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SCEE: 40GB SKU Is The Future For All

The launch of Sony's PlayStation 3 latest SKU, the 40GB, was seen by many as a backward step followed by their announcement of a price drop; reason being ironically that backward step had completely no backward compatibility for PS2 games. In what will now puzzle the industry more, Sony confirm that this model will be the only one left worldwide with the 60GB and 80GB being discontinued.

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Meus Renaissance - contributor
Published: 764 days 16 hours ago | Interview | PlayStation 3 | Industry News

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Meus Renaissance - 764 days 17 hours ago

1 - Three Points

1. Why is it everytime Sony Europe speak it's always bad news?

2. I hope the Backward Compatibility statement is just PR talk, because if it isn't we have a saboteur working for their Research department. No one I personally know who has purchased a PS3 recently even considered the 40GB model because of this small fact. If they are serious, they should bundle it with two games or something because most would want the BC as they may not be able to afford many PS3 games during purchase.

3. I thought Sony intended to release a media service much like Live's movie Marketplace, why on Earth would they commit to only 40GB then? I'm confused by this but then again it's SCEE; what should we expect.

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Jandre02 - 764 days 17 hours ago

1.1 - Really, like, wtf?

I dont understand it at all. Maybe next year they are more confident in software or something? But why take away the options? I dont get it but I dont care ive got a 40gb already. And whatever they are doing is working already, since the PS3 is finally outselling the 360, though very slimly. Its weird though, very weird.

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ReBurn - 764 days 17 hours ago

1.2 -

This isn't actually all that surprising. Sony said during E3 that they didn't see multiple SKU's in their future. I think that it makes good sense to consolidate and only have one offering. The 40gb hard drive isn't that much of a hindrance considering how inexpensive it is to upgrade it. The 80gb model was always considered to be limited edition.

The only thing I don't like is the backward compatability. Sony practically made that a hallmark of the PlayStation platform and to take it away just saddens me. I have a 60gb model, so it really isn't a problem for me. But I don't like what it means for the future of the PlayStation brand.

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BlackIceJoe - 764 days 17 hours ago

1.3 -

I agree with you Meus Renaissance what is sony thinking. I do not see how the 40 gig can be the future. Also least time I heard the reason HD IPTV service MegaTV has not come out in the US or any where else other then Korea was because the 80 gig was not the only SKU. So does this mean that HD IPTV service MegaTV will not come out any more.

Plus I have a 60 gig and am already having to delete stuff so why would people want the 40 gig.

I may not use the PS2 part of my PS3 any more but that does not mean I do not like it. I like being able to know that if I want to play PS2 games I can. I just wish Sony would see this is a bad move. Also what forums have Sony read saying people do not care about PS2 playback in the PS3. Because every one I know and what I read online people want it. So I just want to what place they get there info from.

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Gamespot-equals-EGM - 764 days 16 hours ago

1.4 - 2 SKU's for bigger markets (US, Japan), 1 SKU for smaller markets

I think Sony will still offer 2 SKU's (one with BC) for the bigger markets, namely for the US and Japan. And only the 40gb for the smaller markets (smaller European countries, etc).

This interview was with a South African newspaper right? That's definately a small market.

@Meus (below):

40gb = offered in all markets = worldwide
80gb = offered in select markets = not worldwide

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Meus Renaissance - 764 days 16 hours ago

1.5 -

He was asked if it was Worldwide, he said yes.

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actionjackson - 764 days 16 hours ago

1.6 - @ Meus Renaissance

I agree, I'm shocked. Alhtough it is almost unbelievable, if true, this would be a huge blow to the Playstation brand. I understand that Sony came to the game with multiple sku's to set up with MS, but to go backwards is really strange. If anything, why not leave the best system on the market and then, through production means, reduce the cost? Or keep the best sytem on the market, include software emulation and reduce ports? Something doesn't sound right. Sony has never downgraded their technology after the launch of any line of products. Sony's motto has been, better tech, higher price. That's true in almost every product they sell. Why now? Why the downgrade after a year?

