Sony Fails to Adopt Lesson Learned from Microsoft

"Sony's revision of the PlayStation 3 deemed PS3 4000/PS3 Super Slim is less than a month away from its anticipated announcement during gamescom 2012. With the FCC clearly uncovering three new models with storage skus including 16GB, 250GB, and 500GB, I am disturbed by the fact Sony would even consider placing a console on retail shelves with less storage space than what was included with the launch units almost six years ago."

-TheGamerAccess.com

[Morrigan-Aensland]

The 16gb ps3 will be for people who wants a cheap ps3 and the ps3 HDD is so easy and cheap to upgrade.

I can't wait to buy the slim 500gb ps3 first day

[Amazingmrbrock]

I'd get a 16 gb. I'm pretty sure it would be cheaper to get one of those and buy my own 2.5 inch sata drive at 500+ gb and swap it in.

[gaffyh]

The lesson Sony learned from Microsoft, which they ADOPTED, was that a LOT of consumers buy the cheapest option and think about the ramifications later. One of the reason why the 360 can be so much cheaper than the PS3 is because MS offers a SKU without a hard drive. Sony has learnt from MS, and decided to offer their own similar SKU.

However, they have also improved upon MS' offer, and will most likely allow you to upgrade your HDD to any HDD on the market, rather than a proprietary one. So this 16GB SKU could be even better than most of us think, and could cause many current PS3 owners to upgrade.

Sales is what matter, and if a 16GB unit boosts sales, then that is exactly what they should do.

[Machioto]

Or their console is coming closer to its life cycle and they are transitioning to next gen by focusing my on the family and sprinkling core title in between casual games.

[BrutallyBlunt]

Sales do matter and so does sustaining profitablity. If this can reduce costs even more and get the Playstation 3 under that magic number of $200 then this could be a good thing.

One issue to me though, and it relates to an older model, is the discontinued 20GB system we saw at launch. Apparently that was one of the reasons Metal Gear Solid 4 installs the way it does. So i'm still not convinced this new Playstation 3 is even accurate or that it will only have a 16GB hard-drive. I think DC Universe would eat that up right away.

As Sony moves forward to offering more Playstation 3 games through the network i just don't see this happening. Those free games i got for being a Plus member took up a lot of space, much more than 16GB.

I think this kind of backfires on the whole notion of BLURAY and it's need over DVD. By offering a 16GB model you're essentially marketing against BLURAY being a requirement for games. Also quite a few games now require installs and some are well over 4GB.

[Amazingmrbrock]

I know from a tech sense the end of this generation is needed desperately, but from a purely business oriented way of looking. This gen is just about to get going for sony.

If you look at the ps2's life cycle, and the 360's life cycle, and well pretty much every successful console life cycle of the past two decades. The bulk of all console sales happen when it falls below $200. The ps3 isn't quite there yet, the xbox is kinda there with it's arcade. Thats where they get the casual audience and the teenagers that just started working.

This is also part of why the 3ds didn't do so well after launch and is doing quite well now. It's largely the games but price always plays a factor. This also then largely why the vita is doing so poorly, sony hasn't come through with a price cut to save it yet. They might running up to christmas but if they don't they definitely will in the new year.

[shutUpAndTakeMyMoney]

@Amazingmrbrock

you sound like a pc gamer. Build your own ps3 noob!

[aGameDeveloper]

If I needed a new PS3, I'd probably buy the 16 GB unit and put an SSD in it.

[nveenio]

Think of it this way: if your PS3 dies out of warranty, you can get the 16Gb model, swap in your old hard drive, and be cruising without missing a beat.

That's assuming that the 16Gb is upgradable.

Also, you have to assume that Gaikai will be a part of the games we buy from PSN...making the 16GB model suffice.

[sikbeta]

Eh... yeah, what gaffyh said, cheaper console = insta-buy, people don't read about specs or sh*t like that, IF they actually need something, they'll buy later :P

It'd be hilarious IF the 16GB model comes with a 3 Months PS+ Voucher, so many games to download, so little space lol

[NotSoSilentBob]

@inveni0

Actually you can't even do that now. Sony requires that all HDD inserted to a PS3 are formatted for that Specific PS3.

I think it is a data entry error and its meant to be 160 gig. If it is 16gig Sony might have a new way or streaming games instead of full installs.

[nukeitall]

In my opinion, it is kind of too late to be downgrading your console. However, it all depends on the price point.

As it stands, the average selling price of an Xbox 360 is already higher than a PS3 which indicates the price isn't the issue anymore.

Anyways, I'm never one to dismiss another option which is good for gamers. It just seems odd to keep downgrading your console over it's lifecycle, while the competition upgrades it.

I'm assuming the 16GB is flash memory as a mechanical drive would be very cost in-efficient.

[zeeshan]

@nukeitall: You are an idiot and a pathetic troll!

The average purchase price of PS3 has ALWAYS been higher than 360. Always was and probably always will.

I am talking about console price only and not the price that includes headsets, gold membership, batter chargers, hard drives etc...

