Official: PS3 New Sku In August & Price Cut On Older Model

Sony Corp. announced a revised PlayStation 3 console Monday with a bigger hard drive for storing downloaded content such as video games and high-definition movies.

The new $599 PS3 increases the system's storage capacity from 60 to 80 gigabytes and also includes a retail copy of the online racing title ''MotorStorm,'' a company spokesman said.

Starting Monday, the current 60 gigabyte model will cost $499 _ a $100 price drop.

The larger capacity machine won't be available in the United States and Canada until August.

It plays into the company's upcoming strategy of eventually offering
downloaded high-definition movies, video games, movie trailers and demos, Sony spokesman David Karraker said.

Karraker said Sony would use the E3 show to focus on two areas: ways to increase the number of consumers who own PS3s and other products such as the PlayStation Portable handheld system, and expanding the system's library of available games.

[jromao]

^
Anyway we can replace the actual 60GB Hard Drive with 160 GB HD from some brands, and PS3 runs smooth, all for $70/80 only.

[highps3]

Owning a 60gb from day one, this news does not bother me what so ever.

I think its great they now offer a game with their most expensive package and now for 499 you can get a 60gb ps3. Pretty Cool Deal.

Love my ps3, have owned 360's (3) and while a good system, returning gets old, fast... Wish Bioshock was going to Ps3 :)

This should only be a good thing however im sure some people will spin it someway... Going to be funny when all these people bashing the Ps3 have to get one to play Heavenly Sword and Killzone 2 :)

Good Start to E3 if you ask me :)

[Omegasyde]

Horrible Idea.

They should of brought back the 20 gig model starting at $359-399.

Common Sense, since its a beginning investment sorta of like how the core system worked for MS (except each Sku has a hard drive and blue ray)

Edit: Funny how I got disagree's yet my comment made absolute sense.

This "promotion" will bite Sony in the "who yah" when they don't reach thier sales target. A safer bet would of been the one I stated above.

The average consumer looks at the price tag first, before looking at the "extra" stuff.

[hazeblaze]

I agree with Omega on this one... The PS3 is my favorite console, so I'm not trolling or anything. But I do think that they should have brought back the 20GB (possibly w/ the card readers) for $300-$400. They would have had to increase production on PS3's then... they would have been selling so fast. For what you're getting, $500 is definitely a good deal... but it's still alienating a lot of buyers.

[rain1971]

agreed

[Dudeson42]

Personally, I would spring for a PS3 20g model at a 349.99 price point, and I already own a 360 and a Wii. I think that would do wonders for the console sales, and in turn, the software sales that really brings in the cash.

But i supposed 100 bucks for 20 more gigs and a game is a decent deal all the same.

[chasegamez]

i have a 200g hard drive in ps3
and a 160 in the other and the hard drive
160g hd is around 80 or 90 dollars

[Mishmash19]

i was able to get a 500gb external hdd for $130 at best buy. the external is nice cause you can use it for both the computer and the ps3. lot of room to store whatever, and justifies the price when compared to what microsoft and sony charge for the extra memory.

[Wargasm]

even though im not much of a sony fan, i would have no choice but to buy a 20gig ps3 at $399... that would kick some serious ass

other than that.... its pretty hard to fill up my 20 gig 360 with content that i actually want to pay for.

So lets recap..... Sony took away the consumers ability to own a ps3 for $499 shortly after launch.... and then gave it back half a year later and now its supposed to be some sort of magical announcement?

[ALI G]

And E3 has not started yet.

EDIT:@ABOVE:This is going to be huge in europe,since the only SKU available is the 60GB.lowering the price by 100$ = 50£ + retailers offers .i think this will make big impact in europe.

[QuackPot]

The wise buy should buy the 60G version and upgrade - if need be - to 160G.

I don't believe the 80G will do well.

[drtysouf21]

Wonder what effect this will have on sales.

Edit: Where did my 5th bubble go? I never post negative comments about any console so what gives?

Edit: To the disagreeing people why do you disagree? Show me where i have said a negative comment about a console.

Edit: Check my comment below for proof.

[kingofps3]

hmm... lets see what Microsoft would do now? Take another billion loss and cut price? lol

Have a bubble... and that will be $12.99 ;p

[Strange]

Don't worry, it's back

For those who keep on saying that Sony should announce the price cut earlier, Price cuts are ALWAYS going to be denied until the last minute. It's the only way to maintain sales until the price cut. Think of it. If they say today that the price cut will come in August, would you buy it now? Simple logic :P

[Covenant]

Bubble from me, too. It seems that contributors to this site get far more negative feedback than merited. Nothing about this comment deserves negative votes.

[TruthHurts]

we keep you bubbles goin.
i do anyways.

and NO, you don`t say anything bad about ANY system.
and if you did, you don`t just RANT about it.
keep it goin.

[SPAWN]

You always post negative stories on the 360 while you only post positive stories on the ps3! You`re not fooling anyone, be real and cut the bull about why you don`t know why people disagree!

[Covenant]

Hmm. Replying to this post has cost me a bubble.

Can't win for losing, eh?

[drtysouf21]

So i have 11 vs 14 negative stories for PS3 & 360 NOT A BIG DIFFERENCE i have a total of 15 positive 360 stories and all the rest of my submissions are either positive PS3 stories Nuetral Stories or Stories that are Tech or have nothing to do with consoles. So why am i getting persecuted when there is only a 3 story difference of negative stories between PS3 and 360. I own all consoles and love all consoles but PS3 is my favorite but i still try to treat all my submissions as fair as possible i'm not perfect but by no means am i Bad or Horrible.
Negative PS3 Stories TOTAL = 11

http://www.n4g.com/News-501...
http://www.n4g.com/gaming/N...
http://www.n4g.com/gaming/N...
http://www.n4g.com/News-482...
http://www.n4g.com/industry...
http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News...
http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News...
http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News...
http://www.n4g.com/ps3/News...
http://www.n4g.com/tech/New...
http://www.n4g.com/industry...

Positive 360 Stories TOTAL = 15

http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/industry...
http://www.n4g.com/News-479...
http://www.n4g.com/News-478...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/industry...
http://www.n4g.com/News-457...
http://www.n4g.com/News-454...
http://www.n4g.com/News-447...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/News-424...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...

Negative 360 Stories TOTAL = 14

http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/News-450...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/industry...
http://www.n4g.com/industry...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/xbox360/...
http://www.n4g.com/News-385...

[EZCheez]

How the hell can you disagree with him saying it's an OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT?

What do you want Sony to do, take it back?

Phil Harrison at E3-"Well since the forum posters on N4G didn't seem to agree with our price drop, we've decided to cancel the entire idea."

F'ing Idiots.

[MEGANE]

i have nothing to say but i feel bad 4 u so a give u + feedback. i hope u get ur bubble back...lol

[Maldread]

Nice find and great news. I was glad to hear it confirmed, as i might pick up a PS3 when the big games come lather this year now.

Don`t care about the fanboys, even though they can seem to appreciate Sony`s price drop (which will mean a 360 one too, and maybe soon, which will expand Microsoft`s base as well) and competition which will benefit us costumers in the end. Positive feedback from me.

[tosh61]

is this true? will this be getting a whole bunch of hits soon too?

[eLiNeS]

but I can't believe there dropping the price already, so soon. The Xbox 360 has been out a year longer and I don't think they will be cutting prices for sometime. They don't need to with Halo 3 being released in only 77 days. That game alone will sell systems until after the holidays are long gone.

I would still wait on getting a PofS3. By the time the holidays roll around, there will be another $100 price cut, no doubt in my mind, what mind I have left that is.

[timmyp53]

all sony has to do is debut the video on demand on the PS3 store and then im happy

[deathtok]

A 60GB DVR will only store ~7.5 hrs of HD content while an 80GB still only stores ~10 hrs. If this move was all about DVR they would do better to jump to an even larger HDD.

