80GB PS3 dead, 120-160GB with DualShock 3 is Coming

arstechnica: Our inside source of all things video gaming has been right almost every time it comes out of the shadows to give us information, so I'm going to dispense with the back story. Wherever his or her information is coming from, it's usually solid. After I spoke to Sony about the possible discontinuation of the 80GB PS3 model, I lit the mole-signal.

[Blasphemy]

I can't see myself approving this I just find this hard to believe.

[mikeslemonade]

I see this happening and this will once again cannabilize the 40gb sales. You want the 40gb sku to be hyped so casual people can say "oh I can buy a PS3 for $400". Not "40gb is gimped so you have to buy the 100+gb sku". The 40gb will die soon especially if they don't include the DS3 with that sku.

[fusionboxer]

Mostly @srun4,

You have to look at it this way. Consumers need choices to help them make choices if that makes any sense. By having the 40gb sku at the low price of 400 dollars, Sony can instantly say the ps3 is only $400 dollars on all it's billboards and magazine ads. Now when someone goes to actually buy this 40gb ps3 they see that the cheaper version has far less features then the "superior", but slightly more expensive version.

The customer then realizes pretty quickly that if i spend a mere 100 dollars more i can get a free game (60$), built in wifi ($50+), more usb ports (um), ps2 backwards compatibility (priceless)), double the hard drive space ($50+) and just a host of other features that would cost them more if they were to pay for them separately.

When the consumer ends up buying the "better" version they see it like they got a great deal walking out of the store. It's actually a good business plan when you think about it, which is why the 80gb sku did better NPD wise.

[BobDog]

i ready have a 250gig hardrive =D

[SCThor]

the 40GB model has wi-fi built in.

[pharmd]

watch for the 40 gig to get a GT prologue bundle, if they do that they'll keep it at its regular price til at least mid to late summer but as long as they start packaging it w/ DS3 i don't mind this at all, I still have the 60 gig that i got on 11/17/06 and its as solid as ever

[barom]

hahah i loved this part.

"I'm just trying to get to the bottom of Sony's plans for their hardware so my readers can decide whether or not they should buy now, or hold off. But I'm only one man,"

[stunt213]

WTF???? a new SKU again??? i love my ps3 but seriously sony needs tp stop making new sku

[LightningPS3]

price is what matters, lower it.

[SoulReaper]

Don't matter to me i have the 60GB and its really cheap to upgrade..The 360 is always gimped and if you want a bigger storage you to spend 200 dollars and up..

All i want is the DualShock 3 and im happy..

[Hydrollex]

Sorry you poor 360 fans. Microsoft sells you more Xbox 360s with a good price but Sony sells you 1 PS3 that never gets 3 RED RINGS OF DEATH and the price is just PERFECT !

When you buy a 360, you have to think about saving money for the next 360 because soon youll get the 3 Red Rings Of damn DEATH
--------
Edit: lol Free is perfect ? we are living in 2007 which costs 50cents to use a public toilet.

[sticky doja]

The only perfect console price is FREE. Until then I want a price drop. Price drop = more owners = more games = better quality games = happy me.

[PR0NE]

my adsl connection box is named FREE (FREEBOX), are you talking about it? well it is actually amazing but it doesn't play games :d :d :p

[Rocko]

.

EDIT: LOL, I got an agree for a period.

[PirateThom]

Take the 160GB and pack Play TV in with it, $399. The bigger hard drive will be useful for recording.

40GB at $299, adding in software backwards compatibility.

Both with Dual Shock 3.

[ygxbrayzie]

if the 160 gb really is true and if it is 399 im going all out man

buying it str8 along with mgs4

[Genki]

I'm kicking myself in the a** about buying as early as I did nearly every day, lol, but it's all good. You live and you learn. While this is something I expected(20G>40G, 60G>80G), as it was only evolutionary, it's great news. Hopefully it's true, and congrats to those who will own one. I'm about half way through my 60G already...and it's been about 11 months.

[jkoz]

Dude.... remind me why you're kicking yourself. You have the most technologically advanced PS3 (Emotion Engine anyone?) that got discontinued for costing too much to make. It's the ultimate PS3. I have one too... if there were anything I'd do, I'd just upgrade the HDD... which I don't feel I need to. I get rid of demos after I play 'em. So I'm cool. You should be too.