[kreate]

even if i get a 16gb for whatever reason (prob the price point). i have a few 2.5 harddrives lying around in the size of 320-500.

i kinda assume this is the case with most gamers. even microsoft fanboys have a few copies of windows and pc components lying around somewhere.

but i still kind of doubt a 199 price point will do a whole lot. it needs to be priced at 169.99 for the 16gb. this is in the case of North American market of course. cuz u know... they're cheap.

[miyamoto]

but these are just rumors. nothing has been confirmed officially.

[HammadTheBeast]

@Machioto How dare you say something like that. You disgust me. :p

[badz149]

this 16GB thing is actually true? not the typo of 160GB? this doesn't make any sense!

[ThanatosDMC]

500gb is $59.99 on newegg

Also, no way it's 16gb.

[SilentNegotiator]

At least they aren't destroying what they built by having HDDs be standard in all ps3s.

The generation is winding down. The Wii lost wifi. The 360 got a 4GB and NO GB model. The ps3 got a small HDD model. Everyone is making sure that they reach the people that they haven't yet.

[MrBeatdown]

320GB PS3 - $299

Bust out the calculator.

[Blacksand1]

No $200 to $300 for a system. On Amazon I paid $40 to $70 for a 500gb and swap my 60gb out. Its cheap and easy to do.

[nukeitall]

To all the people above not knowing what "average selling price" means, when people say it:

http://www.gamasutra.com/vi...

It isn't the average price of the console offerings. It is the average price a consumer pays for the console.

Keep in mind that gamesindustry reports only 20% of MS sales comes from the lower end model:

http://www.gamesindustry.bi...

Which means it is heavily favoring higher end and bundled models.

@zeeshan:

I just gave you proof, I dare you to do the same with REAL sources!

[hellvaguy]

Why doesn't Sony just make a model with no hard drive and charge like $20-40 less? Seems like that would make more sense.

[Dark_king]

Because they have to sell a working ps3 no hard drive means it cant work at all.

[Red_Orange_Juice]

16gig version is primaly for:
1) those who will swap it with huge one for cheap
2) those who play EyePet, WOnderBook, Move, and bundles, etc

jsut cos there is 16gig version doesnbt mean you're forced to buy it, look closer there is 500GB version,
thats just looking for problems when there are none

[Red_Orange_Juice]

I havent been on n4g I dont know for 12-18 months maybe, but I remember your news from like 2 yrs ago, your website didnt took off and it wont, give it a break, especially with that video cast

also it just got to me... WHAT HAPPENED TO gangsta dude with the belt??

[IRetrouk]

Hip hop gamer got trolled hard on here, banned and all sorts, never really understood why, alot of his info was on the money, he's working for another website now though, can't remember which one

[-Alpha]

I still think it's a typo, but even if it isn't, your logic makes sense: lots of casual gamers and gamers in general who may not own a PS3 and may want to get one. It's the end of the generation, no use offering just huge GB HDD PS3s when most casuals are going to wind down and wont dedicate enough time for a PS3 at this point in time. That said, if it is 16 GB, I think offering a 40 GB model would have been better. 16 GB is such an odd number, I can't help but think it is a typo.

I think Sony should have offered this a lot sooner, it worked for MS and there is much more accessibility for the PS3 HDD in case anybody wants to upgrade anyway

[dennett316]

What happens if someone buys a 16gig machine to play casual games, then wants to expand their horizons and try a game with a mandatory install? Then another, then another. Ooops, drive full. Or what happens if they want PS+ after hearing about the amount of free games you get? It can be worked around, but it's an enormous hassle of downloading a title and deleting it straight away just so you've claimed it...then move to the next game you want and repeat. That's not intuitive for the casual user that some claim a 16gig version will target.

I personally think it was a typo, 16gig in this day and age is simply not enough when you have some games that must install. 160, 250 and 500 seems a more natural product range than jumping from 16 to 250.

[Ju]

If true the 16GB is flash memory for sure to cut cost - especially in the light of the WiiU launch. It might have an impact for developers. I can imagine with this comes the requirement to make installs optional. Most games don't really need installs; the best ones these days don't and run better than the ones which do (Sony might have had this nailed down in its developer program by now).

OTOH Sony might just sell "add-on" HDDs through brick and mortar stores. Additional money with (overpriced? and branded?) Sony HDDs. And still, the option to go with the bigger versions or just stick a cheapo HDD in will simply solve the problem.

This is all about having the lowest entry barrier you can get: lowest possible price point.

[Thatguy-310]

That's why ppl should do research before buying ANY product. In fact IMO i think that's one thing microsoft benefit from there 4gb and lower price point. It fools ppl and yes its messed up but at the end of the day its up to the consumer to do research before buying.

