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Sony killing 80GB PS3, introducing 120GB or 160GB model with Dual Shock 3?
According to Ars Technica, Sony has some big plans for a PlayStation 3 refresh, starting with a phase-out of the 80GB model. According to an "inside source" -- which Ars claims has been consistently right on video game-related predictions -- the console-maker's new plot is starting to take shape, holding fast to a two-SKU approach on packages, upping the hard drive capacity on systems, and including the Dual Shock 3 controller. The new bundles will take the high / low road, with the source stating that the 40GB model will remain on shelves, while the 80GB, Spider-Man 3-inclusive system will disappear, only to be replaced with a 120GB or 160GB configuration. Of course, right now these are just words on a screen, though in light of Best Buy's recent stock changes, there certainly is an air of movement over at Sony.[Thanks, Khattab]
PS3 Poll Police: Why, oh why, is the 80GB canceled?
The Poll Police need your help in deciphering the reason behind Sony's action to get rid of the 80GB model of the PS3. The 20GB is long gone; the 60GB has vanished; now the 80GB is fading away? This only gives people the 40GB left to pick up and it's, quite frankly, lacking in features the other models proudly displayed. Rumors abound as to why the model is leaving -- what's your opinion? Why has the 80GB been pulled? Sales were bad! Production costs! A new 80gb bundle in the future! That white PS3 is replacing it! Dual Shock 3 will get put in future boxes! pollcode.com free polls We have no idea, but Sony is going to address the situation soon. Don't worry, Sony fans, we know there's nothing to worry about. This is one of those things getting out of hand when the truth is actually a benefit for consumers. That's what we think, anyway, but we'll find out in time. Last week's poll? Take the jump.
Analyst: 80GB system abandoned due to sales [Update]
Best Buy isn't the only retailer getting rid of 80GB systems. GameDaily BIZ has heard from an unnamed corporate source (that isn't Best Buy) that something is definitely "afoot" but he "can't really comment (until the 80GBs are gone.)"Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey who told GameDaily, "Sony is likely dumping the 80GB version because it has failed to meet internal sales projections." He added, "A recessionary environment will likely punctuate the 80GB version's relative and absolute retail sales disappointment. The recently released 40GB version is getting traction at retail, suggesting backward compatibility takes a backseat to the console's price point for current buyers." The successful sales of the 40GB system, versus the 80GB package, is likely refocusing Sony's efforts in this generation of hardware.Of course, Sony is keeping mum on the entire situation. "SCEA does not comment on rumor and/or speculation. We have not made any announcements regarding manufacturing."Update: GameDaily goofed? Well, this is interesting. We just heard from The NPD Group who told us, "In the last quarter (when both were on the market), the 80GB sold more units than the 40GB." When pressed for a more exact breakdown of the sales data between the two SKUs, NPD said they could not provide that. It's certainly a surprise to us, however, that the more expensive 80GB would have sold more than 40GB, which many have attributed the PS3 sales spike to.
Best Buy quitting the 80GB PS3?
According to a leaked internal Best Buy memo picked up by the fine folks at PS3 Fanboy, the 80GB SKU is going the way of... well, of every PS3 model that came before it. If the report is true, this means Best Buy will only have the 40GB PS3 on offer, and zero PS3s with any sort of PS2 backwards compatibility -- just like all of Japan. There's obviously no indication at this point if this has anything to do with the upcoming white PS3, or the vague -- and Sony discounted -- rumors of a $299 PS3 model, but we'll be keeping our eyes open.
Best Buy discontinuing 80GB PS3
Click for high-resolution image. An anonymous Best Buy employee has sent us a scan of an internal letter, which notifies employees that the 80GB system is being discontinued. "The 80GB version of the PS3 is going closeout and won't be replaced at this time," it reads. "It will come off the planogram on Jan. 28. The 60GB version should already be gone from stores. Only the 40GB version of PS3 will be sold in Best Buy stores at this time."The 40GB model currently costs $399, and is the cheapest PS3 available. However, it does have a few limitations: it lacks memory card readers, features only two USB ports, and most importantly, loses backwards compatability, as noted in the memo. "This means that there currently isn't a version that is PS2 compatible," it notes.There have been very shady rumors suggesting Sony is planning on introducing a cheaper $299 version of its console (although that has been repeatedly denied by Sony). Earlier in the week, we also discovered an FCC filing for a white model PS3. Whatever's going on, it appears that Sony's making moves for a big change. Stay tuned.