[Salvadore]

You have the "complete" PS3.

[TruthBTold]

The 60 gb is the most complete consoleso far of all of them. Just bump up the HDD and you can compete with the new console coming out in terms of storage space. Rumble? Thats just a controller you buy. Thats the reason I got my 60gb cause I knew they were going to strip it down from what made it an $800.00 console being sold at $500.00 while supplies last.

[Rattles]

i hope sony dont start thinking they can keep releasing new models to help boost sales 2 is perfect but we are already upto 4.

[wil4hire]

What sales do they need to make up?

Why was it fine for Microsoft to sell the same amount in one year? Is it because everyone has bare ass low standards for MS?

[chrno6]

I agree but then at least all the models include a harddrive.

[resistance100]

Prediction - Sony to release 160GB at $449 with 40GB being cut to $329.

You heard it here first

[TheExecutive]

they could leave the 120 gig at 499 but they need a 100 dollar price drop on the 40 gig. If its only 100 bucks cheaper thats just rediculous and effectively takes it out of the game

[Rocko]

NO MORE SKUs. Just drop the 40GB's price and add the backward compatibility.

[Rattles]

now thats something i totally agree with you on^^^

maby they should do a deal wer you get to pick wat size HDD you would like at the store and price it accordingly. now that sounds good to me

[Gazman]

For crying out loud how many different ps3s or xbox360 version are we going to see, Just waiting for the wii to do something now

[Rocko]

between MS and Sony we have 9 SKUs. If Nintendo made some kind of HD Wii then we'd have 10. Insanity...

[Lord_Mike]

Nintendo Wii Advance coming soon.

[thedude17655]

because if it is then i can't wait to own one. I have been holding off buying one due to money troubles, but i just started to save some cash and was freakin' out because more and more stores are pulling the 80gb sku, the one i was planning on purchasing. I was hoping they would release a 120+gb with ds3, and it looks like they might do just that(i think i'll be happy with a 160gb sku). while it sucks that i have been deprived of playing ps3 for the past 1 and half years, i can't wait for the offical announcement, my fingers are crossed, of a new sku to put my trouble mind to rest and enjoy a fun 2008

[meepmoopmeep]

but i already have a 160gb PS3 + DualShock 3

:P

[Premonition]

I think sony might one up microsoft on this one and so go with the 160GB version, not for 499 but for 399 instead.

[Rattles]

you testing the waters with a new avatar are we??? lol
and i think you got your awnser the first time you said it.

[Frances-the-Mute]

yeah i need more space, i'm down to low memory, i dont think i could fit another demo

[we_eat_tires]

They should just go to ONE model at the max capacity they plan to offer, for $350. Consoles in general are things that people like to buy and forget about everything else. They don't want to think...oh i didn't get the best one or debate buying between two different ones. They want to just be able to grab one at a store, and not worry about that crap.

[pornflakes]

Well we know that the PS3 is like a PC.. in future you will need to install 50% of the games comming, lol.

DMC4= 6GB
HS = 3GB

So 40GB owners will have to DEinstall games in future if they dont own a bigger HDD, rofl.

Blu Ray FTW.. 50GB disc space need to be installed on a hdd. So this is living right?

[TheExecutive]

well the cool thing about the ps3 is that any 2.5" hdd works with it. So you can upgrade it at any time. Also, isnt it nice to be able to install some of the game so it cuts down on load time? After all, its about choice right? I know of a certain console that doesnt even give the developers that choice...

Were you trying to bash the ps3? I can only guess that you are probably a fanboy and you probably dont realize that you pwned yourself.

[skitzoid]

the hard drive standard. I would much rather it read from the disc like it does on my 360 drive. There is nothing like hearing that drive roar so loud I can barely hear my speakers. I also love the mini stop and starts while it's finding the information off of the disc. That is my favorite part.

Sometimes fanboys like you make me want to laugh out loud and instead I simply roll my eyes and move along. Every once in a while I chime in though. It's good therapy.

If you are going to try and take shots at the system you don't own, don't pick on things that are a short coming with the system you do own. It makes you look foolish.