[Jazz4108]

The reason it works for m is the hard drive is not required to play games. You can take any game insert the disc and play it. That is next to impossible with ps3 as it has partial game installs that eat up space for every game you own. Then the monthly firmware updates. This is a stupid idea and I wil make sure I warn customers at my game shop ifthey do this that they will need a larger storage medium for the ps3 to work properly and whole lot of time to install all those updates. Casual game players are all about covienece and the ps3 is far from that. They will not pu up with buries settings, sub menus, mandatory firmware and game installs as it will be overwhelming to most casuals and the ps3 is not for them that I can promise. The 360 is easy to use and they have a hard time with it sometimes and the ps3 would become a nightmare to them. I would like someoneto research how much time th average ps3 owner spends installing games and firmware.

[kikizoo]

stop your bullcraps jazzfanboytroll, you are always living in 2006, not us, gamers..

[Ju]

Oh, the 4GB is the same. It'll allow them to sell cheap. Some games still require a HDD (e.g. doesn't Burnout not support online without it??). They just make people buy HDDs, too. Great business model for them (MS). Making extra money off from accessories (ever looked at who makes the most money not only from consoles but accessories?)

[BlackSharinganX]

yep was going to point out the same thing at the end of the day this is about money people deal with it. you dont like it? buy the more expensive one.

[bolbgt]

Except 16GB is horrible for a PS3. PS3's eat up harddrive space like it's candy. Updates are huge, you need double the space to install games from PSN(it duplicates data and deletes the uncompressed install files afterwards). Then you got the 5GB mandatory installs for most games. Then there's the fact that it's going to be less than 16GB because of how retailers count bytes and whatever is required for the OS.

[room414]

"Then you got the 5GB mandatory installs for most games. "

stfu

[MrBeatdown]

Uh....

The top ten PS3 games, excluding repeat entries (for example, multiple CoD games) according to VGchartz...

http://www.vgchartz.com/pla...

And here's their install sizes. Most came straight from the back of the box. FF13 and FIFA's were Google'd.

MW3 - 50MB
GTA4 - 3344MB
GT5 - 256MB
FIFA 12 - 30MB
Uncharted 2 - 1000MB
MGS4 - 4600MB
Battlefield 3 - 2GB
ACII - 1.8GB
LBP - 600MB
FFXIII - No mandatory install

That adds up to 13680MB or about 13.7GB. For ten games, all installed at the same time. The PS3's attach rate is 8.5 games per console so the average gamer has fewer games than listed here. And they don't all need to be installed at once.

16GB would work perfectly fine for plenty of people.

By the way, none of those are 5GB. Only one of them even comes close.

[krisq]

Not when Gaikai will be available.

[WeskerChildReborned]

Or just for casuals since casuals probably won't play that much. If my PS3 breaks down, i'll check out the 500gb.

[Ju]

If your PS3 breaks down, and I assume the HDD won't, you'd be happy to get a cheap modell without HDD and simply swap it with the new model.

[Tainted Gene]

you will have to back up your data before the system breaks down... or all the data is gone regardless of having the original HDD.

What Sony did was have the HDD imprint with the system it was installed with and only work with that system.

So if your current system breaks without backing up your HDD, all the data on that HDD is unusable... unless the broken PS3 it was originally imprinted with can be repaired and then have access to the lost data.

[Anon1974]

In my opinion, consumer choice is never a bad thing. Why not make a cheaper PS3? I certainly know a few people who simply have no interest in their PS3 other than for playing games and watching movies. They play their PS3's regularly, but I look at their PSN profiles and they haven't gone online in over a year.

These people don't need a huge hard drive. They buy a game and pop it in. End of. Then they move to the next game. They couldn't be bothered with online games or DLC. Now they have a cheaper option.

Same with parents that now have a cheaper PS3 they can just throw in their kids rooms without any internet. You give them a game every now and then and there's no worry about who they're online with, or if they're downloading content you didn't approve. You could do that before, but now it's cheaper.

I thought the 360 Arcade was a good idea as well back in the day, until I realized that with next to zero harddrive space, many games required some kind of room for patches and what not to even go online. They couldn't with the 360 arcade. That's a problem when you purchase a game and certain features are locked right out of the gate due to the limitations of the hardware. Mind you, you still have to pay Microsoft extra to use those features on the game you just bought anyway, no matter what version of the 360 you have. Thankfully, Microsoft eventually addressed the "no storage" issue with their 4gb 360 model. That made more sense to me than the 360 arcade model.

[miyamoto]

Bubbles up, my friend. Well said.

[Ju]

Cheapest Netflix enabled Blu-Ray Player. Seriously.

I was looking for a second Neflix box, and would love to get another PS3 for the bedroom. But price is the only thing holding it back. And if you could also play the games from the living room (PS+ can transfer safes!) that'll be awesome. This was so overdue, really.

[black911]

Agree if you hate this dude.

[Tru_Ray]

It is a frivolous article. If you don't want the 16gb, then buy a model with more storage space. Plain and simple. If you are too dumb and uninformed to realize that 16gbs is insufficient, then you need to educate yourself...

[Oh_Yeah]

the only thing theyre missing is WIRELESS N! why is it not in the new ps3 but in the xbox slim? if you have a wireless n router which most people probably do, your going to get up to 15x faster downloads than the regular b/g.