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hazeblaze - 764 days 16 hours ago

1.7 -

You guys did not read the article in its entirety. He clearly states that what the interviewer asked about the 80 gig is not true. He states that the 40 gig is the only one that will be universal WORLDWIDE. He says that the 60 GB is the only one being phased out... which we've known for months now. But the 80 GB is not being phased out.

You should change the body of this news as not to mislead ppl and start new internet rumors.

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bishop-br - 764 days 5 hours ago

1.8 -

I agree and disagree with all of this...

I would not get a 40GB PS3 if I can get a 60GB or 80GB or anything with BC... More than that, I don't know many people that would...

I even predic that 40GB would flop and they would end with a 60/80GB version with software BC worldwide...

But still, since this move, Sony puts things just a bit more right than it was back in two or three months. The price was way better accepted, peoplo look to don't care that much on BC after all, the games (where they said that they would put the money) are indeed coming...

So we can say that I don't know that much people or I don't know nothing about gaming business... Maybe they just time it right and put 40GB on market in a moment with a better game library coming and near xmas... Maybe all of this.

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Spike47 - 764 days 17 hours ago

2 - If u really think Sony will just leave one sku in the market then you're wrong

they said before that they would discontinue the 60gb and the 80gb would be left.

then everybody went crazy about it,but now there is a 40gb.

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actionjackson - 764 days 16 hours ago

2.1 - @ Spike47

I agree. That's exactly what I understood. We went from 20gb/60gb to 40gb/80gb. But this article suggests differently. The interview states that 40gb is going to be the only model left in the industry "worldwide". Doesn't make any sense to me.

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hazeblaze - 764 days 15 hours ago

2.2 -

What the article states is that the 40 GB model will be the only one that is universal worldwide. The US may have a 80 GB while Japan has a 120 GB etc.... The article makes it clear that the 80 GB is not being discontinued and that the journalist may have misinterpreted something if he thought it was going to be. How are you guys missing that???

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Tsalagi - 764 days 17 hours ago

3 - Harddrive space is a moot point since a larger SATA drive can be put in a PS3

I have a 60GB so it really doesn't matter to me but if removing the backwards compatibility will keep the prices of the next-gen systems reasonable then i'm all for it. Just don't trade in your last gen console at Gamestop and you'll be fine.

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Arkham - 764 days 16 hours ago

4 -

I wouldn't worry. I believe he's referring exclusively to Africa. E.g. going forward only the 40GB model will be available in Africa.

The "Worldwide" comment was qualified by Foster. He seems to be saying that on a worldwide basis, only the 40GB model will be available everywhere. Models other than the 40GB will be offered in other countries, but this article is focuses exclusively on Africa.

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Action Bastard - 764 days 16 hours ago

5 -

Why is this surprising? Did you really think AFTER they remove BC, they'll drop a new model with it. Have some realistic expectations ppl.

EDIT: @ AJ
I don't dispute any of what you said. I do feel that there is just no way they can segment their userbase more than it already is. If the long term goal is to have the PS3 play PS3 games (novel idea), they should discontinue the 60&80GB models. You just can't have current 40GB users paying $400 for a console without BC, only to have a 60 or 80GB reduce in price to $400 as well (obviously, the 40 would drop too).

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actionjackson - 764 days 16 hours ago

5.1 - @ Action Bastard

They don't need to make a new model. They had 2 that were selling (60bg/80gb). The 60gb had the EE, and the 80gb has software emulation. Why not leave one of those in the marketplace. Those who were willing to part with their PS2 would likely purchase the complete option 80gb. Those with a PS2 could have purchased the 40gb version. This combination, of all the one's Sony came out with, seemed the most reasonable. This article sounds odd enough, but this is truly against how Sony has been running there business since the beginning of time.

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Kareem - 764 days 16 hours ago

6 -

Once more PS3 titles are available, people will careless about BC.