Now I do agree that it can be little annoying at times having to install some games on the PS3 but I would rather do that than to deal with the hard drive not being standard which causing "some" problems during gameplay.

[TheExecutive]

sorry folks this is good news for the high end ps3 but without a price drop to the 40gig it effectively makes it useless. Sales will plummet on the 40 gig. They should be priced at 299 and 499. If they arent I see it as a mistake. They need to break under 300 bucks, price is a big issue, we ALL know this. At 299 it will at least give some consumers a decision between the 40gig and the 120 gig.

[ReBurn]

Seems to me that the target price points should be $299 for the 40gb model and $399 for whatever the new model is. A price difference of $200 for just increased HD space doesn't make sense when you can get a 160gb drive for less than that.

[TheExecutive]

I thought there was more missing from the 40gb model than just a HDD.

[N4GayFanturds]

They're gonna call it the PSwii sku.

[TheExecutive]

yeah i think a 120 to 160 gig model should be the last they offer. They need to focus bringing down the price on the lowest end sku.

[moujahed]

I love sony, but if this is true... ima be pissed. All because of the Dual Shock 3. There should be a way to ship your old controller sony, for a replacement and we only pay shipping and handling, or a small fee. This really makes me feel cheated.

[ReBurn]

Adding and removing features is one of Sony's standard operating procedures, so I don't see why anyone should be surprised. It's a risk that gamers take when they adopt earlier rather than later. Progressive scan was added to the PS2 after millions of people bought one without it. The PSP had a RAM increase and TV output added to new models, leaving earlier adopters out in the cold for some new features. Card readers and BC were completely removed from the new version of the PS3. So I don't see why newer PS3's coming with DualShock 3 controllers is a surprise.

The DualShock 3 is going to become the standard PS3 controller, so the early adopters will have to pony up for a new one. That's just the way it is.

And just to qualify, I've owned every Sony console. And I'll buy a DualShock 3 controller.

[Lord_Mike]

I'll stick to my SixAxis. I prefer a light controller over rumble anyday. Heck, did you know optical and laser mouse's have weights in them? Yeah, I remove them before any mice gets operated in my home.

[Iron Man 2]

What Sony should do is just keep the 40gig sku and focus on a price drop in the near future,around the same time as either MGS4 or Killzone 2 come out maybe?:)

[Maddens Raiders]

happening.

[Mikelarry]

i dont understand is sony doesnt have an sku that has survived. they always keep releasing and phasing out. imo it sends a wrong message that they arent sure of thier skus and are just trying till they finaly make up thier minds.

[kewlkat007]

When Sony added the 80 Giger, everyone was saying you can just add your own HDD. IF you can add your own HDD for cheap then why keep introducing these SKu's?

I got a feeling maybe MS might react, then again XBL does have the content to fill up a drive, besides Demos and arcade games. So there is no need.

We've had a, 20-60 gig PS3, 40- 80 gig PS3, I was thinking a 80-120 gig PS3 was the next move. Well because of the already cheap 40 gig PS3, they have to keep it.

Anyhow I could care less. I will alway shave the best "TRUE HARDWARE 60 Gig PS3". Can upgrade the HDD when there is the need. Rumble on Sixaxis is not so big to get all excited about.

So who would of thought Sony to play this SKU game, So can we expect to see a 200 GIG PS3 in 2 years?....I'd say so. This will become the norm, I guess.

[Says you]

thats only for the people that know how to do that, thats why there just trying to make it easier for people to upgrade their console later on if they want too and now I'm not going to point out fingers and say who has the most features now its not the companie that doesn't have a working system thats for sure!.

[THAMMER1]

I would also be nice to get replaceable batteries. I know a few people with useless SIXAXIS now.

[LiquifiedArt]

No big deal. i got a launch 60gig and this is all fine and dandy to me. The ONLY reason sony does this is because Micorsoft has done it. Take M$ out of the equation and they wouldnt be following this SKU trend. But either way They are all the Same machines Minus HDD speace and Backwards Compatibility. SO no big deal. (and a few SD Reader ports)

[f7ss1]

this sounds like someone made it up. does this site/author have any credability at all?

[jvsantos]

No matter which console you bought anyone can replace theirs and put in a 250GB 7200 rpm drive if they want. Even if you bought the 20GB model.