[syanara]

do we know for sure whether or not 16gb was a typo or not concerning a 160gb model? let's not everybody jump the gun! additionally with the gaikai thing a streaming console at 16gb might be a possibility too! let's not jump to rumors with so many unanswered questions. or am I just preaching to the choir?

[Man2bFree]

I bet that was a typo in the leaked article. Its probably 160gb!!

[t0mmyb0y]

How is this a positive article? How much did Microsoft milk for a hard drive???

[ALLWRONG]

So now that Sony is doing the same thing it's suddenly a great thing?

flip flop

[cannon8800]

@ everybody who's complaining about the 16 gb ps3

People should calm down about the 16 gig ps3 slim and just wait because when you find out the price that sony's going to be giving it, then things will start to make sense.

[Dazel]

I can't see what the problem is, for someone like me that needs a new ps3 but plays more bluray than the odd exclusive game it more than makes sense.

[Gamer1982]

indeed they cannot put it without a HDD and a 16gb will cost them next to nothing to include. It will be for those who wish to choose there own size HDD or just transfer there old HDD over to save a bit of cash. It also lowers the lowest end of the console to maximize sales. It's win-win.

[FrightfulActions]

It'd probably be cheaper to buy a 16gb PS3 and then upgrade the harddrive yourself into whatever size you want. They're a lot cheaper these days then they used to be, and installing one is so easy even a kid could do it - and likely has and made videos on youtube about it.

[GribbleGrunger]

I do have to agree that the 16GB (if true... if it is it's probably flash) isn't something desirable. Perhaps though, if we can think more like a company, it makes perfect sense. We know that Sony's strongest division IS the games division, and we know that Kaz wants to get things moving AND NOW!

With that in mind, a cheaper PS3 would probably help sell the console to more casuals, especially if bundled with MOVE or even (dare I say it) Vita. One of the reasons I think it's going to be flash is for ease of putting in a hard drive. You wouldn't have to transfer data over or risk losing any in the process...

So, I didn't like it when MS did it and I'm not going to like it when Sony do it, but Sony needs to get the ball rolling again.

[Baka-akaB]

i can't say i agree . Pretty soon i'll need to change ps3 , and i dont want to pay a premium for 320 , not when i can just get the cheaper 16b and install a 500gb hdd for a much better price .

It was only a pain with the 360 because they made sure you could only buy their overpriced hard drives

[HammadTheBeast]

I agree, and if current PS3 owners want to upgrade or replace a broken current one, they would hopefully be able to with ease.

[tiffac008]

I was actually thinking the same thing, I've been running with an 80GB Phat for years now (with the slot load acting up).

So I will probably need to change PS3 and if the 16GB is true and comes at a really inexpensive price then I will probably get that one as a replacement.

My mom has a dead IBM laptop. So if the HDD is universal I could just take that. ^^

[milohighclub]

whilst it is shit, ive got to say, at least you can still play any game WITHOUT been forced to upgrade the hdd.

[t0mmyb0y]

I don't think you know what you're talking about.

[iamnsuperman]

It is for the casual market. It is a good marketing decision that has proven quite profitable for Microsoft (cheap console when the casual do not buy that many games). For the hardcore there is the 250/500 but the hard drive is very easy to upgrade.

[GribbleGrunger]

yes, and perhaps there's a clue in something that's already hit the main page:

'When asked about the company’s lack of “mega-blockbusters” for the rest of the year, Yoshida pointed to the fact that some highly-anticipated projects such as The Last of Us and God of War: Ascension require appropriate development time. He also mentioned how Sony intends “to go big on family-friendly titles” for the holiday and its overall lineup will be boosted by third-party releases.'

I would say that's a BIG indication that a 16GB PS3 is likely this year

[Venomousfatman]

Personally I don't see the reason for the 16GB PS3, but there may be people out there who want that. Let's see what GAMESCOM brings when Sony goes to the event.

[Treian]

Sony is not failing anything. They don't follow MS.

[GribbleGrunger]

I agree that they're not failing, but when the Arcade was released I was one of those that railed against the idea, so it would be hypocritical of me to suddenly change my mind on the matter now that it's Sony.

The only concession I ever made with the Arcade was that it made perfect business sense, so that's the positive I draw from this too. Be honest, where you one of those that thought the Arcade was a bad thing considering that MS were actively promoting online distribution

@Slaphappyjesus:

You really must stop confusing issues... or is it deliberate? Sony's game division DOES make money. It's the reason they're now focusing on it. it's the other divisions like TVs and Phones that are losing them money.

[MadLad]

Except for actually bringing in profit, anyway.

[Treian]

The PS3 is right behind the 360 in the U.S. In Europe and Japan, the PS3 is winning. Worldwide, the PS3 is winning. What were you saying?

[MadLad]

I am looking at them being in the negatives for billions, cutting both jobs and salaries.

Anyway, people need to stop viewing every anti-Sony/PS post as a pro-Microsoft/360 one. That's not what this is.