[EZCheez]

That right now when you buy a PS3 you also get five free Blu-Ray movies with a mail-in offer! I'm starting to think I should have waited a few more months!

I only hope that the packaged game coming with the 80Gb version is changed to whatever game the buyer chooses. I mean they all cost 60 bucks so what's the difference?

[ngoniko]

that's lame... 20gb increase? why not more?

[Husso]

Why more ?

seriously why ?

[DrRage77]

why more?? here's a reason, how about to JUSTIFY a $100 price difference!!! so now sony wants people to pay $500 for 60gb, or pay $100 for 20gb more??? i can't wait to hear all the lame excuses this time from the sony fanboys.

when there were first rumors of the 80gb version, people were jumping on it and talking about how it would replace the 60gb version since you can just upgrade the harddrive yourself and sony would not be dumb enough to have only a 20gb difference between two sku's......well, let's start hearing all the clever back-pedaling by the sony fanboys who will now say how wonderful it is for sony to offer such a great choice of 60gb or 80gb for $100 more....at least the sbos360 elite has a 120gb harddrive over the premium which has a 20gb harddrive, and the elite is only $80 more...

let me think, $80 difference between 20gb and 120gb, or $100 difference between 60gb and 80gb? which company do you think is out to make money and screw over their fanbase now????

[sticky doja]

That would be a 100g difference between Premium and Elite. And it is a waste of money, $100 extra dollars for 20g's and basically a launch title. Throw in Heavenly Sword or Killzone 2 with that bundle and I might be ready to buy my PS3.

[hazeblaze]

Actually Dr. Rage... they're giving you an extra 20 gigs AND a game for that extra $100. That's not screwing their customers.

[Delive]

You could still get the 60gb SKU, save your $100.00 and upgrade your Hdd yourself. I don't think Sony is going to push the 80gb SKU as much as they just want PS3's in homes. They don't care if it's the 60 or the 80, they are both the same hardware other than the hard drive. if you shell out the extra $100 for a 20gb difference, shame on you. It's nothing like the difference between the 60gb and the 20gb SKU's at launch

[unsunghero28]

Except it's still $600. The problem before wasn't that the PS3 was a bad deal (it's a fantastic one) but that it just cost too much. Simple as that, and if Sony doesn't figure that out then they're in for the biggest flop in the (admittedly short) history of their gaming division.

If there's not another drop come the holiday season then Sony won't have a shot at winning it. I think the PS3 is a great piece of hardware, but I also think that consumers won't pay $600 for what they currently think (because Sony has done a poor job of advertising its media capabilities) is a fancy gaming machine.

-EDIT-
What I meant by $600 is that the primary model (though slightly upgraded) is still $600, and the secondary is $500. Sure, there's an improvement in features, but not a price cut, and I feel that a price cut is really what Sony needs. The PS3 was jampacked with your money's worth before, but still lacking in sales because of its high price.

[GoLeafsGo]

Not to mention losing most of its exclusive titles.

[Bathyj]

You dont have to buy the most expensive model with PS3. Buying a cheaper version means you lose a little storage but all the other features are there.

EDIT:
Oh theres a shock. I got a disagree even thou I've only stated FACT not opinion. They should just change those tabs from agree/disagree to I like PS3/I like Xbox, because thats about as much thought as anyone puts into it when using them.

[EZCheez]

About "I like PS3/ I like 360" buttons.

That has to be one of the best comments I have ever read on this site.

[Bathyj]

Thanks Cheez, have a bubble. Its just about getting that bad. I think some people just start reading and then say, na, he likes that other console. DISAGREE. Or worse, the ones that just know you by sight and will disagree or worse, without even reading what you said.
Am I getting paranoid? WHO'LL STOP THE MADNESS!!

[Blasphemy]

Well PS3 will officially take this Christmas with the new price drop and all the awesome games they have coming.

[Naruto]

how it's still $600 if it going to $499???????????

[unsunghero28]

As a general rule, people don't buy second best. It's just the way history has played itself out. The 20GB didn't sell well because it was second best, the core doesn't sell well because it's second best...

When people go for a fancy console, they're not looking for the poor man's version.

[ngoniko]

what are you talking about? the only difference is 20gb memory
and the old 20gb SKU doesn't have wifi, and memory card reader...

[unsunghero28]

I think that very few people know about the differences in models except for GB numbers. The PS3 has always been jampacked with features so that it's a great deal; making it a little more so won't make a big difference in sales. What they REALLY NEED is to get the price range down to $400/$500.

[Delive]

I have no choice but to disagree. Because of the high price, I think most people who bought a PS3 researched it a little. the 20gb sku was limited compared to the 60gb, no brainer decision. The core was limited compared to the premium, no brainer. With this, you get the same PS3 for $499 or $599 as far as functionality. Unless there is a price cut, Motorstorm still cost $59, That leaves $40 for the extra 20gb. So if your going to get motorstorm anyway, go for it, but if not, Save your cash and get what should turn out to be the more popular sku, the 60gb because it can do the same as the 80gb.

[TheExecutive]

well this is good news for people that havent bought a console yet. The 60 gig at 499 is a good price, no matter what anyone says. I wonder if they will cut the price again during the holiday season, even 50 bucks would be good.

[ngoniko]

I'll bet you anything it will going to drop another 100 by the holiday season making it 399 for 60gb

[Bathyj]

I agree. Another price drop this year. Maybe $100 but even $50 would be received very well.

[Eidolon]

According to the to the request sony sent out, there was some revision to the bluetooth I think :), that might not be all, let's wait for E3, they might explain further.

[kr9091]

That's interesting. Where did you hear that information?? do you have a link perhaps?

[kr9091]

I think this is EXCELLENT news for sony!!! Hopefully it will help them expand their sales.

[Blankman]

i have a feeling the vibrating controllers go into the new ps3's. I have no intention of trading in ma ps3 for this new one but it is interesting to see how this will affect sales

[kr9091]

That would make sense.

[ngoniko]

yes, since the 80gb one will be available in August, E3 07 is just 3 days away, might be included in the 80gb package

[deathtok]

I don't necessarily think a $599 SKU is bad, however another 20GB and Motorstorm isn't worth it for me. They would do better if the new SKU was 120GB with Resistance: Fall of Man.

[Bloodmask]

I'm sure that the PS3 price drop will create a spike in sales. But even at $500 it is still far too expensive.

Even the 360 is too expensive except the core. The PS3 will still be the most expensive system and most likely always will be bc Sony started at a rediculous price for the "core" gaming audience.

As history has shown with the Wii, price can be a very dominant driving force for hardware sales. $200 dollars is the sweet spot and the PS3 won't see that for years.

[hfaze]

What's with the $599.99 bundle? Only 20GB more and Motorstorm? They should have thrown in both component and HDMI cables as well, along with a bluetooth headset. And perhaps a rumble SixAxis instead of the non-rumble one...

That way, you have everything you need for online play (in HD) in the box. THAT would make it worth the extra $100...

But then again, I guess Sony does need to make money after all... ;-)

Great deal on the 60GB model though!

[chrischris]

sony is the best game company ever but 80gb is small compare to xbox 360 120gb, why motorstorm why not lair when it come out, if sony want ps3 to pass 360 this year they need killzone to come out this year

[ngoniko]

ps3 has built in HD player, wifi, memory card reader and 360 elite doesn't

[DixieNormS]

But I still enjoy renting and watching HD MOVIES through xboxlive. I love this Idea. Not the Motorstorm and 20 extra gigs Idea but the 500$ price tag for the 60gig. I might have the money for a PS3 sooner than I thought.

[macalatus]

...will it have the same PS2 chip for backwards compatibility? I like Sony, but $100 difference seems to be a little too much for a little gain.

