40 GB Ceramic White Playstation 3 heading to Japan

The cheaper 40GB Playstation 3 that nixes PS2 backwards compatibility and the memory card reader is coming to Japan on November 11 for 39,980 yen ($340). You could get it in the standard black finish or opt for the new Ceramic White paint job for the same price. On the same day the Dual Shock 3 will be released for the 5,500 yen ($47) in both colors, just in case you want to color coordinate.

Perhaps more important than the new PS3 model is Japan is getting a Playstation 3 price drop. Beginning on October 17th the 20GB model will drop down to 44,980 yen ($383) and the 60GB model will fall to 54,980 yen ($468). Hang on for a second. Notice how the Wi-Fi less 20GB model actually costs more than the 40GB model? That's the price of hardware emulation for you.

At this rate a similar announcement should be made in the USA very soon. Hopefully, Sony Computer Entertainment America is planning a price break on the remaining 60GB models and the 80GB starter pack too.