The important thing its standard in every console. :)

DS3 will be standard for all the new consoles eventually.

[Not the Face]

who gives a rats a$$?! what are you gonna save on it? pictures of you pet turtle? ps3 should drop the hdd and drop game play ability since they cut being able to play ps2 games and sell it as a blue ray player or a thing to throw in the tub while your mom is taking a bath. usless

[HardcoreGamer]

the title sais 40gb ps3 dead, does that mean it wont work if i buy it. whats the point of saying that, anyway i dont beleieve it will be that huge in hard drive

[The Closing]

How dumb can sony be if they do in-fact go this route? They've packed this thing so far up the a$$ with features that majority of thinking people don't give a damn about. This all in one crap is making products not only more expensive for things I don't need, but also the more accessories the more can go wrong with your system. I have a computer I don't need a console, and a cellphone, and god knows what else trying to be a half assed computer. More Hard drive space? I want to save my game progress on this thing so even 20gb is way more than overkill even with downloadable content.

ATTENTION SONY: Keep the 40gb take out spiderman 3 throw in backwards compatibility, and a dualshock 3, and keep it at $400 bones. Then if you decide to go with a another sku don't do the whole bigger is better thing as we see this has not worked this new generation! What you need is a $300 model to take the new year by storm, and solidify a reason why sony is hands down the best new system. Make a 20gb system, wifi, blueray, dualshock 3, 2 usb, and keep it like that, and no need to add in more useless features or products that the average person doesn't want. Also make white versions available might also really catch peoples attention.

[The Closing]

Just drop the current 40gb to $300, and then keep it stable for a while.

[SoulReaper]

The 60GB and 80GB PS3 is doing better then all the other SKU's that was released, so i doubt all the people think all the features is useless because they are getting their money worth..When Sony starts taking out features you hear complaints because the consumer wanted them to drop the price, and therefore making it cheaper for them to purchase. I say screw all of them, if you want the extra features be willing to pay big money.

Sony is only making the hard drive storage bigger they are not adding features..

[The Closing]

They've already added enough trying to make it a computer as it is. I already have a computer so I buy a game counsel to PLAY VIDEO GAMES. More hard drive space misrepresents the ideals of a gaming counsel even more so. The appeal of a counsel is it's a lot less money than a computer, and going to be a platform that I can play video games on for years to come without constant upgrades, but at the price and the rate things are going it's just a computer. They just made it one less reason to buy their system because more people already own at least one computer, which by the way have the capability of being much more powerful. Maybe counsels truly are a thing of the past though. The one system future is called a freakin COMPUTER. Maybe instead of buying a half assed computer wanna be I just upgrade my real computer.

[dalibor]

Did sony forget, there is a section on how to install a new flippin harddrive in there manual for the ps3. Why make a new console just so it will have a bigger harddrive? thats crazy if ya ask me, i have the 60gig and its fine, i got music, videos, ps1 games, and demos on that sucker, and i still have 19 gigs left. The 80gig is fine if you ask me. Just change the controllers with dualshock3 instead os sixaxis with the 80gig and 40gig package and mybe add a game.

[Doctor Strange]

I don't think they are going to up the size of the hard drive again this year but I can see them replacing the current 80GB/40GB later this year to include the Dualshock 3.

[Bill Gates]

The BABOONS are just ENRAGED with jealousy....AAHAHHAHHHHHAHAHHA

You see BABOONS, tell M$ you want REAL updated SKU's, not money milking SKU's like the one's they give you BABOONS.....AHHAHHAHAHHAHA

[Wii60PS3DSPSP]

Sony: confusing customers 1 sku at a time.

This is ridiculous if true. Whatever I got the 80gb one before they killed it.

[PSWe60]

If this new SKU comes with Backwards Compatability then it'll probably sell well.
Glad I got my 60Gig...I'm happy with that one

[batman2million]

i don't think it should make much of a difference, unless they take out some features- like they did for the 20gb n 40gb.

I really wouldn't know though, if hard drive size is important on a ps3 or not, b/c its not for the 360. 20gb is enough.

[Enigma_2099]

And imagine how much money they'd make on the 40GB system if they put it back in...