Get a free PS3 with purchase of Sony HDTV
It appears that despite the fact Christmas has come and gone, Sony is still very much in the giving mood. Right now, it's offering a free 80GB PS3 if you purchase a select Sony HDTV with the Sony Card. We're not sure exactly why, but something smells a little fishy here.For the most part, Sony is offering up its Bravia line and a few of its rear-projection models in the deal. And since Sony may be dropping support of its rear projections anyway, you might want to choose a Bravia if you're serious about the deal.To apparently make the deal a little sweeter, you won't have to pay interest for the first year. However, if you don't pay it off within that time frame, the interest, which is at 14.49 percent, is retroactively tacked on. We're not sure how many of you are without a PS3, but this could be one alternative if you expect to come into a healthy sum of money once a rich relative "kicks the bucket" in the next year.[Via Joystiq]
Toshiba intros five capacious new 1.8-inch hard drives
We're all for bulking up the storage in our notebooks and portable gear, so naturally we're quite thrilled that Toshiba has developed a quintet of new 1.8-inch PATA hard drives that promise higher capacity and better performance for the gadgets we hold so dear. Three of the drives offer up 60GB on a single platter: the 4,200 RPM MK6028GAL for laptops and UMPCs, along with the 4,200 RPM MK6014GAL with 2MB buffer and 3,200 RPM MK6015GAA with 160KB buffer, both of which employ so-called "long data sector" technology to bring "format efficiency, improved error correction capability and enhanced storage capacity" to portable consumer electronics devices, according to ol' Tosh. Also destined for lightweight PCs are the dual-platter 120GB MK1214GAH and single-platter 80GB MK8025GAL, both 4,200 RPM drives with 2MB and 8MB buffers, respectively. Expect the new models to start appearing in consumer products sometime early next year. [Warning: PDF link][Via Slashgear]
Zune Originals engraving now available for 80GB models
Take note, Zune dudes and dudettes: the Zune Originals engraving -- which has heretofore been relegated to the 4GB and 8GB flash versions of Microsoft's new player -- is now available on the big daddy, the 80GB. That's right -- now text, wild graphics, and combinations of the two can be emblazoned upon your media player, serving as a testament to your original and inimitable personality till the end of time. Did we mention it's free? Motor over there and check it out, right this second.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
PS3 Black Friday sales increase 245% compared to last year
We had a hunch Sony was going to hit a home run during this year's Black Friday, and we were right. Sony announced that the sales of the PS3 skyrocketed 245 percent compared to the day last year. Additionally, PlayStation brand units increased 178 percent last week, which translated in a 154 percent sales dollar increase. If you needed even more staggering numbers, Sony also announced that since Nov. 2, sales have increased by almost 300 percent at the top 10 retailers in North America.In layman's terms, this all means Sony has made a helluva lotta money. It seems Sony's concoction of a new marketing campaign; newer, cheaper hardware and some great exclusive titles have been a recipe for success, and we don't see why it will slow down anytime soon.
So what happens to the 20GB and 60GB models?
Remember the 20GB system? Long thought gone, the system is still available at Gamestop.com for $380. This is the cheapest system you can get. At $20 less than the 40GB model, you lose wi-fi connectivity and 20GB of hard disk space. However, you gain backwards compatibility. For those that want the cheapest PS3 that can also play PS2 games, this one may be for you.Thanks to the price drop, the 60GB model officially costs the same as the 80GB one. However, retailers aren't going for any of that nonsense and are now packaging the system with many other goodies. Walmart.com, for example, is bundling one free game and a Blu-ray remote with the 60GB system (making it a far better deal than the 80GB, in our opinion). Retail Best Buy stores will soon run a promotion where you can get a free copy of Heavenly Sword (or Lair, if you so dare) and an extra controller with the 60GB system. Obviously, these are "while supplies last," so you may have to rush to take advantage of these deals.[Via CAG]
80 GB PS3 price drop active now
You have to hand it to Sony: Once they've made their minds up, they like to act fast. For example, you might have thought that they would wait to cut the 80 GB PlayStation 3's price until the 40 GBs were in the wild, but not so. In fact, you can scoop up the only PS3 that can play PS2 games for $500 at your favorite game retailer, even though its little 40 GB brother won't be on the scene until Nov. 2. Just do us a favor. If you're going to buy a PS3, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. Make sure you're buying it for Warhawk or Everyday Shooter or high-def movies or any of the many perfectly valid reasons to buy one. But don't buy it out of fear. Don't buy it because you're afraid that when you do want one the system will be even worse, or missing some other key feature that you care about. You're too good for that, and you work too hard for your money to be bullied into spending it. You already know that Sony dropped backwards compatibility to make you buy more PS3 games, you don't need to let your hand be forced. Remember, you're the one with the power. They have to make it compelling for you.[Thanks, Mike]
Sony respects rising Canadian dollar with price drop
What's strange about this image? If you're Canadian, you may have noticed that you're paying the same as your American brethren. Sony is the first of the major three console makers to release a system in the territory that matches the American price. Traditionally, the US dollar has been much stronger than the Canadian. Thus, console manufacturers usually inflated the cost of Canadian consoles accordingly.However, the Canadian dollar is now stronger than the US dollar. Shouldn't the inflation stop? Unfortunately, other console manufacturers haven't responded quite yet. The Nintendo Wii retails for $289 in Canada, $30 more than in the US. The Xbox 360 Elite retails for $499, $50 more than in the US.Thanks to Sony for recognizing the changing global economy. They slashed the Canadian PS3 by $160 to account for the currency conversion. Now, Canadians -- go buy yourself a PS3.