[ironwolf]

However, I hope the $100 difference for an extra 20 gigs puts an end to the snide remarks about the cost of the 360s 120 gig drive. That's what I hope; what I expect is more hypocrisy.

[ReBurn]

The $100 also gets you a $60 game. So it's really only $40 for 20gb.

But that's still a little sketchy in the value department.

[sticky doja]

And the game is an old game without that many features. Not a $60 game in my book at all.

[Covenant]

PS3 Elite?

Is 20GB really worth $100 more? Yes, there's a game included, but for how long? After the holidays, will a game still be in the bundle? If not, will there be a price break, or will it still be $600?

MS charges $80 more for their Elite than their Pro, with a much bigger hard drive and HDMI support, but no high-def DVD player.

Something to think about.

EDIT: What are you disagreeing with? These are legitimate questions.

[mikeslemonade]

People want the best version and that version is still $600. PS3 will still be labeled as a $600 device which sucks. If anything they should bring back the 20gb and price that at $399, then that would really hurt 360. 360 can't lower the price because they are so money happy to earn profit by next year. A 20gb PS3 is free online right out the box. You can get a HDMI cable for $10 and then by Warhawk retail version for the headset and most likely you have saved more than the average 360 owner. That's $470 if you buy Warhawk retail and $10 hdmi cable. A 360 premium owner will buy XBL gold and Gears of War or Halo 3. That amounts to $510.

[ReBurn]

What you're forgetting to put in your speculation is a possible price cut by Microsoft. If that happens all you said just goes right out the window. And 20gb is not likely coming back. The only thing that Sony can do is to get some good games into players' hands.

[Wargasm]

is the one that i dont have to take out a loan for.

[chrischris]

but 360 have alot more games, why do most people hate sony for, 360 will be old in 4 years

[DrRage77]

okay, so what is the point of bringing out the 80gb and keeping 60gb also?? that is absolutely lame for sony to have a 60gb and 80gb model, and there is going to be a $100 difference between 20gb???

at least microsoft offer a REAL harddrive upgrade on the elite which is only $80 more than the 20gb version. i know all you sony fanboys will say you can just add any size harddrive you want to the ps3, but if that is true, then you HAVE to agree that it is absolutely lame and a waste of time and money for sony to offer an 80gb version of teh ps3 and a 60gb version. if they had the 20gb version and the 80gb, there would at least be a decent difference between teh two sku's, but sony is once again making a dumb move with their half-assed 2 sku's. everyone had thought that when they dropped the 20gb version, they would be permanently replacing the 60gb with teh 80gb version, but now they are keeping the 60 and 80...dumb move.

the 80gb version is going to sell WORSE than the xbox360 core lol

[chrischris]

Wii is the past , xbox 360 is the present,PS3 is the future

[Fisher339]

"The new $599 PS3 increases the system's storage capacity from 60 to 80 gigabytes and also includes a retail copy of the online racing title ``MotorStorm,'' a company spokesman said."

[PS3n360]

when this comes out motorstorm will be a platinum hit worth $20 and also will be flooding the used section. This is not a deal in any way. If it included two rumble controllers then maybe. The current deal of 499 for 60 gb with 5 movies is a superior deal. I am gonna grab a 60 gb beforre they get phased out.

[Crissaegrim]

Forgive my long comment, but this really is an amazing deal, especially when you couple it with Sony's other offers. I don't know what would stop anybody from picking up a PS3 now if they are remotely interested in the current and future games and plans for this system.

Let me break down the options for those that might not know. $499 for the 60GB model. If you apply for the Sony Card from sonystyle.com, you will get a $100 credit after your first purchase - I did this for mine. Also, if you buy a blu-ray player (including the PS3) before September 30, you get 5 free blu-ray movies (from a selected list). I know everyone doesn't value the PS3 as a blu-ray player, but it is excellent in that regard. I know many plan on buying many high-def movies in the future (whether they have a high-def set now or plan to buy one) and at at least $20 dollars each movie, this would save another $100.

If you take these things into consideration, you could be looking at a PS3 for $299. This is especially significant (at least in my mind) when you consider that it costs Sony close to $700 to make the system these days. Meanwhile Apple is selling their top of the line iPhone for $600 when it costs them only $300.

I have typically found Sony products to be quite expensive initially, but with the PS3 I believe I have found quite a phenomenal piece of equipment at a very reasonable price (and I felt that way when it cost $600).

[ReBurn]

No matter how you spin it, getting 5 free movies that you probably wouldn't have purchased anyway is not taking $100 off of what you spent. That $100 is still gone. I can't believe that people fall for that marketing spin.

[Crissaegrim]

You are right, however there may be some that would have picked up these movies anyway, and even though this doesn't necessarily give you another $100 off, I don't know anyone that wouldn't find great value in getting 5 free blu-ray movies (marketing spin included). That's my only point.

[clonec7]

To redeem the sony points do you have to purchase the PS3 from sonystyle online?

When I tried to redeem from sonystyle it required that at least half the purchase price needed to be from sony points and the other half credit card.

[bootsielon]

I find this ridiculous. Seriously, WTF? First of all, 20GB extra and a game is too little for the extra $100; it should be at least twice the size of HDD. Second, this is NOT a price drop!! The only thing they are doing is giving people more incentive to spend THE SAME AMOUNT ($599). Why would anyone want the 60GB one now? Now you get a free game and 20 Gigs more for the same price as before. They should have at least offered a 120 or 160 HDD!!

Edit:

Below, I agree. I just think they should have offered a somewhat bigger hard drive to at least be on par with the Elite, or surpass it. My bet is that Sony wants to phase out the old 60 GB PS3 the way they did with the 20 GB one. It would seem that Sony will lose even more by offering a game AND a bigger hard drive, but the price of manufacturing an 80 GB one is almost the same as a 60GB one; furthermore, including a game doesn't further losses, since it's a best-selling game, and it is probably already in-the-money (making profit for every game sale). The 80 GB one probably has a 65nm cell (which was already being produced), 65nm RSX (I don't think this one was hard to get), cheaper Blu-ray diodes, and so on; so the PS3 won't further Sony's losses now; rather, they will decrease.

They've only switched SKUs, by killing the old 20GB one, and replacing it with the old 60GB one, while the 60 GB was replaced with a little bit extra value and less of a loss.

Don't look at this move as if it was a price drop.

And I'm a sony fan.

Edit 2:

nasim, don't be an idiot. I'm not an Xbot, I love PS3, and I got it for 599. Your argument stems from value, and frankly, judging by PS3s slumping sales, value doesn't matter anymore. It's about price FIRST, and value SECOND. Obviously, if Sony manages to price PS3 in the same level as Xbox 360, it would outsell perhaps even the Wii. However, that is not gonna happen soon, as it's too expensive to build for Sony, which is a shame. But again, if they come close enough by holiday season ($399), they could stand to make a killing. I would like that as a Sony fan, since I want everyone to enjoy the pleasure of owning and playing games with PS3 exclusive features.

[pwnsause]

I find it fair already, both models have the same specs, except that they both have different HDD sizes, which is not a problem, since you can upgrade the size of the 60gb for cheap, 80gb model is fair because its bundled with a game already, I think they are bringing Movies to the PS Store after all.

[nasim]

the leiet costs 475$
and have no wifi
no HDMI 1.3 support
no next gen drive
no free online

and still these GARBAGE BOX 360 fanboys (x360 has 60% defective rate ) complains

the 60gig model has been slashed to 499$

the 80gig model comes with MOTORSTORM and is 599$

stop complaining

nasty BOTS

[akaFullMetal]

price cut will help, but its just the games that the ps3 needs right now, and proof that the ps3 can bring it, which we should see in e3, cant wait

[pwnsause]

now if the system gets packaged with the rumored shockaxis controller as a standard and hdmi, then its a steal.

