About the 40GB PS3

Features

• The 40GB PS3 features most of the standard options of previous models, such as a Blu-ray player, Bluetooth support, and an integrated wireless network adapter. HDMI support allows for 1080p output. USB ports allow the user to connect external media and share content between devices. Like previous systems, it comes packaged with Sony's Sixaxis controller, which has since been replaced by the Dualshock 3 controller.

Missing Features

• In order to keep the cost down, the memory card reader that was found on previous PS3 consoles was removed. There are also only two USB ports instead of four. SACD, Super Audio CD, support has been removed as well.

Backwards Compatibility

• One of the biggest features missing from this version of the PS3 console is the removal of backwards compatibility. The original PS3 console had full hardware PS2 emulation, which allowed it to play PS1 and PS2 games. Other versions introduced software based PS2 emulation, but the 40GB version and every version since did not have it. In December 2009, Sony announced that it had no plans to bring PS2 support back to the PS3.

Bundles

• The first release of 40GB came with a Blu-ray copy of "Spider-Man 3." A special edition bundle came with a "Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots" game. This version came packaged with the game, a gun metal gray game machine and a matching Dualshock 3 controller.

Availability

• The 40GB PS3 was released in November 2007 and retailed for $399. In September 2009, the PS3 Slim was introduced and replaced the 40GB PS3 and all other models. The only PS3 models on sale as of March 2010 were the 120GB PS3 Slim, the 250GB PS3 Slim and the 160GB PS3 Uncharted 2 bundle.