It wasn't even about the Playstation, but Sony as a whole.

He said SONY isn't failing anything. I am just saying they obviously are, in multiple areas.

[IHateYouFanboys]

@blahblah346: "The PS3 is right behind the 360 in the U.S"

right behind? 10 million less sales, getting further and further behind every month for 18 months, is "right behind" is it?

"Worldwide, the PS3 is winning."

nope, not even sony say theyre ahead worldwide. their official sales figures show theyre still about 3 million behind the 360 worldwide.

[greenpowerz]

You mean not following MS as in not adopting the SKU strategy to begin with? LMAO!

Other than putting Blu-Ray in PS3 Sony modeled their plan exactly like MS.

I say Sony is following MS exactly hence the article you're in! and the move Sony made to "get out of 3rd place" Failing is relative in Sony's case. They have done well this gen but lost the leader status they've held for generations LOL. By Next Generation Sony's "online" will be caught up to where MS's is now. Wonder if you can just buy games digitally on "PSN" "PS Store" negating this issue :/

Sony is not failing anything? Downgrading SKU after SKU model after model(top models) just to stay afloat.

Not a console to console comparison...

First PS3's were expensive with more features. The New ones are cheaper with less features.

First Xbox's were expensive with less features. The new ones are cheaper with more features.

[Treian]

Oh please. Your comment is full of fanboyism.

[Silly gameAr]

@blahblah346

Always. I notice him and a few guys above him are always in PS3 articles trashing the PS3, and then whine when someone calls them out.

[_-EDMIX-_]

I love how "3rd" place is a negative as if it matters to them or gamers. I also like how "3rd" is actually only about 2 to 3 million units.

Sony didn't model crap from MS. Sony has always had different SKUs for there systems, they did it with PS1, PS2 and PSP before they did it with PS3. MS nore Nintendo did with with there last systems UNTIL this gen. The Wii had a SKU with no gamecube support and MS has had many different SKUs. Cry me a river fanboy.

and Downgrading? Theres NOTHING thats out of the PS3 that some how hinders games (HD DVD anyone?, no HDDs in EVERY 360 anyone) So...for some reason they can't buy a bigger HDD? There dirt cheap on newegg and tigerdirect. I got a 320gb HDD off newegg years ago for $70, i got one just a week ago for my PC that was the same size and it was $49. To say its "downgrading" is a joke. Its not like you wouldn't be able to just find another sku, its even funnier because you can just buy a drive for less then the actual upgrade. How much a 360 HDDS again? LMFAO!

Whats even funnier is you seem to leave out that MS SKU DOESN"T HAVE A HDD PERIOD! There stupid idea is what hindered and fractured there own market. There where many games that couldn't use the HDD because not everyone had an actual HDD and can you really blame them, for a company to put out a SKU like that, you would think they had NO plans to actually use the HDD. Dead wrong.

Sony has had a HDD in every PS3 since launch. Regardless of SKU. It was the right move. There is no limitations or fractures on PS3, not all 360's have HDDs and ZERO have Bluray. If someone wants to make a...oh lets say GTA, believe me, they will be having a bigger issue with the 360 then any platform.

Dan Houser- "oh lets just use the HDD.. OH YEA not every 360 has one, lets just make more disk OH YEA its an OPEN WORLD GAME!"

Sam Houser-"oh lets use Bluray's 100gb disks, or make it a install, EVERY PS3 has a HDD AND BLURAY"

Theres a reason why GTAIV and FFXIII where the worst in both those franchises histories. This generation was gimped because of one reason, 360 having DVD9 and fracturing there own market by having a SKU's with ZERO HDDs.

[greenpowerz]

"Always. I notice him and a few guys above him are always in PS3 articles trashing the PS3"

LIE... Rarely in PS3 articles... Only in articles usually related to 360 like this one... Half my comments are responses to 360 bashing and lies like the one I responded to.

"Xbox 360 tops Wii and PS3 for 1st time in yearly global sales"

""Don Mattrick, the Microsoft video-game chief, had predicted last year at the E3 conference that Xbox 360 would become the No. 1 console globally.""

""On a cumulative basis, Nintendo is still the king of the current console generation, with 95 million Wiis sold worldwide, compared with 66 million Xbox 360 for Microsoft and 62 million Ps3s for Sony""

http://www.geekwire.com/201...

VGcharts will be favored until the actual companies state the facts again, then the fannies will ignore the truth.

The 360 has the biggest AAA exclusives with the Biggest multi platform games, which gamers favor on the 360 this holiday. The 360 will be number one again with it's casual and hardcore offerings(any price drop will be matched)

[DestinyHeroDoomlord]

Wonder how slim/small its gonna be. Looks like they're eliminating reasons for you not too buy a ps3. Hope its super cheap!

[Neko_Mega]

Why are people making a big deal about Sony doing this? Microsoft did this with their 256mb model and 4GB. An alot of people are dumb to think its a good deal to buy it, then later one want to buy a hard drive.