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Meus Renaissance - 764 days 16 hours ago

7 -

40GB is actually around 28GB, add that to downloads and how most PS3 games need to partially install on your HDD, for around 1-2GB, no way can Sony leave this as the only SKU on the market considering the needs of customers.

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Darkiewonder - 764 days 16 hours ago

7.1 - They're just terrible

At telling consumers the advantages of swapping out HDD so they just say. bigger Hard Drive model ps3 is the way to go. it's weird they don't tell much about this feature.

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Meus Renaissance - 764 days 16 hours ago

7.2 -

But why should Sony expect every PS3 owners to know how to change the HDD, what to change it with? 40GB is too small. I have a 60GB model and 10 PS3 games, I desperately need more space. I dont download that much but it seems now that the majority of the games I own require you to install a few GB's. Sooner or later, this will be an issue for customers because its guaranteeing that they will HAVE to upgrade. It's not a matter of choice, so I don't see what the excuse can be for this.

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Darkiewonder - 764 days 16 hours ago

7.3 - They expect them read the manual.

It's just like any other electronic device out there. This one is no different ^^

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Action Bastard - 764 days 16 hours ago

7.4 -

It's 31GB, but no need to split hairs.

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ForROME - 764 days 16 hours ago

8 -

For some reason I dont think the 80GB will be discontinued anytime soon I think you will have the 80 and 40 for a very long time. The reason being as for now, SONY always has that 80GB to sit back and say hey, we got PS2 BC go get the high end model. Thats something they want to have at their defense for a while I think.

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9 Bladestar | 764 days 16 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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jlytle1234 - 764 days 15 hours ago

9.1 -

for the few people who actually use the card reader you can buy a usb card reader for less than $20. Ive had my ps3 since launch and i have an extra 1gb duo card that i leave in my 60gb ps3. Ive never had to use it for anything. The only time i ever used the card reader was when my parents visited and wanted to show us their pictures from their trip to europe.

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Real gamer 4 life - 764 days 16 hours ago

10 - Attention People!!!!!!

The 80 gb will still be available in the region in which the are available right now. Is just that they wont be available to some counteys only the 40gb will be availble world wide. read the article.

The 80gb will not be available Worldwide only the 40 will. The 80gb will still be available in some region, but not worldwide.

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Arkham - 764 days 16 hours ago

10.1 -

A lot of people haven't even bothered to read the article. They fail to realize that the 40GB-only is for Africa.

edit re: disagree -- Disagree all you want, but it just proves you can't read.

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Mu5afir - 764 days 16 hours ago

11 - Might just be the work of genious,

1. By committing to a 40gb model and making the 60 / 80gb rare they can sale the high end consoles at it's current prices to consumers looking for the "complete" package. No need for another price cut.

A) Only hard-core gamers will be informed of the 60 / 80gb discontinuation therefore inticing them to buy these systems. The average consumer won't be "informed" or care.

B) Only hard-core gamers care about backward compatibility.

C) I am assuming Sony thinks they have enough games on the market now to satisfy most consumers, therefore backward compatibility isn't as necessary as it once was.

2. HDD isn't an issue with the Ps3 as you can pretty much upgrade to anything you like. Although I would like Sony to release their own "brand" of HDD for the console.

3. The 40gb has hit the "sweet point" of pricing for a console with so much futures. I am sure as time goes by more of the futures currently missing on the 40gb (mem card reader, 2x USB port etc..) will be added again to keep the current price point reasonable.

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k2d - 764 days 11 hours ago

11.1 - Casual gamers?

How about casual gamers then?
Here's a hint: they don't hang around on the web day after day keeping themself updated. There's a ton of people expecting their future playstation purchase to allow them playing their favorite PS1 and PS2 games.

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Death - 764 days 16 hours ago

12 - This is irritating.

The biggest reason I am considering a PS3 this year for Christmas is because I don't want to be stuck with a gimped console that I don't want at all. I want full b/c so I can ditch my PS2 that is taking up space in mu home theater. There are still a couple 60's in the wild, but if they are trully abandoning b/c and the 80 gig configuration, I will surly skip on a Playstation this generation. The fact Sony keeps down grading the PS3 is absurd and shows they trully aren't listening or in touch with their customers.

