The PLAYSTATION®3 40GB system was available in North America (U.S. and Canada) on November 2, 2007.

Both the 80GB and 40GB PS3 models come standard with Cell Broadband Engine™ (Cell/B.E.), Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) player, built-in HDD, 1080p high-definition output, Wi-Fi connectivity and SIXAXIS™ wireless controller.

In addition to the larger HDD capacity, the 80GB model focuses on offering the incredible graphic quality, stunning gameplay, improved audio and visual fidelity that PS3 games are known for by maintaining the PlayStation®2 backwards compatibility through software instead of hardware. The new 40GB model will also be packaged with the Spider-Man™3 movie on Blu-ray Disc. The 40GB model does not have PS2 backwards compatibility, although does maintain backwards compatibility for original PlayStation titles.  The 40GB PS3 has 2 USB ports, where the 80GB PS3 has 4 USB ports.   In addition, the 40GB PS3 does not have the multi-media memory card slots. Consumers can use a variety of after-market accessories for transferring their media to PS3 via the USB ports. 

You can connect a high speed USB certified hub*.

* commercially available high speed USB certified hubs sold separately.

The Cell Broadband Engine is the digital soul behind the PLAYSTATION®3 system. Years in the making, engineers from Sony, SCEI, IBM, and Toshiba have developed an advanced microprocessor unlike any other. The Cell Broadband Engine has up to eight Synergistic Processor Units (SPUs) or "cores" to help balance the processor workload thus making it more powerful and more efficient than traditional "single-core" processors. Breakthroughs in fidelity, believability, and hyper-reality enabled by the raw power of the Cell Broadband Engine processor provide limitless experiences.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface* (HDMI) is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. HDMI provides an interface between any compatible digital audio/video source, such as a set-top box, DVD player, an A/V receiver and a compatible digital audio and/or video monitor such as a digital television.

* HDMI cable not included. Additional equipment may be required to use the HDMI connector.

The multi-axis motion sensing system found in the PLAYSTATION®3 allows users to maneuver the controller as a natural extension of their bodies. With this system, sensors read when a player angles, tilts, thrusts, or pulls the controller, all in real-time and with high precision

PLAYSTATION®3 hard disk drive is removable and upgradeable. You can upgrade the drive by removing the hard drive and replacing it with a larger capacity drive.

Blu-ray (BD) is a next-generation media format that delivers the ultimate high-definition* entertainment experience. Just like the DVD format offered a technological leap over CDs, Blu-ray Disc is the next leap forward in the natural advancement of data storage and digital entertainment.

Facts about Blu-ray Disc:

• Blu-ray Disc is supported by the Blu-ray Association and it has a broader industry support than any disc format ever launched
• The format offers more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and can hold up to 25GB on a single-layer disc and 50GB on a dual-layer disc
• Pristine picture quality with the capability for full high-definition resolution up to1080p
• Blu-ray Disc recordable formats offer unsurpassed storage capacity to store your digital world (photographs, home videos, music libraries, and data)
• Blu-ray Disc gives consumers a smooth way to transition to high-definition by protecting their DVD investments; Blu-ray Disc players are compatible with DVD so existing DVD collections can be enjoyed on Blu-ray hardware

More information about Blu-ray can be found at the Blu-ray Disc Associations Website http://www.blu-raydisc.com

* Video output in HD requires cables and an HD-compatible display, both sold separately. Copy-protected Blu-ray video discs can only output at 1080p using an HDMI cable connected to a device that is compatible with the HDCP standard. HDMI cable not included. Additional equipment may be required to use the HDMI connector.

With Blu-ray Disc, the PLAYSTATION®3 system offers game developers unprecedented power to express their creativity and a larger canvas to create a level of interaction, sophistication, and reality that has never existed in gaming. As a result, consumers can experience a whole new generation of high-definition gaming

Our goal is to create an environment that is more than just a place to play games, but an environment based on community, communications, commerce, and content*.

* Requires broadband internet service and a wireless access point or LAN. Certain limitations apply to Wi-Fi connectivity. See the product documentation for details. User is responsible for Internet service fees.

Select under (PLAYSTATON®Network) in the home menu, and then follow the on-screen instructions to create an account. Once you create a PLAYSTATION®Network account, you can do voice / video chat under (Friends) or use various online services from PLAYSTATION®Network.

We are sticking with our philosophy of maintaining an open platform; the online basic services** such as playing online games, accessing downloadable content, and staying connected with your friends online will be offered to PLAYSTATION®3 users at no charge.

* Requires broadband internet service and a wireless access point or LAN. Certain limitations apply to Wi-Fi connectivity. See the product documentation for details. User is responsible for Internet service fees.
** Users are responsible for internet service charges.

PS3 and PSP can work together in a variety of ways.  Consumers can transfer content from the PSP® to PLAYSTATION®3 via Memory Stick or USB*. PSP users are able to access the hard drive of their PS3 from anywhere in the world utilizing a Wi-Fi hotspot and the system’s Remote Play feature.

*Certain limitations apply.

To use saved data on a PlayStation®2 Memory Card, you must copy the data onto an internal memory card within the hard disk on the PLAYSTATION®3. This requires a PS2/PS one Memory Card adaptor (sold separately) to copy the data to your PLAYSTATION®3 (80GB only).

Yes, you can play your DVD and CD collection, as well thousands of PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 software titles on your 80GB PS3. Many PlayStation®2 format software titles operate, but full compatibility is not guaranteed. Updating the system software may improve compatibility. Visit www.us.playstation.com for system software updates.