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Sony CECHL01 PlayStation 3 wanders aimlessly into FCC database
Call it a remarkably strong hunch, but we've got a feeling that the detail-less console that just popped up in the FCC's database is the 80GB "Core" PlayStation 3 we heard about at E3. The FCC filing is exceptionally devoid of juicy nuggets, with just a pair of ID labels to swoon over. We can see that the new model will be dubbed CECHL01, but outside of that, it's a total crapshoot as to what's going on here. Okay, maybe not, but it's fun to pretend.[Via PC World]
40GB stock running low in anticipation of new 80GB model
A new PS3 SKU will go to sale in Europe on August 27th. Already, the effects of the newly announced 80GB Core model has been affecting the sales stream of the 40GB model. According to HMV's commercial manager for games, stock of the 40GB model is dwindling as retailers prepare for the newly upgraded model. For those interested in picking up a PS3, it appears waiting for the 80GB model next month would be the wise choice."40GB stock has been in very short supply over the last few weeks ... PlayStation 3 will now boast a monopoly on Blu-ray, increased storage space and Play TV in the near future," Jonathan Hayes noted. "All this points to a stronger proposition for Sony going into Christmas. The only disappointment was the lack of backward compatibility compared to the US version."
80GB PS3 coming August 27 to Europe and Australia
The new 80GB PlayStation 3, which seems to lack even the partial PS2 compatibility of the previous 80GB console, is coming to Europe and Australia on August 27, according to Sony Computer Entertainment Europe chief David Reeves at an SCEE event earlier this week (via Gamespot). It will cost €399 for Europe and £299 for Britain and will still not be worth as much on eBay as the PS2-compatible (entirely) 20GB and 60GB launch models.
80GB PS3, Platinum range to launch in PAL territories
The 80GB PS3 core pack will be launching in PAL territories on August 27th and will retail for €399 (£299). Again, this new 80GB model is identical to the current 40GB configuration, except for hard drive capacity and inclusion of a DualShock 3 controller.A Platinum range of PS3 games have also been unveiled for Europe -- starting August 1st, Heavenly Sword, MotorStorm, Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, Virtua Tennis and Assassin's Creed will go on sale with a recommended retail price of €29.99. WWW Smackdown Vs Raw 08 is also in the Platinum range, but its cheaper incarnation's release date hasn't been announced. The Platinum range of games have each sold at least 400,000 copies in the PAL territories.So... in terms of software selection: Greatest Hits or Platinum range? [Via press release]
PS3 Core 80GB $399.99 [update]
New core configuration this fall with 80GB hard drive. Same as the current 40GB SKU with twice the hard drive. This will also include a DualShock 3 controller. [Thanks, ajiezer!]
Sony announces 80GB PS3 will be $399 in Sept.
At its E3 press conference today, Sony announced that, starting in September, the 80GB PS3 would be available for $399.99, down from the $499 Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle currently in place for the 80GB configuration. The newly priced 80GB system will be on par with "the current functionality of the 40GB PS3," according to Sony CEO Jack Tretton. We're not sure if this means the cheaper 80GB system will be losing functionality (like SD card readers and software PS2 emulation) that the 40GB system doesn't have, but we'll let you know as soon as we get this clarified.
Snaaake? We ask Sony about 'limited-edition' MGS4 80GB PS3 supply
We've received numerous "tips" concerning the Metal Gear Solid 4 80GB PlayStation3 bundle and just how darned scarce it's become in the wilds of retail. We checked with Sony (full statement after the break) to find out when more shipments of the "limited-edition" bundle will be sneaking back into North America.Sony tells us that it's pleased with the strong interest in the bundle (system seller confirmed!) and is "working to ensure that additional shipments are provided to retailers." The company wouldn't provide specific inventory levels or give a restocking date, so if you're really aching for the bundle, you'd best keep hitting redial and pestering your local retailer.
Where to buy the Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle
Come Thursday, thousands of Americans will battle each other in retail stores around the country to get their hands on the new 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle. The package will include the game, a backwards-compatible 80GB system and a rumbling DualShock 3 controller.Each retailer will have its own policies regarding what to buy with the system, but Wal-Mart clearly has the competition beat with its generous bonus $100 gift card -- an incentive that will also work with this lucrative bundle. Getting a free $100 for buying the Metal Gear bundle? How generous.If you can't make a Wal-Mart, you may want to try any of these other options: amazon.com is already sold out Best Buy is holding multiple midnight launches this Wednesday night. Circuit City has pre-orders available, but you must buy an extra Blu-ray remote (total: $525). EB Games/Gamestop online pre-orders are sold out -- check midnight launches.
