My Analysis: PS3 Slim Might Actually Be Real!!!

On May 14th, pictures were “leaked” online that appeared to show a new, slim PS3 being assembled in a Chinese factory.  After these pictures have made the rounds to numerous sites around the world, I have decided to give my two cents.

As you can see from the box above, it appears to be a new box for packaging a slim PS3.  I have seen a few people online who claim that this is just a box for a knockoff PS3 called the Funstation 3.

Now look at the pictures that I have posted above.  The box for the packaging of the Funstation 3 is completely different (although some would argue that the box at the top of this article could be a NEW box for the Funstation 3).  Also note that the box for the Funstation 3 lacks and logos for the PlayStation Network, Blu-ray, and any markings for a hard disc drive.  Other countries may let shady companies make blatent rip-offs of high-end electronics, but they are not flat out liars.  They do have a few laws that they have to follow.

Also, compare the controllers in the two pictures.  The controller for the PS3 slim has the dual analog sticks, while the Funstation 3 controller has no analog sticks.  You also get a light gun packaged in with the Funstation 3 which you would never get with a PS3.  The PS3 doesn’t even have any light gun games.

Now lets analyze these pictures.  The picture on the left again shows the Funstation 3, except this time it has a cartridge plugged in where the Blu-ray drive would be.  The picture on the right shows the top cover for the slim PS3 and it is pointing out the slot for the Blu-ray drive.  You are not going to get a game cart to fit in that thin slot.  Also, if you look in the bottom left-hand corner of the picture on the right, you can actually see the Sony logo (click on it for a larger image… go ahead, I’ll wait).  Even the makers of the cheap knockoffs know better then to mess with Sony.  You will not find anything on the Funstation 3 that has Sony’s name on it.  Not anywhere, not at all.

If you now will look at the picture on the left, it appears to be the bottom half of the housing for a slim PS3.  Two slots on the front are labeled for USB slots and the Funstation 3 controllers have plugs that look like leftovers from the Atari 2600 or Sega Genesis.  They are not gonna work in those small slots.

Now lets get down to the actual news and reporting of the story.  First, if you believe a source for IGN, then a Sony rep has inadvertently let the cat out of the bag to a GameStop employee.

Today, we received word that a trustworthy US GameStop employee discussed the matter with a Sony merchandizing representative. When the leaked photos were brought up in private conversation, the merchandizing representative was immediately surprised that the photos were “released already,” but then hastily dismissed the subject when the rep realized that it was regarding a rumor.

Here we have a rep acknowledging the existance of a slim PS3 until the GameStop employee mentions that the leaked photos were only rumor.  Suddenly the rep has nothing more to say about it.  The usual industry standard of not commonting on rumor or speculation.

Next, we have a supposed confirmation by PS3Center.net that claims that MainTek Computer, who produce and supplies PS3s for Sony America, could be the manufacturer of the slim PS3.  Part of their reasoning is a comment by a MainTek employee on a Japanese gaming site that first published the pictures, stating:

We would like to ask you kindly remove the following pages of your pages on your website because the page contains MainTeK Computer Incorporation confidential document and photos, which were illegally released and posted on your website.

Finally, we have an article from SPOnG where they were actually contacted by a firm of Taiwan-based lawyers and asked to remove some of the same pictures that you have seen here.  Here is a quote from their article:

Not only were we asked to remove the entire web page in question - which included comment from analysts on the potential for a new, slim, PS3 - we were also asked to keep the request from the lawyers, acting on behalf of an unnamed client, hushed up.

We’re comfortable enough removing images from the story as they could have been obtained illegally. We are not, however, going to be gagged in our reporting of threats made against us on behalf of an unnamed company via its lawyers.

Who in their right mind would hire a team of lawyers to protect the leaking of a knockoff product or even fake pictures?  Also, why would you ask said site to not tell people that they were forced to remove the pictures under threat of legal action?

Here is what the legal document says:

Dear Sirs,
As appointed by our client, we hereby inform you that the web pages on your website (as attached hereto) contain some of our client’s confidential documents and photos, which were highly possibly illegally released and posted.

We are investigating this violation and will bring all necessary legal actions regarding this matter. In order to protect the confidential information and prevent you from further legal issues and infringements, please immediately remove those pages and keep our request confidential. Thank you for your cooperation.

Your cooperation is deeply appreciated.

Very truly yours

James Lan
For the firm
Attorney-at-law
Li Mo & Associates

If this whole thing turns out to be an elaborate fake, then I will be thoroughly impressed.  Too many things point to the slim PS3 being a real possibility; the packaging, the quick-to-deny-after-confirming-the-fact merchandising rep, and the legal team asking that the pictures and article be removed from a website and wanting it to be confidential.

These are by no means facts that a slim PS3 is coming, but I see this as a possibility for a major slim PS3 announcement at E3.  If there are units already in production, Sony may be announcing that the new, slimmer systems would be available soon at a retailer near you.  Of course, this all would make no difference in the console wars if Sony doesn’t find a way to signifigantly lower the price of the PS3.  Blu-ray just isn’t selling enough consoles and their top titles aren’t selling that many consoles either.

This is just my analysis of the situation.  Let me know what you think.

Source: SPOnG, PS3Center, Nextgamer, PlayStation LifeStyle, IGN

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