According to the folks at the Wall Street Journal, Sony has cut production costs of the Playstation 3 to a $18 loss on every console, or $317 for every console. A BIG improvement from 2006, when it was thought to cost $800 per console. Sony also posted its first quarterly profit in a year, and is slowly trying to turn its fortunes around, with the PS3 leading the way.

This can be filed under either the "more leaked info", or the misprint category for now, but it seems like a lot of this early info has ended up being true so take it for what it's worth. Gaming publication MCV ran the above ad in their latest digital edition which clearly shows a PSP 4000 listed in the lineup of compatible systems. If this is real, t it could very likely be another redesign of the UMD version of the PSP or possibly some sort of hybrid between the Go and the old PSP models.. either way, it's interesting news that could be nothing more than a graphic design error.. we'll be following this closely for sure.

*UPDATE- "A4G’s licence manager Angela Jones told Negative Gamer, after looking up the advert online, that it was a “mistake on our part” and that she wasn’t sure what had happened. She added that Sony weren’t, as far as she knew, releasing a new console."

It looks like Home is evolving again, this time in the form of Sodium One, a new interactive gaming environment that's being added to Playstation Home. Described as "a highly-interactive and expansive social gaming environment" Sodium One is being developed by by Outso Ltd. and published by Lockwood Publishing Ltd.

According to the Playstation blog, Sodium One will launch with a game called Salt Shooter," a 50 level combat challenge where players can collect items to level up gameplay and strategically customize hovertanks with weapons, armor, and countermeasures. These level-ups can be obtained in a variety of ways, including meeting in-game objectives, trading resources collected in the Sodium world, and purchasing items that unlock upgrades in the Sodium environment (such as the tank pilot jackets, which grant access to additional levels of the game, leaderboards, and the pilots’ VIP lounge). All of this is built upon an MMO framework that includes additional games like Desert Quench and Scorpion Stomp, associated rewards and collectibles, and personal questing adventures, all of which are tracked by the Sodium AI Information Android known as VICKIE."

Sodium One is planned as a dynamic, expanding environment that will be adding new games, items and community events over time. Sounds like this could provide some much needed interaction within the Home community and those of you that are tired of doing the running man with your friends should have something to look forward to.  For a limited time over the next 7 days they will be giving out vouchers within the Sodium One space for a full unlock of the Salt Shooter game.. There will only be 1,050 of them given out free so make sure to get yours this week by going to see Vickie in the new Sodium one space.

For the hardcore Socom fans out there waiting for new content, today is your day.. The Cold Front expansion pack will lbe avaialable today in the US Playstation store for a special limited time price of $9.99. The expansion is loaded with new features, new characters, new modes and new maps. Here is the full list:

• New Russian / Eastern European Area of Operation
• Snow setting complete with snow effects
• New snow gear and camo for both the Special Forces and Mercenaries
• Thermal vision
• New ARMS RUN gameplay mode
• 5 New Maps: Uprising, Entrapment, Blizzard, Night Stalker, Vigilance
• All new mercenaries characters with new looks and new VO.
• New Special Forces squad, the Russian Spetsnaz
• Gun turrets emplacements
• New music
• All new character specialization/progression system allows players to pick a primary and secondary specialization and unlock new equipment exclusive to those specializations
• New weapons, including: 3 new weapons, 6 enhanced versions of weapons available as part of the new weapons specialization system, 2 new weapon attachments (including the thermal scope), 5 enhanced versions of weapon attachments also available as part of the new weapons specialization system.
• 2 new grenade launcher ammo types (flash and smoke)
• New Trophies

For a limited time, the Cold Front pack will be available for only $9.99. Be sure and download the pack from the PlayStation Store this weekend to lock in the low introductory price. After Sunday, December 20 the price will move to $14.99.

Sony posted better than expected financials this quarter, citing strong sales of the Playstation 3 video game console and high demand for Michael Jackson albums. Originally projecting a loss of 120 billion Yen, the electronics giant has revised its projections to 95 billion Yen. This is also slightly better than last year's posted 98.8 billion Yen. Price reductions for the Playstation 3 have contributed to an increase in sales from 2.4 million units last year to 3.2 million units this year in the same quarter.

Struggling with the trophies in Tekken 6?

Our Tekken 6 Trophy guide covers all the trophies and how to get them in Namco's latest brawler.

PSP Game Sale

Super Stardust Portable, echochrome, Myst, Brain Challenge, and Unbound Saga are 50% off through November 4th. Manhunt 2’s price has been reduced to $19.99.