[BloodySinner]

I wonder what the specs of the new SKU will be. I hope they did not remove too much... Not to mention, I would like to know the price point.

[Milky]

it has everything but backwards compatibility, it is ALOT cheaper and i have ps2 next to it, and I have no problem with no backwards compatibility. ITS FINE, LEAVE IT THE WAY IT IS SONY

[ForROME]

I still would like a Silver PS3, f#$% this other stuff.

[WilliamRLBaker]

this is even worse then i predicted! 5th SKU!!! lol
WE are sony feel that multiple sku's are confusing for consumers *laughs hard* lol

[OC_MurphysLaw]

Ok...I thought the 360 was bad for its 3 sku's so far ...but honestly Sony takes the cake for sku's! In just over a year since launch...they have had 4 sku's...well 5 if this is true and they have phased out 2 of those now. Seriously...Sony get some stabalization to your product line and maybe people will buy it.

I keep holding off now cause I am not sure which sku/deal I should be waiting for...Was thinking I would get an 80GB ...but now I am curious to see what this new one is gonna be.... more waiting for me.

[The Closing]

or maybe just spend the money upgrading your computer..

[Sly]

I knew this was going to happen eventually. Sony needed to ship a new PS3 with gig space to compete with microsoft.Even though you can upgrade the ps3 hardrive to whatever you want, its still nice to see that it gomes with higher GB it also saves us time and perhaps money leaving sony to include higher gig space.

[INehalemEXI]

I knew it too , I even called the inclusion of the Dualshock 3.

[fightingILLINI]

how about sony letting you call them up and ordering what you want in your ps3. since its like a computer you can just order what you want. just like when you call dell to get a computer you tell them how much you want to spend and what your looking to do with it. i know many people who just want a simple ps3 that only plays ps3 games and only 10 gb of memory. a ps3 without all the bells and whistles would be really cheap. let the people decide what they want.

[MikeGdaGod]

...

[Wallonsi]

I hope they don't overprize the 120-160 gig model, around 450$ would be nice and perhaps a small price drop for the 40 gig model

[heroman711]

most likely what they will do

[heroman711]

expect a price drop on 40 gig

[IzKyD1331]

they should lower the price of the 80GB PS3 to 399 and phase out the 40 GB, then they should release a new 120 GB model for 499
that way the 2 options would be 80 GB PS3 with BC, and a 120-160 GB with other stuff lol

[lil bush]

i think they will charge it at 450 and drop the 40 to 299, but thats just me

[Grown Folks Talk]

especially if the 360 premium drops to $299 when GTA IV hits. By then, they might even have more room to play with price wise. I'd love to see what would happen if both the 360 & PS3 get down to the Wii's $250 price point.

[Chris_GTR1]

seriously how many ps3s are they gonna make? theres already 4 diffrent ps3 models out there.

[Wallonsi]

I think they will continue to make new PS3 SKU's untill they find the perfect one. Altho imo, the 60 gig one (which i have) is the best one out there atm.

[Chris_GTR1]

and how does the white ps3 that was recently filed to fcc fall into all of this? maybe the 40 gig will be replaced by the white one with a 20 gig for 299?

[The Closing]

A white ps3 with wifi, dualshock 3, 20gb for $299 would sell like hot cakes.

[KozmoOchez]

I wish it was like this when i got mine!!!
but now its easier to talk my friends into getting one

[RSX]

Why? there to many already i understand trying to compete with microsoft but this is ridiculous! people that plan on buying ps3's will definately start getting confused!

p.s nice change N4G

[cmrbe]

would be a big mistake for Sony if they increase the price again to more than 499 this year. I think the 40 and 80 are good enough as is. All they really need to do is lower the price further by another 100 USD and they will set the PS3 to PS2 level of success.I might be wrong but my gut feeling is the majority of PS2 owners that haven't migrated are more interested in price drops and Games instead of Hard drive capacity.

[TheXgamerLive]

I mean we all know that they already said "dual shock" is so last gen. and isn't needed.

They've moved BEYOND already w/suxasses, right?