-Death

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aiphanes - 764 days 16 hours ago

12.1 - Read my post below...you will never miss the backwards compatibility...go with the 40 GB PS3...

The 40 GB PS3 has the 65 nm cell also....and it runs quieter and uses less power vs the 60/80 GB PS3 models...

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H-V-H - 764 days 16 hours ago

13 -

I like the idea of just one SKU.

Nice and simple.

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14 remix | 764 days 16 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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titntin - 764 days 16 hours ago

15 -

I guess its a moot point for me as I bought one at launch and have all the 'features', but I really don't see a problem with the 40 gig feature set!

Much as I thought I'd play PS2 games on it, I don't, and neither does anyone else I know who has the console, so I can't see the issue.
I've never used more than 2 of my usb ports at once (eyetoy in one and charging controller in the other) and I used the mem card reader just once. Now that I use the media centre properly, it make sense to have everything on PC's as normal and acess them directly from there when I need it on the PS3.

So I can't see an issue.
Given the increased sales of the machine ( a large proportion of them being this sku), Joe Public doesn't seem to have a problem with it either.

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snoop_dizzle - 764 days 16 hours ago

16 -

I'm glad i have my 60 gig model if they discontinue the 80 gig model with bwards compatibility then. I don't play too many ps2 games, but sometimes i like to go back and play some ps2 games.

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aiphanes - 764 days 16 hours ago

17 - People calm down...hear is what you need to do...you will never miss PS2 backwards compatibility!

Do you really need PS2 backwards compatibility? Who many of you actually play old PS2 games anymore after playing COD4, Uncharted, Warhawk, Ratchet and Clank, Rock Band, ect...ect...All the good ass PS2 games are being made into PS3 games...ie....GOW3, GTA4, Killzone 2, Burnout Paradise...ect...ect....once you get a PS3 you never need to play PS2 games...and Sony knows this and that is why they came up with the 40 GB PS3....and make the price only $399 for now...it will drop to $299 by next christmas......

The key to PS3 domination is Bluray and PS3 games.

Ok so you want a bigger harddrive in your 40 GB PS3?

You can get a 120GB 2.5 SATA drives for: around $68 to $84
http://www.newegg.com/Produ...

and 160 GB 2.5 SATA drives for: $89 to $99
and 200 GB 2.5 SATA drives for: $125
and 250 GB 2.5 SATA drives for: $149
and 320 GB 2.5 SATA drives for: $250

The harddrive in the PS3 is easy to upgrade. The instuctions are in the user manual. Sony allows to to upgrade to any 2.5 inch SATA drive either a 5400 RPM or 7200 RPM drive either one will work.

Also any HDMI cable will work. Go to monoprice.com to get your cables cheap...they even have certified HDMI 1.3a cables cheaper than any HDMI cable you can find in any local store.

Also if you need a USB 2.0 hub got to monoprice.com...you can find a good powered USB 2.0 HUB for less than $10...and this will give you 4 more usb 2.0 ports.

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snoop_dizzle - 764 days 16 hours ago

17.1 -

what if i want to play something like shadow of the colossus or the ORIGINAL Katamari Damaci, any of the older R&C games, and of the Final Fantasy Games? Now granted people could keep their ps2s but i have a feeling they would sell their ps2s so they could get a ps3. So then what?

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aiphanes - 764 days 16 hours ago

17.2 - Who really cares to play Shaow of the Colouses?

Why would you want to play that game when you could play Uncharted? Socom Confrontation? Little Big planet? Sure now all these are out there yet but they will be in a few months...also when MGS4 comes out in march...nobody will ever be play an old PS2 game...if you really got to play an old PS2 game then get the 60/80 GB PS3...they are still out there and only $499.

