<P> The system had a slow start in the market but managed to recover, particularly after the introduction of the Slim model . Its successor, the PlayStation 4, was released later in November 2013 . On September 29, 2015, Sony confirmed that sales of the PlayStation 3 were to be discontinued in New Zealand, but the system remained in production in other markets . Shipments of new units to the United States ended in October 2016 . Heading into 2017, Japan was the last territory where new units were still being produced until May 29, 2017 when Sony confirmed the PlayStation 3 was discontinued in Japan . </P> <P> Sony officially unveiled PlayStation 3 to the public on May 16, 2005, at E3 2005, along with a boomerang - shaped prototype design of the Sixaxis controller . A functional version of the system was not present there, nor at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2005, although demonstrations (such as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots) were held at both events on software development kits and comparable personal computer hardware . Video footage based on the predicted PlayStation 3 specifications was also shown (notably a Final Fantasy VII tech demo). </P> <P> The initial prototype shown in May 2005 featured two HDMI ports, three Ethernet ports and six USB ports; however, when the system was shown again a year later at E3 2006, these were reduced to one HDMI port, one Ethernet port and four USB ports, presumably to cut costs . Two hardware configurations were also announced for the console: a 20 GB model and a 60 GB model, priced at US $499 (€ 499) and US $599 (€ 599), respectively . The 60 GB model was to be the only configuration to feature an HDMI port, Wi - Fi internet, flash card readers and a chrome trim with the logo in silver . Both models were announced for a simultaneous worldwide release: November 11, 2006, for Japan and November 17, 2006, for North America and Europe . </P> <P> On September 6, 2006, Sony announced that PAL region PlayStation 3 launch would be delayed until March 2007, because of a shortage of materials used in the Blu - ray drive . At the Tokyo Game Show on September 22, 2006, Sony announced that it would include an HDMI port on the 20 GB system, but a chrome trim, flash card readers, silver logo and Wi - Fi would not be included . Also, the launch price of the Japanese 20 GB model was reduced by over 20%, and the 60 GB model was announced for an open pricing scheme in Japan . During the event, Sony showed 27 playable PS3 games running on final hardware . </P>

Price of ps3 when it first came out
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