I'm betting the 16GB is build in and you can put a new hard drive in it and have 16GB plus what ever you put into it.

[_-EDMIX-_]

And really that has more to do with the 360's HDDs being HUGE ripoffs. At least with a PS3 you can just upgrade later. In fact, its probably best to buy the cheapest sku and then add a HDD later and same the money and keep the drive and use it as an external and put it in a 2.5 encasement.

[Megaton]

Microsoft copied Sony when they made their slim, including WiFi and touch-sensitive buttons.

Sony is copying Microsoft with their slim(er) model by gutting the storage space and releasing an "arcade" unit.

As usual, Sony is backtracking with hardware and Microsoft steals improvements. Dunno how anyone could be so loyal as to defend either one of these corporations.

[flyinrhyno]

The ps2 had touch sensitive buttons and I'm pretty sure the ps3 was the first with built in wifi. good try though.

[ThatsGaming]

The WiFi on 360 is 802.11n... I don't know how you can say that is a copy of Sony's strategy when they have yet to ship an 802.11n console.

[WeskerChildReborned]

Sony probably made the 16gb so they can have a cheap PS3 for casuals or people who can't afford the other types.

[ThatsGaming]

Yeah, a gamer buys elder scrolls 4 with a mandatory install of 5 gb, then gt5 with a manadatory install of over 5gb, and mgs4 with a manadatory install of 5 gb. Next game they buy they are told they don't have enough drive space to play the game.

A small drive is ok on 360 as games do not have mandatory installs. Imagine being a casual, buying three games, and on your fourth being told you cant play because your drive is full with p3 previous mandatory installs.

[colonel179]

I'm pretty sure it is supposed to be 160GB, but whoever leaked the story made a typo. Why would they release a 16GB PS3? It doesn't make sense at all, and it's just common sense to figure it out.

If they are saving costs by releasing a low cost, cheap looking PS3, why would they also shorten the storage, when they know one game could take almost all of it?

Just think about it: 160GB make sense

[brew]

I'm sure they don't mind catching many unsuspecting casuals with a lower priced console , then having them upgrade later ... lol. Works for Microsoft.

[Sarobi]

I don't see how a 16GB is a bad idea.. casuals won't really care that much, and if they do they could always upgrade the HDD.. which is very simple

[_-EDMIX-_]

LOL, disagrees!

Its a bad idea. They will sell more units! People don't know how to upgrade drives. Do you know how hard it is? You have to back up first, take out the old drive and place the new on in.....its pretty much rocket science and on top of that, drives cost about $1000 theres no way the common man can afford one.

"says this fanboy" lol. jk

[bligmerk]

The author is missing a huge point which makes his opinion piece invalid.

The PS3 has always been designed to upgrade the hard drive with standard SATA. The 360 was not. Epic fail at attempt to make a point.

[cyclindk]

I know it's probably uber extremely unlikely, but.... is it possible it was a misprint/typo? That it was intended to be 160 GB?

160, 320, 500?

Maybe..

Though it truly is cheap and easy to upgrade your drive.

[LOL_WUT]

Well, at least it comes with a harddrive...

[Bounkass]

Well said my man. Well said.

[jsslifelike]

Oh, where do I begin... ;)

[cstyle]

i guess sony does care about sales.

[DigitalRaptor]

Is there actually something wrong with you? Why would Sony not care about sales? They were a business last time I checked.

[Outside_ofthe_Box]

Nothing is wrong with him. He's just your average Sony troll.

[cstyle]

"They were a business last time I checked."

Were a business?.. Not too confident in them either I see....lol

[DigitalRaptor]

Another absolute fail of a comment. Only a numb brained troll could have come up with that one.

Amusing attempt though! ;)

[jayman1]

I think this guy who wrote this is an idiot.You dont think Sony hasnt looked at all the info and sales figuires for xbox arcade 99 dollar bundle. Xbox probably sold a boat load of those 99 dollar bundles.I know personally ppl who dont want to buy a ps3 system at the current price.Sony sells this gimmick like microsoft did they will bite at 99 bucks.The ppl who buy these 16gb systems just want to play games they dont care about storage capacity and such.If they did they would buy the bigger storage capacity units.

[Hazmat13]

is that a picture of the new model?
Edit: (i forgot to add this) if so it looks sexy! whats the price for the 16G model?

[Xperia_ion]

Anti Sony fanboys ASSEMBLE !!!

[AO1JMM]

My old 40gb PS3 is dieing (yet again) and I am looking to upgrade to a slim but the prices are still pretty damn high.

[Skateboard]

Yet you are getting a Wii U

http://static.fjcdn.com/pic...

[AO1JMM]

The WiiU is not out yet (obviously) and my PS3 is not dead it is just on its last legs AKA dieing. Other than Bluray capability I have no other use for my PS3 right now. Until the release of The Last of Us that is.

Priorities.

[smashcrashbash]

16 gigs is for anyone who doesn't need tons of space. They can always upgrade later if it comes to that. Why not buy a cheap system if all you do is play games and don't download anything? Game saves don't take up much space. Why is it so hard to understand for some people?