Lucky guy: Metal Gear Solid 4 unboxing
So, gvgnumber1 from YouTube managed to trick a Wal-Mart employee into selling him a Metal Gear Solid 4 system early. And, he's unboxed it for the entire world to see. As of now, he doesn't know if he should keep it or sell it, but feel free to enjoy this lucky b*stard's ability to get his hands on MGS4 so much earlier than the rest of y'all. [Thanks, Don M.!]
Metal Gear bundle kills amazon.com [Update]
Well, good job folks. We told you that amazon.com would sell the Metal Gear Solid 4 80GB bundle today. And you all listened. Thousands of you swarmed the site, got rid of their inventory in seven minutes, and best of all -- you killed amazon.com.Demand for the Metal Gear bundle was so high, that the popular online retailer simply couldn't handle the traffic. If this is the fervor in just one store, imagine how well the bundles are going to sell when they release nationwide next Thursday.Update: GameStop.com is selling 80GB bundles, but you are forced to buy the questionable Bluetooth headset. The total cost? $560.Update: Well, it's finally back.
80GB Metal Gear systems on amazon.com tomorrow at 10AM PST
If you've been waiting for the standard 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle, which includes a 80GB PS3, a regular copy of Metal Gear Solid 4, and a DualShock 3 controller, you're going to have to fight the thousands of others that are undoubtedly also waiting to buy the system. You can try your luck in stores on June 12th, when the system (and game) releases ... or you can test your luck with amazon.com tomorrow (Friday).According to the online retailer, "demand for this item is so great, we anticipate selling out very quickly." Thankfully, you'll have a slight edge over others who may be browsing the site. The bundle will be available at 10AM PST (1PM EST) tomorrow. Get your F5 buttons ready -- and g'luck to all of you.Update: Please note that the system will be $499 when it is available tomorrow. Any prices you see right now are third-party resellers that are free to charge whatever they want to -- and they want to charge a lot.%Gallery-20251%
80GB MotorStorm packs discontinued
File this under the "no duh" category. The current 80GB pack, which includes a SIXAXIS controller, 80GB PS3 system and a copy of MotorStorm is no longer being sent to retailers. "Retailers aren't getting any new inventory of the 80GB Motorstorm bundle," a Sony rep told Joystiq. However, on June 12th, the 80GB PS3 bundle will be replaced by the much more attractive Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle. For the same price, purchasers will get a rumble-ready DualShock 3 controller and a copy of the biggest game of the year forever. That's a pretty sweet deal.
Sony: 80GB PS3 Motorstorm bundle discontinued
Sony has just confirmed to Joystiq that the 80GB PlayStation 3 SKU, bundled with Motorstorm, is no longer being supplied to retailers. "Retailers aren't getting any new inventory of the 80GB Motorstorm bundle," said a carefully worded statement issued by Sony.This doesn't mean the 80GB model is out of production, merely that the focus is switching to the forthcoming 80GB bundle that features a copy of Metal Gear Solid 4 and a DualShock 3 (not be confused with the limited-edition "Gun Metal Gray" bundle available exclusively through Konami's website). We've sent a follow-up request to Sony asking for the official street date for the 80GB MGS4 bundle and will update if and when we hear back. Update: The 80GB MGS4 bundle is conveniently scheduled for release on June 12.
Cowon's A3 PMP gets bumped to 80GB
If you've been holding off on getting an A3 for some strange reason, perhaps a bump in capacity will push you over the edge. That's right, Cowon's little performer just got more junk in the trunk -- 80GB of junk, to be exact. Sure, you'll have to drop €448 (or about $691) on this thing, but think of all the pics, music, and "movies" you'll be able to load up on it.