[wildcat]

I hope this news is only semi-official because I think 2 SKUs will only further confuse the customer:

"How much will I save with this version?"
"How much does 20GB cost?"
"Can I choose which game I get?"

Just choose one SKU, 60GB/80GB, or at least offer more stuff with the $600 bundle so that it is completely different from the $500 one. I don't think a game and 20GB is enough for the consumer.

[ReconHope]

sweeten the deal with standard hdmi cables and standard headset. shockaxis is just asking 4 2 much..

[Kenshin]

I'm sure this new version is not just a 20Gb increase and an inclusion of motostorm. a $100 difference does not justify it. Perhaps as PWNSAUSE mentioned, it will come equipped with a new shockaxis and HDMI cable and whatnot.

[TheMART-sucksdick]

?

[Elginer]

will not end well. Honestly when I read this I went...WTF?! I mean wow...umm ok.

[Bigmac573]

Sorry f@ggots!

[TheExecutive]

well i guess, the 100 bucks off of the 60 gig is a good deal. However, the 80 gig is a bit expensive. However, we shall see how the 80 gig is received, if it is received very well we will see the price of the 60 fall quicker, if it is received poorly then it may share the fate of the 20 gig. Only time will tell

btw I like the idea of bringing back the 20 gig for dirt cheap, they should add wifi though.

[DJ]

I don't agree with this decision, and hopefully it's just a rumor. $100 bucks off the 60GB is great, but making new SKU that's only 20GB greater just seems dumb to me. It seems like someone just assumed that this will happen since South Korea received an 80GB SKU. The big difference of course is that that was the only SKU available in that country; they're also a lot more tech-savvy than us.

[ErcsYou]

what a bunch of negative people. sony is pretty much giving away a free game and 20 extra gb for the same price as i paid for a ps3. but if you dont want that they have a 60gb hd with no game for $100 cheaper.

its a price drop people......stop b!tching and be happy. the ps3 hasnt even been out for a year and allready had a price drop...the 360 has been out for almost two years and hasnt seen a price drop.

i agree they should bring back the 20 gig for 399.99, if japan gets a price drop too then i will buy another ps3 for lan and multiplayer online.

[Monty_The_Great]

there are two things killing sony, and one way more than the other. Yes not having games hurts, but its the price that is killing them. I personally believe they are only doing this because the ps2 is dropping in price, and chances are it is going to sell like hot cakes, like when the ps2 first became slim and dropped price, you oculdnt find it anywhere. sony isn't fully involved in the ps3 yet, they are still to involved in the ps2. only thing i don't want to see happen is that they stay to involved in the ps2 for to long and the ps3 goes to the crapper. personally the only thing holding me back from the ps3 is the price, because i want to play sigma.

[ApocalypseShadow]

to all the people who still don't get it:

PS3 60GIG $499 plus 5 free bluray movies(that's a steal!!!!!!!)

PS3 80GIG $599 plus motorstorm(should be ratchet) and 5 free bluray movies(if they continue the deal on movies in august)

the 360 fanboys don't get the great deals.no hd playback,no movies,no free game,no card readers,no wifi,no web browser,no larger hard drive,nothing.

but you COMPLAIN about sony and their reliable system.how sad you are with that broken reject of a next gen system that has to be covered with a 3 year RROD warranty.

what will be your excuse when sony wins again in 6 years?you won't have any.

[Wargasm]

*this is what you said made the ps3 such a deal*

HD PLAYBACK - Nice if you have a HDTV but if you happen to be middle-class enough to be one of the ~80% of Americans that don't own an hdtv then its a $200 dollar rip off for something you cant use.

NO WEB BROWSER - This is what COMPUTERS are for(you know.. those things that anybody who can afford a ps3 already has)

NO CARD READERS- *see above* plus who actually needs this stuff anyway?

NO LARGER HARD DRIVE - you can buy bigger hard drives, but i doubt you will ever actually need one.

NO [free] Movies- this is a promotion set to create demand and drive Ps3 sales in the store... which is likely a result of the slow sales because most consumers are waiting for a price cut. The promotion will go away after the price cut because it will no longer be needed to sell ps3's.

WIFI- wifi is nice and i really wish the 360 had it

I bought my 360 for GAMING...

*if the PS3 does eventually win after 6 years, it will probably do so after losing for 4. Ps3 sales should pick up by the time that blu-ray is widely accepted as the new standard (which could take 6)

If they would have only kept the 20 gig model and dropped ITS price by $100.... i would have bought one by next week... too bad though

EDIT: if you disagree with me tell me why, i would honestly like to hear it.

[Wargasm]

thats a decent point... i never really looked at it like that.

i still think that its more of a Nifty bullet point than anything else tho

[Bathyj]

I cant believe the amount a negativity in this thread.

Bottomline is you can buy the say machine I bought at launch 3 months ago for $100 less. Sayings its not a pricedrop because of an extra SKU is rediculous. You dont have to buy that one. All you people that were complaining "I'd buy one if they were cheaper" and now acting like they have to get 80GB need a good slapping. IS it worth $100 more? Not if you have one already, and not if you dont care about the HD. Everyone knows HD are easily added by the user anyway so its a moot point. Get a 60GB that has all the same features as the new SKU, save yourself some money, and quit looking for dark clouds in silver linings. Besides, I'll bet you that $100 this isn't the last price cut this year and rumble will be back in the new SKU as well. I'll bet people want it then and feel its worth the $100. And consider yourselves lucky, going by the current exchange rate and the strong Aussie dollar a 60GB PS3 should be about AU$600 but I bet our price hasn't dropped to that yet. No, still 1000 bucks for us. Personally, I think it should drop to AU$750, the same price as a launch PS2.

[TheExecutive]

I agree completely, people are complaining for no real reason. If you dont want the extra 20gig and motorstorm than buy the 60 gig. The 100 dollar price drop IS THE REAL STORY HERE. Now when people go to buy a console and see the elite for 479 and the ps3 for 499 they will actually have something to think about. Which, believe it or not fanboys, is good for gaming. SO SHUT YOUR WHINING UP!

[Maldread]

I pretty much agree with you on that, but i do think Sony should have sweetened the deal a bit with the 599$ price point.

How about if you could chose one of Sony`s upcoming games coming this fall like Heavenly Sword, Lair, Killzone 2 or any other Sony game (Motorstorm included, if you absolutely wanted it), because the bundle dosn`t come until august anyway, so the games should come out around the same timeperiod (i hope). Trow in a or some movies (which you should be allowed to choose yourself) and a HDMI-cable, and it would be more value for it`s price.

As Motorstorm probably will be near a Platinum release, and you "only" get 20gig more, i think some people will still claim the PS3 costs 599$, and forget you still could buy it at 499$ now (which is a better deal than the bundle if you ask me, so i`m just glad it happened), as you also could do with the 20gig model.

Still, it do mean that the 599$ hasn`t gone entirely away and for some people that`s not good, even though they usually defend the choice to choose.

[jwatt]

Forget the 80gig model, it's just 100 dollars off on the 60gig model.

[tehcellownu]

I feel like the 20gb isnt enough for me..So i would not want sony to bring it back and sell it for a cheap price..I used almost all my ps3 60gb alrady and planning to upgrade it..the only difference about the new sku is extra 20gb and motor storm..come on now...lol..I do agree sony should jus not bother with it..

I think the 80gb sku wont sell as many..and sony will have to take it out..Sony please u got to get people to know that your system 499 NOW because it looks better to the eyes..

edit: The 80Gb is a great deal though with motorstorm after i think about it..but only if u are planning to get that game from the start anyways..

Edit 2- the 60gb ps3 is GREAT value..so xbots who said it isnt needs help..