But if i was going to get a new PS3 today...I would get a 40GB model and upgrade the Harddrive...The 40 Gb model has 65 nm cell chip...and runs quieter and uses less power.

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snoop_dizzle - 764 days 16 hours ago

17.3 -

i would personally play all of them(speaking of uncharted, i might pick it up today)... and btw shadow of the colossus is an excellent game..

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aiphanes - 764 days 14 hours ago

17.4 - I have that game and it is awesome...but i have a 60 GB ps3...so it looks good upscalled to 1080i\p

I am not hating on old PS2 games...they are awesome..but there will be a new Shadow of Colossus for the PS3...you can bet on it...but it may take awhile....but most people will not need to play old PS2 games anymore...

You need to get Uncharted and COD4

Also target will have COD4 and Heavenly Sword for $48 this friday! Get it while you can...

After you play these games you will never play another PS2 game again trust me...

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17.5 WilliamRLBaker | 764 days 12 hours ago - User only got 1 bubble - Show

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frizshizzle - 764 days 16 hours ago

18 -

What's with the Donald Rumsfeld pic?

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snoop_dizzle - 764 days 16 hours ago

18.1 -

yeah that was pretty funny.

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YellowFlash - 764 days 16 hours ago

19 - Yeah...

I feel that eventually the 40GB model will get an 80GB hard drive sometime next year or the year after. I just can't see the 40GB drive staying forever, and 80/120/160GB 5200RPM drives are dropping in price. I hope they at least consider putting PS2 BC back in, because I think they would be selling a lot more if it had BC. (Now that I think about it, a year down the road we may not need BC that badly, but if my current PS3 breaks, I'd love to be able to replace it with a PS3 that can upscale my PS2 games; every PS2 game I've tried through BC looks much better than on the PS2, even if just slightly.)

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feejo - 764 days 15 hours ago

20 -

Ya put 60-80 gb to trash, that is a good thing to do. 40gb rule, the 65nm worth more than 90nm. They are comming soo with the 45 then the 25nm. PS3 will win the war console I am sure about that. Blu-Ray will get more popular day by day. At best buy I saw rescently a PS3 at the entrance showing it can play movies for 400$, that really a hit.

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whoelse - 764 days 15 hours ago

21 - WTF!

STUPID STUPID STUPID. I know the 40GB is selling well and one SKU makes it simpler for the consumer but what about the hard core gamers who like the extra features.

I guess this means no more updates for PS2 compatibility too :(

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khellendros1 - 764 days 15 hours ago

22 -

I see why you guys are upset about BC but come on how many of you are going to play PS2 games in the next year. I still play GT4 and FF12 but that's it. I didn't own a PS2 in the last 2 years. Anyone whose planning on buying a PS3 in the next coming months or years are not going to care about PS2 games because they would've had a PS2 to play them already and if not they didn't care about the games enough to buy one. The people like us already have picked up a PS3 that plays everything and that's the point. Others can just keep their PS2

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Darrius Cole - 764 days 15 hours ago

23 - $400

The 40GB SKU costs $400. That is why it will stay and the others will leave, or at least see their production cut back by a lot. The simple fact is that the PS3 has to come down to the price of its competition. The 40GB Sku can do that so it will stay. Beside backward compatibility is over-rated. When I first got my PS3 I put PS2 games in it to see if they worked. Since then I have never put a PS2 game in it.

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man0fsteel - 764 days 15 hours ago

24 - Question

Just out of curiosity, how many of you with a PS2 or PS3 use your BC for
PS1 games, and if so when was the last time you used it for that?

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jlytle1234 - 764 days 15 hours ago

25 -

its very simple. They cannot offer a ps3 with all the bells and whistles at a price that can compete with the wii and 360arcade. so they whittled down the sku till it had what the average person will actually use. If you are not the average person and you require multiple usb ports and a card reader then buy a usb hub and a usb card reader or buy a 60/80gb ps3 while they last. But i can tell you from a years worth of continuous daily use that you wont need more than 2 usbs and you wont need a card reader.

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