Downloadable Games

Inferno Pool ($9.99)
Inferno Pool is a revolutionary, simultaneous multi-player Pool action game, where every ball you pot is dropped onto your opponents table. Battle against your friends locally or compete against the world online. Learn punishing skill shots to unleash Inferno Mode and humiliate your opponents. This is Pool on fire!
ESRB Rated E
File size: 271 MB

Hasbro Family Game Night ($39.99)
Join your host Mr. Potato Head as you play classic Hasbro games as well as exciting new versions. Hasbro Family Game Night features family favorites such as CONNECT FOUR, BATTLESHIP, YAHTZEE, BOGGLE, SORRY! and the all new, SORRY! Sliders.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 264 MB

Game Demos (free)

Ratchet And Clank Future: A Crack In Time – Ratchet Demo
Battle the savage Agorians in this Ratchet & Clank Future: A Crack in Time demo, brought to you by Amazon.com! Experience this non-linear level with plenty of areas to explore, weapons to try and new gadgets like the Hoverboots that let Ratchet soar to new heights!
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 2.33 GB

Fat Princess Demo
Rescue your beloved princess through teamwork in this comic medieval battle royale. There’s a catch, though—the other team has been feeding her magical cake, making her harder to escort back to your castle. Choose from five distinct character classes and switch at any time to best help your team as you work to save your princess. Download the demo today!
ESRB Rated T
File size: 235 MB

Pro Evolution Soccer 2010 Demo
PES2010 is being hailed as the best football simulation and now you can try it for yourself. PES 2010 features incredibly detailed visuals with refined controls and skills. The multiplayer demo also allows players to test new tactical sliders and settings.
ESRB Rated E
File size: 960 MB

Add-on Game Content

PAIN – Celebrity Character Elvira ($1.99)
Introducing PAIN’s first female celebrity, Elvira! The Mistress of the Dark wears her Gothic gown to look her best in her special poses as you launch her in any PAIN environment and mode. And don’t let this campy vamp cast a spell on you with her sassy humor, Elvira’s plenty used to horrifying situations and can surely take some PAIN! Download Elvira today!
File size: 100 KB

Trivial Pursuit Sports Pack ($4.99)
For Sports fans everywhere! Trivial Pursuit enters a new league with hundreds of new questions from the world of Sports.
File size: 37 MB

DJ Hero Extended Mix Pack ($5.99)
Downloadable Track Pack for DJ Hero featuring “All Of Me” by 50 Cent featuring Mary J. Blige vs “Radio Ga Ga” by Queen and “DARE” by Gorillaz vs “Can’t Truss It” by Public Enemy. Please Note: Some mixes may be available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading. For all song credits please visit www.djhero.com.
File size: 34 MB

Guitar Hero 5
For all song credits please visit www.guitarhero.com.

• “Gor Gor” by GWAR ($1.99)
• “Beautiful People” by Marilyn Manson ($1.99)
• “Astro Zombies” by The Misfits ($1.99)
• All Hallows Eve Track Pack ($5.49) – Downloadable Track Pack featuring “Gor Gor” by GWAR, “Beautiful People” by Marilyn Manson, and “Astro Zombies” by The Misfits. Please Note: Many songs are available both as singles and as part of a Track Pack, so please carefully consider your purchases before downloading.

File size: 24 MB – 45 MB (singles), 108 MB (track pack)

Rock Band
Build your Rock Band library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “Sundial” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
• “Pilgrim” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
• “Woman” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
• “White Unicorn” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
• “New Moon Rising” — Wolfmother ($1.99)
• Wolfmother Pack 01 ($8.49)- Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Wolfmother Pack 01. This pack includes: “New Moon Rising,” “Pilgrim,” “Sundial,” “White Unicorn” and “Woman” by Wolfmother.
• “Superbeast” — Rob Zombie ($1.99)
• “Dragula” — Rob Zombie ($1.99)
• “Burn” — Rob Zombie ($1.99)
• Rob Zombie Pack 01 ($5.49) – Build your Rock Band library by purchasing this song game track pack: Rob Zombie Pack 01. This pack includes: “Burn,” “Dragula,” and “Superbeast” by Rob Zombie.
• “Sugarbaby” — Morningwood ($0.99)
• “Best of Me” — Morningwood ($0.99)
• “Rock Me” — Liz Phair ($1.99)

File sizes: 19 MB – 37 MB (singles), 71 MB – 148 MB (track packs)

Game Videos (free)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes – Mastering the Cell Processor
File size: 220 MB (HD)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes – Online Technology
File size: 264 MB (HD)

Uncharted 2: Among Thieves Behind The Scenes -Thinking Like A Dog
File size: 201 MB (HD)

The Saboteur – Irishman In Paris
File size: 83 MB (HD)

NBA 2K10 – Post-Moves Trailer
File size: 37 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2 – Vertical Gameplay
File size: 125 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2 – Panau Trailer
File size: 176 MB (HD)

Just Cause 2 – Announcement Trailer
File size: 81 MB (HD)

Front Mission Evolved – TGS 2009 Trailer
File size: 73 MB (HD)