[Sevir04]

Sony is now gonna educate the market on the new hardware thats hitting in august, at the same time use E3 to harpoon the the 60gig config in homes.

as of right now the 60gig is the only the PS3 in North America and canada. they just dropped the price effective today. people looking for a PS3 will see this and say great it's a 100 bucks cheaper. and while this may spur a quick sale here and there it wont do much untill Sony's E3 show kicks off. showing all the games coming out in the next few months. so E3 will spur sales up even mopre for the 60gig.

Now in august, and we still dont know which day in august the 80gig upgrade will come in. Sony will launch that new config to the world, again Using E3 to further educate the consumer base.

think about this for a second. In korea the 80gig model is widely available without a bundle. 80gigs at a higher price is no way to justify a game console with out a bundle. again Sony Shows just how much more they pay attention to the american market because it's one of the markets that need to match the 360. hence why the new config has a game bundled with it. if anything, it would have been even better if they made the bundles across both config. 60gig ps3 at $499. with a motorstorm or resistance,, and they would seriously make a killing.\\

still consumers arent like us that look at the hardware indept and aren't very tech Savy, so seeing an 80 gig ps3 for 600 bucks with a copy of Motorstorm the second best ps3 game out right now is saying alot. in addition to all the other features they may read on the box.

like

upscale DVDs to Hd
play all your PS1/2 games in 1080p(provided you have a tv that supports it) or in other Hd setting.
chat
browse the net
video chat.
watch blu ray movies out of the box
download games via psn
play games online via psn
cross media functionality with PSP to PS3
and Stream media from you PC to PS3.
Bluetooh compatible
USB 2.0 compatible
Wifi.
CD, DVD, Blu-ray playback
PS3 games in HD
support for 5.1-7.1 dobly surrond sound and True HD
Memory stick, Sd card, and memory stick pro card readers
and the fact that it includeds and Upgradeable 80gig HDD right out the box.

if you think people arent gonna look at the box and read what they are getting then you who are saying all this nay rubbish is sadly mistaken. they aren't looking at how much it cost to have a 20gig more space or the actual production cost to the 80gig inclusion. and frankly they wont care. bigger is better. and the inclusion of all of the above Said, and the game bundle only makes that 600 dollar 80gig PS3 seem that much more afordable.. and we dont even know if Sony will package that rumored new sixaxis with nextgen force feedback controller in the new config.

yes we as hard core gamers and early adopters are truely tech savy geeks and pay attention to technology more than we need to and we make our choices based on that. but thats why we all line up with hype this big on launch day and the core consumers normally get it when it seems like a bargin later on down the line.

the 60gig is still the only one here in the US and canada, untill august, E3 will be the time for sony to educate the consumers better and more responsibly this time around with whats coming shortly and whats availible now. and i think they couldn't have picked a better time to do it.

[ReBurn]

The average consumer doesn't care about all of the techie features of the console. They just want it to do what they say it will do, and they will pay as little as they can for it. Personally, I don't think an 80gb version with a game is all that compelling, and the average consumer won't either. I would bet that the 60 gb version is going to be more popular while it is available, but it is eventually going to disappear in favor of the 80 gb version.

[venombrains]

OMG!!!!THIS IS SO AWESOME CUZ I WUZNT EXPECTIN A PRICE DROP TILL AFTER E3 OR AROUND CHRISTMAS BUT IM GOING TO WAIT FOR THE NEW CONTROLLER

[ITR]

This new 80GB PS3 is getting a lot of negative press from all over the net.

[EZCheez]

After reading through these posts, I find it somewhat amazing that people are wanting to focus more on the 80Gb SKU than the 60Gb that just dropped $100 in price. The only major flaw I see is not allowing a choice of game to be included with the $600 bundle.

[Rythrine]

I think this is just a business move so the people who are still undecided and the casual gamers who are still holding out with purchasing a ps3 will sway more to looking at the 60gb because its cheaper. We here in N4G knows that 20gb is not really a big jump but for the casual gamers, they will look at the price comparison and decide from there. Now, if they'll bundle that with the rumble controllers or maybe just two controllers rather than one, then it will sound reasonable. But for only 20gb increase were, for $100 you can get a bigger hard drive out there, its not really an improvement and hardcore gamers know that but not the casual ones imo.

[rivithed]

Here's the full announcement and first boxshot: http://www.gamingbits.com/c...

[xTCx Death]

bad move

[Darkiewonder]

Really. 80gb? the model most likely will be the same as the European model. Bring back the 20gb model and drop that to 399. That would have been better. Because the HDD is replaceable. and really. How many people that are looking for a VIDEO GAME system will actually use the other feature? So yeah. 20gb at 399 and 60gb for 499 would have been better at least.

[PS360PCROCKS]

this isn't a price drop...their just dropping the lower sku and replacing it with the more expensive one...yes your getting more for your money now but it's not a price drop. I think Sony should have left it alone their already losing alot on every machine but now their going to include even more? I guess they figure by doing this they will acquire a stronger user base to make it all back...kinda risky I guess.

[Boink]

will MS counter? maybe a halo3 + 360 bundle?

and they did this 1 month before halo 3 launches, will it be enough?

it's gonna be a great year for gamers I think:)

[aiphanes]

I am ok with what sony did...At least the 60 gb model is at $499. That is a good deal...the 80 GB model is at $599 with motorstorm...I do not know about this...You are getting an extra 20 GBs for $40...not a good deal when you can get a 100 GB drive for around $75 or less...

People go with the 60 GB model...and lets hope that sony brings back the 20 GB model but put in wifi and memory card reader for $399!

Now if the $599 model had a 200Gb drive.....hmmm

[potepenko]

360 fanboys were constantly complaining about the ps3's high price, but now that there will be the 80 gb ps3 wit motorstorm will be their next hot topic. i love how it's never sony fanboys or ps3 owners talking smack about the 360. it's always defending. i think xbox fanboys are jealous for sony's constant updates to the ps3. i rarely hear any new goodadditions to the 360.

[nasim]

It is a price drop.
for 499$ you are getting the 60gig ps3.

for 599$ you are getting the 80gig ps3 +Motorstorm.

poor defective x360 and elite.

the new ps3 basically kills overpriced x360 elite with non NEXT GEN DRIVE/WI FI

[JasonPC360PS3Wii]

Now the hypocrites have to defend it LOL (poetic justice)

[ironwolf]

lets sum this up and get on to something else.

1. $100 price drop for the 60gig PS3. Very good.

2. New 80gig SKU. OK, but too big a price difference, even with a free (old) game.

Everyone can go home now.

[Laka]

Good price cut on the 60gig will sale, not sure about the 80gig thouh.

[xbox360elitegamer]

It's cool to see a price drop, but don't think it's going to make a major difference. I don't more people will buy PS3s, it's still expensive.

[sevenout]

I am sick of the PS3 fanbois (who don't own a PS3) touting the "great value" that the PS3 is, like because it is a great value, it is going to sell systems. I bought my PS3 at launch and have spent close to a grand on it altogether, with games and controllers. For me, for what I was looking for my whole home theater, the PS3 was a no-brainer! It's a Blu-Ray player and a fantastic game machine-Win-Win!

However, for the average gamer the bitter pill of the cost of entry into PS3-land is a formidable barrier.

The best analogy I can give is the difference between a Toyota Camry (Represented by the Wii) and a Mercedes Benz. Sure, for what you get in a Benz these days, it's a great value compared to the past Mercedes Benzes, but most of the general public cannot afford a Mercedes Benz. They CAN however, afford an Camry.

It is silly to present an argument saying that since the Benz is such a great value, it's going to be the number one seller when most of the population on the earth cannot afford to buy one, but that's what the hardcore PS3 fans are saying, over and over and over again.

Let's take it a step further. Let's say that the Benz got 100mpg, an incredible value for today's gas prices! However, the price stayed the same; still way too expensive for the average consumer. Could you still say that Mercedes Benz would be number one in the world? No, you could not.