PS3 moves and shakes amazon.com sales charts
The PS3 80GB Motorstorm Pack was ranked 105 on the amazon sales charts. Now, it's at number 18. This means sales or the 80GB model have jumped 483%. A pretty impressive jump -- and we expect sales to grow. Sony's $100 price drop is making the system that much more attractive to consumers. How will they respond to the $399 40GB system when it releases in a few weeks?Note: amazon.com sales charts are updated hourly.[Thanks, Random1448!]
Wal-Mart Canada moving to new, lower 80GB price
Wal-Mart Canada is having an "Anniversary Sale" and one of the more notable sale items is the 80GB PS3 bundle. DailyTech is reporting that the 80GB system is dropping to $550 CAD, which is the same as the current price of the 60GB. According to the report, many Wal-Mart stores are already out of their 60GB inventory, and only have 80GB systems left to sell. Another price drop would fall in line with analyst expectations. With 60GB PS3s available only while supplies last, it'll be interesting to see what Sony will offer in its stead. [Thanks, Ruibing!]
PS3 backwards compatibility checker emigrates to US site
Well just like the software emulation-only backwards compatibility that has followed the PlayStation 3 out of Europe, so too has the ol' online compat checker crossed the pond to helpfully inform you of the glitches you can expect in your favorite classic titles if you pick up the new 80GB SKU -- this might be one case where the early adopters really did get a better deal.[Via Joystiq]
iPod is now officially a Classic
While the iPod Touch will probably get all of the attention today, the iPod isn't going anywhere. Apple has rebranded it the iPod Classic, made it thinner, added more memory, put the CoverFlow interface in it, and turned it into a lean, mean music playing machine.But the best reason to buy the iPod Classic over the Touch is actually inside: it's the memory. The Touch only reaches a disappointing 8gb and 16gb, and for any respectable music fan, that just doesn't cut it. Fortunately, the Classic has room for everything in your music collection, and then some: $249 for the 80gb model and $349 for 160gb. Sure, a shiny interface and a WiFi connection are nice and all, but if all you're looking for is a way to carry all of your CDs in your pocket at once, the iPod Classic (in silver or black) is what you're looking for.
Sony has run out of 60GB PS3s -- get one while you can
Well we knew it wouldn't last forever. Sony has just confirmed with GamePro that they have run out of 60GB PS3s in their warehouses -- the only 60GB units left are ones that are in the retail channel now. This means that if you want a $499 PS3 with full backwards compatibility, you better hit up the shops soon.According to David Karraker there is still 'ample supply' left in the retail stores, but with the holidays fast approaching and some fantastic games hitting the PS3, don't expect that supply to stay ample for that long. Still no word on whether Sony will keep the 80GB PS3's price at $599 once the 60GB SKU runs out of stock completely, but GamePro is agreeing with Michael Pachter that Sony will probably drop the price on the 80GB unit before Christmas.
SCEA announces immediate availability of 80GB PS3
SCEA has announced that the new 80GB PS3 with the MotorStorm pack-in is available immediately from brick-and-mortar stores as well as online merchants. For $599, you get a the new downloadable-content friendly 80GB PS3 as well as a 'free' copy of MotorStorm, one of the most popular online games on the PS3. From the sounds of it, you also get a slightly more accurate Sixaxis controller as well (wonder if that will make Super Rub-a-Dub any easier to control).The release of the new PS3 now puts North America back into the 'dual-sku' position that we we thought we had finally escaped from. At least this time around, we have two fantastic options as opposed to one fantastic option and a crappy gimped option. Plus, considering the 60GB PS3 has a limited life-span we can expect to go back to $599 single-SKU in the future. Hopefully, Sony will listen to their consumers and realize that as much as we like a single-SKUs, we also like $499 PS3s. Full Press Release after jump.
Sony finally gets official with 80GB PS3 availability
Hey, we can't blame the folks at Sony for not wanting to write up the obvious on a Friday afternoon, but the firm has stormed back fresh today and doled out the official details regarding the pricing and availability of the 80GB PlayStation 3. As we all expected knew, the 80GB iteration is available en masse for $599 (or $659 CND for those to the north) and comes bundled with MotorStorm. It's also noted that this higher-end edition joins the recently reduced 60GB model, and while Sony didn't mention the deals you could get on any remaining 20GB units, they're certainly out there.
Analyst predicts 80GB PS3 and price cut for Japan
The chief marketing analyst for Japanese analysts group Enterbrain, has stated that he believes Sony Japan will follow SCEA's lead and will introduce the 80GB PS3 in Japan as well as slash the price of the current 60GB model. He feels that Sony Japan is unlikely to go the Sony Europe route and merely introduce a new bundle, but will slash the price and bring out a new SKU in response to struggling PS3 sales. While Hot Shots Golf 5 has helped boost the sales of the PS3 by over 200% in the Land of the Rising Sun, the sales still pale in comparison to the Wii and it seems likely that Sony Japan will need to slash prices to help keep the sales spike going. Hopefully they'll take notice of the sales generated by titles like Hot Shots 5 and Ninja Gaiden: Sigma as well and realize that as important as the price of the console is, available and attractive games are really what sells a system.[Via N4G]