Dragon Age Origins – Warden’s Calling
File size: 81 MB (HD)

Dragon Age Origins – Dalish Elf
File size: 79 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Squad Story 1
File size: 65 MB (HD)

Battlefield: Bad Company 2 – Squad Story 2
File size: 78 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II – Dev Diary 1
File size: 132 MB (HD)

Assassin’s Creed II – Dev Diary 2
File size: 133 MB (HD)

PAIN – Celebrity Character Elvira Trailer
File size: 63 MB (HD)

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Story Trailer
File size: 58 MB (HD)

Themes

Apache Gunship Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.74 MB

German Panther Tank Theme 2 ($1.99)
File size: 5.72 MB

Infantry Theme ($1.49)
File size: 5.32 MB

Lingerie Football League: Dallas Desire Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.83 MB

Skull Bash Theme ($1.99)
File size: 2.94 MB

It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia Theme ($1.99)
File size: 5.37 MB

South Park Dynamic Theme ($2.99)
File size: 5.47 MB

PlayStation Store for PSP

PSP Minis

Zombie Tycoon ($7.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 54 MB

Yummy Yummy Cooking Jam ($4.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 17 MB

Downloadable Games (also available from PS3 storefront)

LocoRoco: Midnight Carnival ($14.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 189 MB

NBA 2K10 ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 932 MB

Darkstalkers Chronicles: The Chaos Tower ($19.99)
ESRB Rated T
File size: 658 MB

Mega Man Maverick Hunter X ($19.99)
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 413 MB

Crystal Defenders ($9.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 13 MB

Petz Dogz Family ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 61 MB

Petz Hamsterz Bunch ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 25 MB

Petz Saddle Club ($29.99)
ESRB Rated E
File size: 1.17 GB

Game Demos (free)

LocoRoco Midnight Carnival Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 188 MB

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier Demo
ESRB Rated E10+
File size: 183 MB

Crystal Defenders PSP Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 11 MB

Petz Saddle Club Demo
ESRB Rated E
File size: 171 MB

Add-on Game Content

Rock Band Unplugged (also available from PS3 storefront)
Build your Rock Band Unplugged library by purchasing these song game tracks. For song credits, visit www.RockBand.com.

• “My Old School” — Steely Dan ($1.99)
• “Kool Thing” — Sonic Youth ($1.99)

File sizes: 18 MB – 23 MB

Game Videos (free)

Beaterator – Timbaland Trailer
File size: 19 MB

Beaterator – Intro Trailer
File size: 21 MB

Beaterator – Sessions: Max & Clay
File size: 19 MB

Beaterator – Sessions: Artist Series 1
File size: 8.3 MB

Beaterator – Sessions: Artist Series 2
File size: 11 MB

Jak and Daxter: The Lost Frontier – Story Trailer
File size: 10 MB

Thexder Neo – Launch Trailer
File size: 11 MB

PSP Themes (also available from PS3 storefront)

Apache Gunship Theme ($1.49)
File size: 462 KB

Infantry Theme ($1.49)
File size: 377 KB

German Panther Tanks Theme 3 ($1.49)
File size: 563 KB

German Panther Tanks Theme 4 ($1.49)
File size: 579 KB

Lingerie Football League: Dallas Desire Theme ($1.99)
File size: 501 KB

Skull Bash Theme 1 ($0.99)
File size: 188 KB

Skull Bash Theme 2 ($0.99)
File size: 326 KB

After rumors of Neftlix coming to another home device surfaced a few days ago, Sony and Netflix have officially announced that Netflix is coming to the PS3. For existing Netflix users there will be no additional charge and for new subscribers the cost will be $8.99 and it will be available to everyone with a PSN account. Netflix will have an instant streaming PS3 disc available sometime this year that will presumably install the application. This move should come as great news for Netflix fans or for envious PS3 fans eager to check another bullet point off the list.

UPDATE: The forthcoming feature is not without hitches, apparently. In order to take advantage of Netflix on the PS3, you will need a special disc, meaning Netflix will not be integrated directly in the XMB, that is until late 2010 reportedly. Admittedly, it is an inconvenience, but I'm sure one those without other streaming options are willing to take. Make sure to follow the link below to reserve your copy early (no telling how many will be available at launch).

http://www.netflix.com/NRDInfo/PS3

Over at the Socom blog, Slant 6 has released new images of the map Vigilance for the Confrontation's Coldfront expansion pack.

It seems that a new patent Sony filed has shown up and it looks like they are prepping their own version of the Wii Nunchuck. It is held like a stick and is crowned with four face buttons on the top. The patent was filed in the U.S. by SCE.

So this raises a good question: What will we use this for? Not only that, but will it ever see the light of day? Perhaps this is a future peripheral to Sony's new motion controller. One can only speculate and your guess is as good as mine.