I have purposely left the 360 out of this analogy because I don't think it's going to be as successful as the Wii is, but certainly successful.

One of the BIG reasons Nintendo is going to be number one in this 'next gen' war, is that it is one of the most recognized and DATED name brands in the World. Grandparents who are in their 60's bought Nintendos for their own kids and most likely played a game of Donkey Kong or two back in the 80's.

Personally, this $100 price break, although welcomed, ain't the paradigm shift needed to boost PS3 sales; a $399 price tag and a lot more games will be needed to move more PS3s, but certainly the PS3 will never achieve the PS2 level of success of 110 million units sold.

[crippler666]

This is a step in the right direction, a second version is now in place and a free game.

Yes if you look at the $100 dollars differance from the view point of a person who already owns a PS3 or a person not planning on owning a PS3 it doesn't seem worth it, but a person who is going to make a purchase it could be.

As I remember rightly Motorstorm is getting another update soon with another track and better graphics (may of been on IGN but not sure).

I think this is going to increase sales, but is not going to be Earth shattering.

[Pika-pie]

No word of a Euro price drop.. And we already pay twice as much than Americas. I love the PS3 but I hate Sony for stinging the European marking.

[TheMART]

Sony got scared, that MS will announce a 360 pricedrop tomorrow, the 10th of July on E3!

Pretty sure about it...

Premium 299 to 349, starting... Tomorrow!

@ idontcare (below)

Uh dude. WiFi adapter is what, 70 Euro. A game is 55 Euro if you get them online. That makes 180 Euro + 400 for a premium, 580 Euro.

Your logic isn't really logic.

Don't you need to buy games with the PS3? And a HDMI cable? And a BT headset?

600 + 120 (2 games) + HDMI cable (a good one 40 or 50 Euro) + BT headset (what, 30 Euro or so).

that's 800 dollar/euro already. If there were good games to buy actually... ah that's why you compare the 360 which has games to buy with the PS3 price of 600 with no games bought.

I GET YOUR LOGIC!

[felidae]

.. the premium 360 cost me 620€ incl. Wi-Fi A. + 2 games. so how can the ps3 be too expensive?

eehm. logic?

[CrazzyMan]

To make so soon a price cut, Sony really care about gamers! Sweeet! =)
PS3 FTW! :)

[iceice123]

They don't care about gamers. If they did it would have been 500$ for the 60gb all along, don't fool yourself.

[QuackPot]

And people are complaining because.........?

[amerz]

Sony announced it first, and if there was any plan of an MS price cut, it would have been announced in advance to retailers, meaning it would have appeared in the flyers.

Here's the deal: Xbots insist MS has had a price cut planned, and would therefore not have been affected by RROD warranties. However, if this was the case, then the price cut would be in the flyers. It is not.

If they didn't plan it, as we all know they didn't by now, then they'll have encountered a huge deterrent, the 1.1BILLION loss - they want to be profitable. They didn't expect a Sony price cut so soon.

According to the latest reports, PS3 was profitable 3 months ago (probably why Sony didn't announce it - so they could have a surprise cut, and of course, not every cost reduction is reported, especially not constant ones), and 360 still isn't. This is accurate enough - PS3 went into 65nm and Blu-ray diodes went down so much Sony could cut down a BR player from 1000 to 500 (both were priced to make profit). 360 didn't go into 65nm yet, MS are waiting for that before Halo 3, GTA4 and the holidays push 'big' numbers for them. If they cut the price by more than 20 bucks, consider profitability gone, as they'll be incurring heavy losses over increased hardware sales.

Therefore, no 360 price cut until next year.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~

Now, for this news. I thought it was terrible too. They were repeating MS's HUGE Elite blunder.

BUT!!!!!

It's a limited edition box. (The 80GB)

To me this means the following.

The 60GB has at least 2/3 of a month to sell at its 500 price with no other SKUs. It may be phased out THIS year in NA bringing the 80GB down to the 500 price or even lower for the holidays. This means the limited edition refers to the Motorstorm pack in. This is really a bundle rather than a new SKU. It only adds 20GB for the remaining 40 bucks.

OR it may be a limited SKU, meaning Sony gets increased profit to counterbalance the price drop, while enjoying increased sales.

Or hell, they may be stupid and keep both SKUs on the market, but I doubt it. This is the new Sony. Anyway, this isn't as bad as Elite, where hardcore gamers don't want the lower tard packs, or RROD which meant plummeting sales for the past 3 months for 360. In effect, the 80GB is the tard pack (removed hardware emu and MS pack in+20GB =/= $100), but there is no real difference in hardware, and everyone can see that.

The 80GB as a limited seller may be enough to push PS3 60GB down to $399 this year - the only issue I have is that the PR doesn't mention the limited part, though (paraphrase) "for storing downloaded content such as video games and high-definition movies from the upcoming DL service" may just be PR speak to justify the SKU.

@Firstknight (BELOW)
Nope, I'm right, I did the research. Care to make a bet? If MS doesn't announce a price cut at E3 like Mart thinks, you leave N4G forever. If they do, I leave N4G forever. Same bet for Mart. Reply quickly! You can gloss over my glaring facts, I'd like to see you get the f*** out of here. =)

But I agree, it's not hard to make up sh**.

Examples

Mart:
"Sony got scared, that MS will announce a 360 pricedrop tomorrow, the 10th of July on E3!

Pretty sure about it...

Premium 299 to 349, starting... Tomorrow!"

No facts, no rationality, nothing. Just a desperate plea.

[FirstknighT]

The ps3 has been out for about 7 months and it already has how many versions of the ps3??? Now they want to talk about downloading hi-def movies? I thought blu-ray was the future? Seems like Sony is a lil confused on what they want to do.

Desperado...looks like your just talking out of your ass. It's not hard to make up lies.

[ReconHope]

i wouldnt. u guys need 2 relax seriously. did u guys read the news, price cut!cheers.

[Salvadore]

Kudos for Sony.

[TheMART]

A pricecut, 7 months after USA launch

3 months after Europe launch.

I would feel screwed by Sony for sure. Normally it's only in its 2nd year. Then one had its share of fun of playing all that time. But so soon after launch 1/6 of the price off? Thats a kick in the balls for those who bought it. You could have get almost 2 games for that difference.

Sony is in trouble. Otherwise they wouldn't have a price cut as fast as this. Plus, first defending the high price and now cutting down?

The 360 gets a price cut and comes closer to the 200 or 250 euro/dollar the mass of people buy a console for. The PS3 is still double that amount. The pricecut won't help it that much, only a few die hard gamers that waited because 600 was really too much.

If something is worth it, it sells. Otherwise not. Not for 600, not for 500. Why do you think the iPhone sells for 500 or 600 dollars and the PS3 is not? Strange huh?

[Greysturm]

If i was paying the same amount of money for a system that came out two years ago and havent had any improvemets hardwarewise.

[monoknacker]

I really cannnot understand how people can complain about a price cut especially you TheMART who has said frequently that the system is too expensive and then when they lower the price you say how bad they are for doing it? That's crazy, what are you worried about?
I have also read before that you said you had some qualification in business or something, if that's true then surely you can undertsand a company defending a high pricepoint, they are not going to advertise it as "too expensive but buy it anyway, even though there is a price cut coming."

I also believe the 80gb sku will come bundled with the rumble controller maybe Sony have announced the price cut before E3 to get a sales spike before people consider again waiting for the 80 gb to come down in price. It is slightly strange marketing from Sony at the moment especially paying an additonal hundred dollars for an extra 20gb and a first-gen game, alebit a decent one.
It makes sense for Microsoft to follow suit and i would of said that they would of done had they now not reavelead the three year warranty and a loss of another billion dollars. There is also the fact the 360 is still outselling the PS3, while this continues it makes no sense for them to drop their price.