[mcgrawgamer]

I think it'll benefit sony more if they go back to a 1 sku approach. Multiple sku's have helped Msoft somewhat but I think Sony can solidify more userbase if they go back to 1 sku. I'd recommend establishing the 40gb model with BC and selling it a reasonable 299.99

[The Swordsman]

A little too presumptuous, even if it has been hinted at in the past.

[original seed]

pay over 400 for a PS3. Im still waiting until Little Big Planet. Hopefully i get one then.

[Lafer13]

I hope with this move that they will create an update in which 40 gig PS3's get to play PS2 games...

[Doomsday]

Well the 80gig was labeled limited edition so its no surprise. i just want the dualshock 3 controller.

[MikeGdaGod]

i just told WilliamRLBaker this was gonna happen yesterday as he went on his rant about sony.

[I Call 9MM]

I'm hoping they put the PS2 chip back in the newer model. I've been meaning to get a PS3 to complement my Xbox 360 but I've been wanting to play some of the PS2 games I never got the chance to last generation. I think there is real value in adding that chip into the new model. I hope they do.

[Scenarist]

Sounds great, and I pray the price does drop within the next couple of days. I just bought my PS3 like 5 days ago from circuit city (40gb) for $399, wich means if it does drop I can take my reciept in and get the price difference back or take my PS3 back and trade for a white one and still get 100 bux back (if white comes out). Now I will be extremely pissed if it drops like right after 30 days. Basically for me , i hope it drops NOW or in 6 months when it wont matter to me lol

( GRATZ ME, WOOOOT on getting into the next gen realm of gaming)

[Horny]

well I am pretty sure the new model wont exceed 500, and the older model should drop if the 360 price drops. They will most likely keep the price at 500 for a while.

Im glad I got the 60 gig, imo thats the best model available

[monkeyshot]

i all ready got my 60 gig so they can do what they want

[SpikeSpiegel]

The 80GB was cool but I believe the reason they are putting out another sku is to justify including the dualshock 3.

[meepmoopmeep]

it's good for people that don't have a PS3 yet...

i already have 160gb + DS3.. so i'm good

[Rice]

120-160 GB=SOFT, my Ps3 is better once i get a 320 GB HDD.

[Exia]

If this is true, then I would probably pick it up at $400.

[Mikey_Gee]

But one thing is for sure ...

I "REALLY REALLY" want the rumble back in my controller. Please release soon.

[IC Weiner]

We ps3 owners get f@#cked in the @ss

[Jesso2k]

drop the price on the 40, add ds3 and make it white and i'm in!

[BrotherNick]

I want them to put back Backwards compatibility, but then again if it's the right price I can pay.

[jorellpogi]

Sony will maintain only two SKU. Removing 80GB and replacing it with 120-160GB with DualShock 3 is great.

IMO, Sony will reduce the price of 40GB and introduce the white PS3 with DS3 bundled with one free game. Introduce the 160GB with DS3 and one free game but the price will remain the same as the 80GB. This new SKU will have BC support.

[Redfang]

any idea when this will be out?

[-EvoAnubis-]

There's nothing in this new SKU I don't have already . . . in fact, I have something it doesn't. 98% PS2 compatibility.

[spike]

Finally a PS3 worth buying.

[sumfood4u]

Does this mean New PS3 GB have B/C? or is that out the window?

[xplosneer]

DUH.

BTW, was off most of today and yesterday. NICE UPDATE PEOPLE. We are out of beta? Woo!

[patterson]

They should just make one sku and ride it out.
End the confusion.

You've got potential customers waiting for the next and the next and the next... they'll never jump in.

Get back on track with what made you a success last gen. Look at Wii. One sku! Following M$' lead with all these sku's is going down the wrong path IMO.

At least this way customers will have the satisfaction of not worrying (or regretting) about the "better version". They will buy it because this is THE console, not the gimped or pimped.

And it will give you less headaches about putting together firmware updates.

[nanometric]

Atleast I can stop bending my mind over this now, I already got myself a 60gig(thank god) month ago, but if I woudn't this would probably stall me from purchasing again :/

[brado]

I've had 3 WalMart employees at 2 different locations tell me the 80GB/MGS4 Bundle is already deleted from their system (a day after release) and they won't be getting any more. They go on to say the 80GB is getting replaced by a 120GB. Anyone have any insight on this?