Now the US gets new 40GB PS3

Next-gen.biz

reports that a new $400 40GB PS3 will launch in the US on November 2nd, while the existing 80GB PS3 is slashed from $600 down to $500.

SCEA boss jack Tretton confirmed that, just like in Europe and Japan, the new entry level model will not feature backwards compatibility.

We’re choosing to focus on the PlayStation 2 consumer with the PlayStation 2, which remains incredibly relevant, and focus on the PlayStation 3 consumer with the new 40GB model and the great software coming out,” Tretton said.

"Backward compatibility is a nice secondary consideration, but it’s far from the number-one priority. I think the educational curve is starting to be broached with the general consumer," he added.