[Raoh]

Stupid website, stupid article/stance, just stupid.

I've been asking for a non installed ps3 for a while now.

I can trade in my 120gb slim model that I put a 320gb drive in, trade it in with the original 120gnb drive and use my existing 320gb drive.

16gb ps3 cheap model with my already existing 320gb drive. done.

at least the ps3 drives aren't proprietary. I can fit a 1tb drive in my ps3 for cheaper than a 360 hard drive.

[kingPoS]

Man! that new ps3 looks real slick vertical.

[Agent_hitman]

I think 16Gb PS3 is so cool, it cost less..

[moodgamer]

For those who dont understand. This console was first seen on an FCC lookalike, in Brasil. Well as you guys may know, tecnology in that country is very expensive. This console makes a lot of sence for countries like that. But, doesn't exist an Xbox 360 4GB? With bundle Kinect etc? Yes, and it sells. Why? Because its cheaper. And if you are a newcomer its a good way to star your gaming.

[ChunkyLover53]

I think its lame to come out with something like this so late in the cycle, but then again we don't really know much about this for sure yet. A lot of games on the PS3 require an install.

I think both Microsoft and Sony realize that the current consoles are about tapped out in the current market, which is why we wont see price reductions. If Microsoft lowered the Xbox 360 $50 and Sony lowered the PS3 $50, you'd see a slight sales increase for a month or two, but its like putting a band aid on a bullet wound.

[2pacalypsenow]

Ps3 can use any Laptop HDD xbox you had to use their $99 20gb HDD

[olLANDSHARKlo]

If the hdd is upgradable in this version, then yes it may work out to be cheaper. The problem with ps3 is the online community, it just feels so bland getting on psn as opposed to xbox live. I have had both systems since launch and if mlb the show wasn't a ps3 exclusive, I would sell it.

[Skateboard]

No one cares, Call Of Duty for life. X-box live community is a comedy show that is on youtube.

[portal_2]

Yes bland, because you don't get called the N-word, C-word or F-word every 5 minutes by unrestrained kids.

[Starfox811]

I haven't read all the comments here, so it could have already been mentioned, but has nobody thought that another reason for why a 16gb console could be coming to market is because Sony are going to roll out Gaikai onto the system soon?

That would mean totally negating the hard drive space on the console, and - as others have said - would mean those who purchase it could then upgrade to a bigger HDD if they wanted to play non Gaikai streamed games.

[bradleejones]

I recently purchased my 3rd ps3. Primarily so my kids can watch netflix and bluray and their dvds. I also wanted to be able to play an occasional psn game. The 16gb at 199 would have worked and saved me 50 bucks. We are probably the prime example of the target audience I would think.

[Avalanche]

anyone who thinks the 16gb is a bad idea for business is an idiot. they will probably sell these units for $129 or something very low like that just to get them into peoples homes which is a great idea.

M$ on the other hand put a BS 4gb on store shelves so people can just buy that version and swap in the hard drive because there previous system broke.

Sony is doing it for the right reason, MS did it for an Evil reason.

[InTheLab]

The 16gig PS3 sounds fake. Sony is huge with digital content offering brand new titles for download the same day as retail. I can't see them putting out a gimped PS3..but..

How simple is it to use an external HDD or replace the 16g with one of your choosing?

[givemeshelter]

Very interesting if this is true.
How many people BASHED MS for bringing out the Xbox360 console with smaller memory Space?
Now running through the comments in this thread, the smaller memory space PS3 is all of a sudden a fantastic idea.
Only on N4G.COM

[Angels3785]

It was dumb because you couldn't just throw any hard drive inside like on PS3. You would have to pay for a MS hard drive.

[givemeshelter]

That's the best thing Sony did with the PS3 imo.
Having the ability to add any HDD to the system.
Kudos for Sony.
However saying that, take notice of how many people are now praising this maybe PS3 with 16g if it's not a rumor...when they bashed the Xbox360 for having the same sort of setup:

Smaller SPACE, CHEAPER MODEL.
It's hypocrisy.

[Angels3785]

Yea I agree its hypocrisy to an extent because there are always mindless fanboys, but ps3 can switch to ANY laptop hard drive. 360 has to only be switched with MS grade Hard drives. meaning its more expensive...and at the beginning of this gen microsoft charged for everything like wifi adapters, chargers, etc. things that should have come with the system. So making a small hd system for upgrades when the only upgrades are expensive MS hard drives, that seems like a $ grab.

[portal_2]

@ givemeshelter - way to miss the point twice in a row.

[nikoado]

Is it possible that the 16GB is internal flash memory and not a HDD, thereby leading to lower manufacturing costs?

The SKU could still be upgradeable. Would flash memory be fast enough to work with game installs?

Or,it could be typo like other people have said and it's actually 160,250,500GB.But I don't think consumers need that much choice on hdd space.

[glennco]

it is called marketing.

[Azazel]

I am not a doctor, but I am losing my patience.

[Teaber]

16gb? Thats shit.

