However, this would seem a cost cutting measure at the production level only. Converted at today's market price, the cost will be roughly $400 plus tax. This official page is still only up in Japan, or at least that I could find. There is no official launch date published at this time. If you already own a PS3, the energy savings is probably not reason enough to run out and replace your current model.