[JCDenton]

I agree with TheMART - I also think that pricecut won't help much! 500$ is still pretty much for most of the people, especially when there's a very limited games library + multiplatform games work better on X360. BTW, I've read somewhere that Virtua Fighter 5 is actually inferior on PS3, and the game was exclusive!!

Micro$oft is waiting to see how consumers will react to PS3 pricecut. If PS3 sales increase dramaticaly, then M$ will, most likely, cut the X360 price to 299 for Premium, and 399 for Elite. Then Core will probably cost around 200-250$ which is the "sweet-spot" for most of the people...

[Alymon]

It's good that they are cutting the price of the 60gb model. It's still too high for my taste, but at least it's a better deal now. Not really sure what the point is of an 80gb version though. Couldn't they have at least shot for 120 to match the 360 Elite?

[BoneMagnus]

I've learned to be patient, so I'm gonna wait for the $399 price point and at least 5 must-play games - they're coming, they just haven't been released yet. I'm thinking by Christmas '08...

I doubt we'll see a 360 price drop this side of Halo 3. Period. For GTA fans, a 360 is still $100 less to play that game. You guys must remember that a significant percentage of PS2 owners played little for than GTA and Madden(where online play was available 2 years before the XBOX.)

Anyway, I'm very excited about where Sony is headed. The future is looking great - it just took a little while to get rolling.

(BTW, the 360's future looks amazing also...it has already brought me countless hours of great gaming, and there will be more than I can possibly ever play in the near future.)

[mikeant]

Good move Sony!!! They beat XBox360 to the price drop and they did it before E3 when they show off all their games showing that PS3 is making E3 about their games this year instead of their system.

[Kenshin]

I still don't see any price drop in Canada. When is this going to take effect? I hope this $100US price drop will equate to $150CAD then a lot of us here will be a happy camper.

[felidae]

that's very nice.

i don't understand people like TheMART who said the ps3 is too expensive and now with 499 they say it's too soon or not enough.

some people live to defend their consoles - i don't get it.

nice job sony. now MS will go for a 299 premium and maybe next year the ps3 goes down to 399 or 349. so it's always good for us gamers.

btw. i paid 399 for a premium 360 + WiFi A. + 2 games ... that's 620€ ..

[tplarkin7]

The "price drop" is damage control. The "new SKU" is not new at all. It is likely that Sony made a deal with an HD manufacturer and they happened to have 80GB. PS3s have been sitting on shelves, and Sony can't afford that. So, they temporarily drop the price. It's a balancing act that Sony is playing.

[Kenshin]

I agree that a lot of people here are still not satisfied with the price cut. It's not like they've stripped down the 60GB version, it's the same SKU with the same entertainment value and HD experience. $100 drop is a lot if you look it at that perspective.

[Torch]

Fret not: Welcome to bubble4u.com!

Keep up the good work.

[UJUSTLOSTONE]

WOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO

This is good news. No matter how people spin it, twist it, carve it up. A few days ago everyone is complaining, to expensive, to expensive. Now Sony has tried to alleviate things, somewhat, and people are still complaining.

I, for one am happy, Still not going to get my Ps3 yet, But this makes it easier to make my choice in the coming months. Good job Sony Camp keep the good publicity rolling

Lord knows you need it.

[CyberSentinel]

With a possible new (80gig) sku, at a very possible ($599.99) price point in august, can you really consider this anything else?

p.s. Sony how long will it be THIS time before the 60 gig model is removed from shelves?

Blind Lemmings, Wake Up.

@81: I jest NOT! MS never removed a sku from the selves, and then replaced it with a better one, at the SAME price. MS gives consumers a choice, plain and simple. You may not like the option of choice, but myself and a few other 360 owners, sure as hell do. I do not have a TV with a HDMI connect, so therefore a elite is not needed in my situation, but others that do have a 1080p TV have a CHOICE to get a 360 with a HDMI output. Face it dawg, 20 gig owners got screwed. Thats the bottom line.

@83: I agree. Personal prejudice put aside, I agree.

@79.1: 20 gig owners DID NOT get 40 extra gigs, WIFI, or memory card readers. THATS how they got screwed.

@94: The lemmings are to blind to see the truth. their love and servitude to sony won't allow them to notice. This "so called" price reduction will have little impact on ps3 sales. The best we can hope for, is that this will cause a retaliation response from MS to lower prices or included game bundles. Bubble for you sir.

@98: keeping my fingers crossed. Do like MK and "Finish Them!"
Microsoft.

[EZCheez]

How did they screw 20Gb owners? 20Gb owners can install a larger hard drive just the same as any other PS3 owner.

And if you're going to argue the price, you have to remember that Sony is probably lowering it as much as possible as fast as possible. They want as many consoles in as many homes in as little time as possible. Sony knows just well as we do (and better) that the software is the moneymaker, not the hardware.

EDIT- Hence the initial 100 price difference Cyber. They did not get screwed, they just payed less.

[UJUSTLOSTONE]

Whoever this dude is, Is really annoying, Just post something if you have a problem, seriously, That is what a thread is for !!!

HELLO ?!?

Don't be Scurred

[UJUSTLOSTONE]

You know, I know a lot of people don't like you but...

I will attempt to address you with respect...

How can you say that Sony Screwed its 20 gig owners, and Not say the Same About MSoft, who realeased one with a hard drive, and one without a hard drive. And then after THAT released the 360 Elite.

C'mon dog, surely you jest.

[gta_cb]

i have an Xbox 360, and when i buy a PS3 i will be buying the cheaper 60GB model, especially as i havnt used all the space on my XBox 360 Premium. for the extra $100 you could buy yourself a 100GB+ HDD rather then just having the 80GB.

the only reason to buy this new SKU would be if something else has been added, or something improved such as the reading speed of the BluRay discs, aka better loading speeds. IMO

[AdmiralX]

I have a PS3 from launch and I upgraded to a 120GB HD within the first month. I am glad that the price point was lowered and that the future buyers of the PS3 will get more of a deal. I had a hard time spending the cash the first time and I could see why sales were down. To the X360 owners, great for you guys that MS is backing you finally. I felt that with the ROD you guys were getting screwed on a great console. With this latest MS backing I might actually go get one now since I want to play your games that I can't get on the PS3.

So what do you all think? Is it not a great time to be a player? All of us are winners.

[Alymon]

Honest question, does the 80 GB PS3 have full backwards compatibility like the 60 GB version? I know there were news articles in the past when an 80 GB version was rumored for Korea that said they were ditching the backwards compatibility on it. Does anyone know if that is true?

[specialguest]

Wow, this article might be the hottest for this month. I would not have figured this subject would spark so much interest. It looks like have ourselves a winner.

[RoseSapphire]

The larger hard drive doesn't impress me. Motorstorm and 20GB's isn't worth an additional $100. I do like the price drop though and will definitely bring in lots of new people.

[San anto]

You lucky, lucky yanks $499 converted to sterling is around £250 before taxing and what not...
We get over charged for everythin in the UK :(((((((((((

[Sly]

Im just glad that the PS3 got a price drop.

[cdzie1]

Let’s face it, the PS3 is a powerful console. But maybe they made a mistake by trying to cram everything into the box. I mean, I have a PS3 and I don’t use the Blu-ray player, Wi-Fi or SD card slots. I only use it for gaming. I also have a 360. I did buy the HD DVD drive when I was ready, but I don’t need the Wi-Fi and I’m glad I didn’t have to pay for it.

I know Sony was trying to stuff every possible thing in there (Game machine, Blu-ray player, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SD card readers, Motion controllers, etc..), but what about the gamers who just want to play games and don’t need the extra stuff, but now can’t afford the cost of the console? They are the ones that kept Playstation at the top for so long and they are a much bigger demographic than us hardcore gamers.