[flyinrhyno]

I just wanna point out that with cloud gaming a 16gb console wouldnt be that bad of an idea, I would pick one up for a spare console, and maybe they will come with game streaming from another console, like media server. Also all the comments on upgrading the HDD are spot on a ps3 swap is so simple, in fact its arguably easier than swapping out a laptop hdd. Also lets not forget about all the media types the ps3 plays and blu-ray capabilities. Net-flix, psn-store for movies, hulu, amazon not saying Xbox doesnt do it (except for blu-ray) but a cheap ps3 would be a no brainer for someone looking for a second unit or third unit

[Alcohog]

Its probably cheap as hell and will be so easy to just upgrade. I have multiple 350gb+ drives laying around as it is.

LOL at people that will be able to install only one full game though.

[Soldierone]

Its not hard to find a 320GB to 500GB for 50-70 dollars anyways....if not cheaper.

[flyinrhyno]

I saw a 1tb hdd for $99 last week. the only question is will it fit, not all2.5 drives are the same clearance (thickness) is an issue with the ps3 hdd slot.

[Soldierone]

Fails to adapt? You do realize that those cheap arse 360's that Microsoft always brags about in sales numbers don't have a hard drive? Gee wonder what Sony plans to do with a small hard drive.....

Call it PlayStation 3 Arcade Edition....

[young7yang]

Simple.. if you don't want the 16 gig don't buy it..

it has not even been officially announced yet!..

and i can think of a number of people who would by it if the price was write regardless of the hard drive size...

oh got my PS 5 years ago and upgraded the hard drive from a 40gb to a 320gb.. system is still kicking.

[DJ]

Microsoft has been selling 4GB 360s like hotcakes, so why wouldn't 16GB PS3s?

[Xenomorph]

I love these half-ass opinion pieces by internet randoms. Sony releasing new models, and one happens to be a casual, obvious blu-ray centric, model and it's Sony needing to live up to xbox? Last I checked the storage space on blu-rays and PS3s in general had more capacity. (Final Fantasy/LA Noire 2 disks anyone?)

Or you could just put your OWN laptop HD into it and have as much a space as you need.

[Killman]

Given the recent push of PS+, I find this doubtful, but a new model with a lower price (which 16gb would bring easily) is a great way to catch the attention of the public so who knows.

[OooHJohnny]

flamebait title

[rbluetank]

Msoft came out with a 4gb xbox 360 and it sold. i do not know why someone would buy a console with 4gb. i still have my 20gb 360. i still have 7 gb of space left. Sony seems to be making the right move. i might get that 500 gb ps3 if the price is right.

[honkayjeezus]

MS loves the idea of you having to upgrade HDD's. Why do you think every Halo title now has difficulties with the 4GB model?

[killajd]

In my opinion I see it being a plus unless they strip the console features (other OS)!!! Cause nowadays hds with speed are really cheap

[Qrphe]

Price cuts ready for when the Wii U launches, that's what Sony and Microsoft should have in store for the Wii U launch.

[EffectO]

Could be desperate times,desperate measures.Nothing wrong with this in principle but the memory is too low,32 GB would be much better.

As usual user will not have access to full 16GB.360 20GB users have like 13.9GB,the rest is for the system and whatnot.

[FreakyFox]

This new model needs Wireless N and Dedicated voice Comms(cross game chat), not capacity options and shell redesign.

Then it might be worth talking about.

[chrisarsenalsavart]

ONCE AGAIN N4g decides to put another ps3 hate article based on nothing but rumours in their HOTTEST BOX.

And then you wander why people don,t take gaming journalism seriously.
Could you imagine a big newspaper printing a front page article that has been proven nor accurate neither factual. I am pretty sure the editor would have been sacked within a day if that ever happened.

[Adolph Fitler]

Sony has no choice but to strip back what they can, & storage costs money....not much maybe, but every cent counts for both MS & Sony.

Sony are releasing the 16gig version, in direct competition to MS's 4gig 360.
Sony know MS are selling heaps of these units to either stingy, uneducated casuals, unknowing soccer mums & also those unable to afford more expensive hardware with bigger hdd's. Well, they are also being bought for the same reason I bought one a few weeks back, & thats because I had a 3.5-4yr old unit that suffered the RROD.

What Sony are doing here is nothing to be scoffed at, & MS wouldn't be looked at twice for releasing variations of a machine that lowered the cost for those that need or want to go that route.

[lonix]

I think Sony will add support for saving to external hdd

[Someonerandom]

Welcome to N4G, where stupidity is at it's peak.

[icegirlX]

what hasn't sony failed at recently.

[Subzero200]

"Is Playstation Vita A Slowly Sinking Ship?"

nothing new here

[Statix]

Do they even MAKE 16GB hard drives anymore? If there really is a 16GB SKU, then I highly expect it to be a built-in 16GB of flash-based memory (or SD/MicroSD card?). In which case, the access/seek times and read/write rates would be much faster than a regular hard drive, resulting in a nice performance boost for games.