Sony underestimated 80GB PS3 demand
Sony America VP of marketing, Scott Steinberg, admits in an extensive interview with GameDaily that the company underestimated the demand for the 80GB PS3. He says the $100 extra for the 80GB model at $499 didn't seem "that big of a deal" to certain consumers. Beyond the price and obvious drive space difference, the 80GB enjoys backwards compatibility with many PS2 games, which the 40GB does not.Steinberg states Sony is replenishing the marketplace with the 80GB model and expects to see "mass market appeal" from the upcoming $500 Metal Gear Solid bundle. At a minimum, expect one significant change in future PS3 models with the Sixaxis being tossed out and the DualShock 3 becoming the new hotness.[Via PS3 Fanboy]
Sony underestimated 80GB demand, admits Steinberg
In an interview with GameDaily, SCEA's Scott Steinberg talked about the various SKUs on the marketplace. The 40GB model was a big focus for Sony's holiday season, as the $399 price point was something they hoped would appeal to the mass market. With NPD numbers for 2008 so far, the plan has worked. However, Steinberg admits that they underestimated the appeal of the 80GB model: "Reality is the price wasn't that big of a deal and $499 sold a lot more than we thought."Gamers, at least those in America, are willing to pay a premium to get the "complete" experience associated with the brand. For example, many Xbox gamers opt for the Premium model, as opposed to the cheaper (but HDD-less) Arcade model. Many new PS3 owners most likely want PS2 backwards compatibility, something that the 80GB offers (but the 40GB model does not)."You'll see us replenish these in the marketplace," Steinberg said. In fact, we hope that they'll make a lot of 80GB systems. The upcoming 80GB Metal Gear Solid bundle will certainly have a mass market appeal -- even with its pricey $500 price tag.
20GB and 60GB models skyrocket in price in Japan
How important is PS2 backwards compatibility to you? For many Japanese consumers, the ability to play last generation's games is a must-have feature on the system. So much so, that the discontinued 20GB and 60GB models are skyrocketing in value in the buyback market. Currently, Japan only has access to one system: the 40GB, and that is without any kind of backwards compatibility.Amazon Japan is currently selling 20GB systems for ?63,800 ($617), almost twice the current asking price of the the 40GB system. The 60GB model, which includes additional features, like wi-fi and memory card readers, currently sells for ?74,800 ($723). Hobby shops are the worst offenders, according to this blog (NSFW ads).In America, the backwards compatibility situation is less dire. 80GB models are readily available, and although they offer less-than-perfect support for PS2 games, it's certainly far better than the 40GB model's inability to play any PS2 titles. The upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle, for example, includes backwards compatibility with PS2 titles. However, one quick look at Amazon US shows that demand for the 60GB model, which is the most compatible with PS2 software, has done a good job of making it a valuable commodity.[Via Joystiq]
Metal Gear Solid 80GB pack announced
SCEA has officially announced a new PS3 bundle, which will include an 80GB PS3, Metal Gear Solid 4 and a DUALSHOCK 3 controller for $499 (that's the same cost as the current Motorstorm bundle). "Working closely with our retail and publishing partners and sharing our hardware and software roadmaps at Destination PlayStation gives us a great opportunity to outline some key milestones for the year. In response to incredible demand, we will be manufacturing more 80GB PS3s for North America and the Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots 80GB PS3 bundle is an ideal way to offer that continued value to our consumers," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO, SCEA. "With Blu-ray having won the format war, our stellar software line-up and a broad product portfolio, we will continue to drive the incredible momentum we've been generating since last fall." This confirms our previous reports that the 80GB Motorstorm bundle was being phased out. Good to see that it's being replaced with such an attractive upgrade.
80GB PS3 goes missing from Sony Style site
Look, we're not trying to say anything, but that 40GB model looks real, real lonely sitting there on its own. Could it be possible that all those juicy rumors of a refreshed, resized PS3 package are actually coming to fruition? Maybe -- or maybe Sony is just downsizing big time... but we doubt it.[Thanks, Jason]Update: Reader Chris points out that the 80GB PS3 is still on the site, accessible and purchasable through the 40GB model's page. Still, seems a little suspicious to us.
No plans for 120GB PS3 in UK, says Sony
With rumors predicting the imminent disappearance of the PlayStation 3's 80GB model and its subsequent substitution by a new SKU in America, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has chimed in and told GamesIndustry.biz that it currently has no plans to introduce a 120GB PS3 to the UK. Whereas the rumored 120GB - 160GB PS3 (with Dual Shock 3 controller) would take the retired 80GB model's place in the US, there would be no ex-SKUs to do the same in the UK. The 40GB system is the only in-production model currently being sold in the European region.As for the arrival of a new PlayStation 3 in America, Sony is sticking to its silenced "no comment" guns.