[Anything but Cute]

You don't use the PS3 for blu ray? But you bought an HD DVD add on? You're on the wrong side there. Blu ray is the way to go. And how much did your XBOX 360 costs you in total now with the added HD DVD player? That's just fanboy grabage, just admit your a fanboy instead of pretending to be logical.

Edit: Below me responce.

You enjoy HD DVD more? But what about a blu ray having more studious? Do you enjoy having a smaller selection of movies also? Just shut up fanboy.

[cdzie1]

I will admit it. I spend much more time with my 360 and I enjoy HD DVD much more than Blu-ray. If that makes me a fan boy, then so be it.

Also know that I paid more than double for my PS3 to get it on day one. I thought Resistance looked better than Gears of War and I beat both. But since then, my PS3 has been collecting dust. Now, I'm learning the better version of '300' is on HD DVD and the better version of Madden will be on 360.

So, call me a fanboy if you want, but I gave Sony more then a chance and more then a few of my dollars. Unfortunately, they overcharged and undelivered.

[Anything but Cute]

The 80GB comes in a bundle with Motorstorm. So that could cut confusion a bit. the $599 will be seen as a bundle with a game and extras, while the $499 might be seen as the standard. So just maybe people will see $499 as the standard, not the $599. That could be what makes it different from before when they had 2 sku's.

But who knows, people who say that $599 will be seen as a standard again might be right. The only chance is that it might be seen as a bundle and not the standard.

[pts]

I heard the 80 GB hard drive costs Sony the same as the 60 GB hard drive. And considering they took out the PS2 chips, this is more of a value to Sony than the customer.

[trueltie5]

I truly believe Xbox fans are not the sharpest tools...HD-DVD ??? That is going to be obsolete. Even MS knows Blu-ray will be the way to go. Then go in denial about the failure rate of the 360...a 3 year extended warranty ? Be lucky if the 360's life is still running by then....I just don't get why people don't see the value in a PS3..yes it's lacking some titles but we all know that is coming..But Resistance is just a taste of what the ps3 has to offer (GREAT GAME)...development is getting easier and can assure better games will come...I would take a more reliable japanese product over a company that doesn't know anything about hardware. I'm guessing these xbox consumers are the ones that thing a Ford Echo is the way to go..But i've said this before and i'll say it again...even if MS were to finally come out with their failure rate and admit their hardware sucks they'll always keep using "we have halo"...gets old !!

[solidt12]

I got the 20 gig in the first month and I don't regret it. the 60 looks better with the chrome strip and everything but other than that I get the same use out of. I don't use wireless but it is a nice feature to have. I plan on buying 160 gig harddrive pretty soon because my drive is starting to get pretty full. Backing up the harddrive with a usb drive was a snap so I am ready. The PS3 is the best game system and or Blu Ray drive money can buy and the fact that the drive can be updated anytime you want and still be under warranty is nice.

[Anything but Cute]

So maybe most people will not see it as the standard and instead feel like they are still getting the complete PS3 for only $499, they don't need motorstorm and extra. But if Sony were to ever sell the 80GB version alone for $599 without a game, that would be a mistake.

I still don't like it, I think if they really wanted to make an impact they would of sold the 60GB for $499 with Motorstorm. That would of been better, but they saw a chance to make their money back, if they could get some people to go for the bundle. I hope it doesn't backfire.

[progx]

Now they make yours the "core" and just add 20 more gigs and charge the original $600 for this new sku. Its exactly what a lot of people have been saying, the ps3 is STILL $600. Nothing has changed, sony...your just f*ckin retarded.

[360Sheep]

yup.. nothing has changed, cept you get an extra 20 gigs, and a free game, sweet so nothing has changed, no increase in price like the elite, but you do get a free game and an extra 20 gigs of hard drive space... and you complain... simply priceless

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

I state MS has been charging 100 dollars for ther 20 gb Hdd and now you have a problem with 20gb saying its small...you guys are jokes...I laugh at you..if this was ms logic it would be 160 dollars more...but you guys neva open your eyes that way you are blind...

[zonetrooper5]

Well I have no idea why my bubbles keep on getting killed but oh well. If this is true, then its stupid. Come on Sony, at least give me a 160GB hard drive, now that would be a deal. I would also get Killzone 2 and MGS4 with that. :D

[God of Gaming]

Bottom Line.. 500 dollars is just too much for a game console no matter how much is packed in. We all understand the value of Blue Ray but we are NOT the 99% of consumers who will walk in and see the massive pricetag. That is what most of you are forgetting, look at the PS2 and Wii.. its ONLY because of price that they are still flying off the shelves.

8 months ago you could buy a PS3 for 500 bucks.. yes I realize what is now included with the new 500 price point, but joe bum off the street has no idea. They look at the 1 section of PS3 games and the 4 section of 360 games and realize they can get more for less in terms of GAMES.

Now the price drop on the 60 gigs is a good thing... at least getting there (although having a price drop within a year is not normal and a sign of a white flag) but the introduction of another SKU at the same price that the system was failing at is very odd.

I really have a bad feeling that the 60 gig version might go the way of the 20 gig and be vaporware in only a few months.. or shortly after Xmas.. hopefully not.

Very odd move... what could have been 100% positive with the price drop is now something to talk negative about with the new SKU.

Again, all of us understand what sets these 2 apart... NOT the 120 million PS2 owners who bought the system ONLY when it was below 299... thats where Sony needs to get and by the looks of it they are still 2 years or more away... we shall see

[etownone]

agreed.... i think they will be adding rumble in their new 80gig sku, and phase out the 60 gig. because we all know the rumble is coming

[TheMART]

And those that didn't believe ME that MS will cut the price soonish and might announce it tomorrow @ E3.... read this

http://www.gamespot.com/new...

"we believe that Microsoft is all but compelled to cut prices, and we think the price cuts will come no later than at Microsoft's Tuesday night press conference."

Better believe it... 360 will stay the best offer for gaming

[whateva]

why are you still Here? shouldn't you be out shining peter moore's shoes or taking out bill gates trash.

why do you always post in sony news section if you love the 360 so much.

[etownone]

yeah, agreed.... because at $499 only 20 bucks more than the elite, its a hell of a bargain. I have two 360 and I know the PS3 is worth the price. IT just doesn't have the games i like, (gears, halo)

BUT M$ has always said they are 100% commited to their gaming division, so i expect a price cut this week. You can't have the elite and PS3 priced so close, not with the blu-ray in PS3.

[MetalProxy]

Instead of changing the price of the systems lets change the price of the GAMES! Sixty bucks IS to much.

[whateva]

I have never seen any news get this hot so fast on here damn Kill Zone 2 is going to burn this place down this week 3000 degrees in ten minutes or so.

[IPlayGames]

maybe a little bit. i woulda bought this instead of the 60 model if it was available. But since i can upgrade my 60 anytime i please i got no prob.

Good move by sony now people can stop complaining about the price and if they want more Gig's and a game they can spend the same amount they probably saving for.

[etownone]

$499 is still too expensive for the mass market gamers..... but it paves the way for blu-ray. unless there are some cheap hd-dvd players coming out this holiday season, anybody looking for blu-ray should get a PS3.

i'm still holding off cause I got that hd-addon for my 360 and hoping M$ releases an add on for blu-ray

[San anto]

now, why hasnt this price drop been worldwide...

[Why o why]

Why complain about the features and price on something you are not going to buy. If it makes you feel better about what you have then its stupid. If the ps3 was now $150 SOME PEOPLE would still have something stupid to say. Keep spinnin suckers.

[etownone]

and a $20 difference between the two PS3 just for 20gig hard drive and a free game doesn't seem worth it..... i'm guessing they will probably be included the new rumble/sixaxis controllers....then your back to having to buy the $599 system all over again thus discontinuing the 60gig version.

[zerolinkgannon]

IT'S OVER 9000!!!!!!!!! Sorry, I couldnt resist!