Analyst: Sony Ditching 80GB PS3 Due to Poor Sales

"Sony is likely dumping the 80GB version because it has failed to meet internal sales projections," Janco Partners' Mike Hickey told GameDaily BIZ. "A recessionary environment will likely punctuate the 80GB version's relative and absolute retail sales disappointment. The recently released 40GB version is getting traction at retail, suggesting backward compatibility takes a backseat to the console's price point for current buyers."

[kalistyles]

I've been saying this forever. 120gb HDD would be perfect and battle with he Elite. It makes more sense. Just have the 40 and the 120 and your good. Reduce the Price of the 40gb to 349.99 and the 120 to 449.00 and your solid. Think about it.

[zambrota]

do you trust the words of these analysts who are being paid by MS to trash talk against PS3

[Mr Murda]

You're joking, right? Cause the 80GB isn't selling well at all. That may be one reason that Best Buy is deciding to close out their current stock of 80GBs and then not offering it after that.

http://www.engadget.com/200...

Sony needs to stick to the 40GB right now, sell some units and then see about a new model with some additional features in the future.

Edit: @ zambrota response. ":)", OK...so you are joking. Thanks for the clarification. It's not beyond the realm of possibility that you weren't, considering there are some pretty ignorant fanboys on this site.

[zambrota]

80 gig is sold out in almost all stores of NA

:)

[whengeeksgobad]

Can someone please qualify their statements about the success of the 80gb model with actual sales figures?

I don't believe its the product thats the problem, its the price point. I am kind of hoping they do away with the 80gb model simply so it increases the likelihood we can get backwards comp. on the 40 gb model.

Full disclosure:
proud 360 + ps3 owner.

[mikeslemonade]

I thought the 80gb was selling better than the 40gb and thus hurting sales of the 40gb. I completely agree of getting rid of the 80gb. You can't let 360 have the bigger hdd sku.

[MikeGdaGod]

"UPDATE 2: Well, this is interesting. We just heard from The NPD Group who told us, "In the last quarter (when both were on the market), the 80GB sold more units than the 40GB." When pressed for a more exact breakdown of the sales data between the two SKUs, NPD said they could not provide that. It's certainly a surprise to us, however, that the more expensive 80GB would have sold more than 40GB, which many have attributed the PS3 sales spike to."

[gamesblow]

The whole HDD thing is absurd. New sku's shouldn't be relegated to how big the hdd is. Everyone has the option of upgrading their own HDD's. Sony should put a 10 or 20 gb "standard" hdd in one call it the ps3 "Core" sell it for 300 bucks and then let everyone "who wants a bigger HDD" buy one. Simple as that.

Solves everyone's problem and cuts down on confusion. I ahve a 250 gb in mine. I'm happy.

[Ju]

...except that smaller HDDs are more expensive then bigger ones. The whole size thing is useless. I am not even sure if the 40G is so much cheaper then the 80. The bigger savings are the machine itself, not the HDD. But it would look odd to sell the "40G" with a "80G" drive (or vice versa) but charge so much more for the big model.

[Real gamer 4 life]

The poor sales of the 80gb could be one of the reason why sony is ditching the 80gb ps3. Maybe they are going to release the white ps3 at a price of 399 and then drop the price of the 40gb to 299. The consumer have spoken Sony now know how much the consumer are willing to pay for the ps3 and 399 was the sweet price. So if they release a system for 399 and drop the current 40gb to 299, then i could see another ps3 sale spike.

[Hugh Hefner]

I didn't know black paint was $100.00 more expensive than white paint.

[SoulReaper]

Seriously the 80GB is sold out everywhere(maybe not yet but soon) and its doing horrible in sales?? I am laughing so hard right now..

[spec_ops_comm]

LOL @ 5 disagrees?!?!?

What you said makes perfect sense. The first guy suggested the following:

40GB PS3 = $299
White PS3 = $399

Yet the white PS3 is 40GBs too... So therefore the paint would be the only reason for the difference in price? That's just stupid.

If you have lost all logic, send me more disagrees!! IT FEEDS ME!!

[Jigsaw-]

hmm so does this mean the 40 gig sells more? this could connect to the rumors of the $300 40 gig and if the 40 gig is selling more than the 80 then most people don't care about bc.

[Gordii]

i think sony is working on a firmware update for the 40gigs to make them backwards compatible plus it makes sense to make a cheaper console instead of 2 different types it also cuts down on the cost. I said this was on of my predictions of the 2008 and it looks like its half coming true so far with the 80gig no longer gonna be around. If sony goes down to 299 with ps2 backwards compat. You will see a Ps3 bomb go off and you will see a lot of ps3's sold out.

[Fanboy Slaughter]

They've already said the 40GB will be near-impossible to BC with PS2 games, because there is absolutely NO PS2 hardware in it at all. With the 80GB, there was still some PS2 circuitry on the board, and the emulation was about 50/50 software and hardware wise. The 40GB would require 100% software emulation, and that costs money that Sony probably wouldn't dish out.

[TruthBTold]

PS3 40gb model having BC emulation but it would make sense then to get rid of the 80 gb and just keep the 40 gb, lowering prodcution cost to just focusing on one model. Since anyone can upgrade their HDD then having multiple skus just for the HDD isnt to convinient and plus something consumers are aware of this. Its the only thing that makes sense when getting rid of the 80gb. Ive seen it selling better than the 40gb at amazon. I know its only one store but it still gives people an idea.

[Ju]

It was mentioned before, that they won't start production on anything then the 40G as soon as the stock of those is depleted. Maybe its just that or - hey, maybe they had a breakthru in SW emulation which makes an GS-less board more valuable in the future. OTHO, I still would like to have one with 4 USB ports (2 at the back!) and the card readers. I like mine. But my guess is, they'll will go down to one SKU and lowest possible price. Same what they did with the PS2. Just the bare min to play the games, nothing else. They should possibly introduce a PVR style machine on the top end, IMO.

[CRIMS0N_W0LF]

glad i was early adopter and have the "limited" edition 60 GB with full backwards compatibility.

[AceLuby]

Though I also have a 40GB model for my bedroom TV. Can't be w/out BluRay in the bedroom...

[gamesR4fun]

ya we got right after the first price drop... 550 and no regrets tho we use the card readers more than the ps2 function lol.
still working on getting a second one (got to upgrade to a hd tv in our room first)

[Fanboy Slaughter]

I hear that, Got my 60GB (now 300GB) almost exactly a year ago, it was still worth it to me, even more so now that everyone else is getting stripped-down versions of it, despite paying $200 less.

Every now and then, I see 60GBs go on craigslist for still around $600 or so. Now I just gotta hope it never bricks on me.

[Homicide]

Yeah me too. I'm glad I bought my 60GB when they were still available (bought it on November of 07). I can't imagine not playing my precious PS2 games upscaled.

[TruthBTold]

I purchased my 60 GB when I heard they where removing the BC. The price was 500.00 so it was a great deal knowing it was costing Sony what, 800 to produce it was a steal. I convinced my brother to also get the 60 gb since it was and still is the best version. Couldnt be happier. PS3 since August 2007

[Marceles]

Good post...for once I think the early adopters got the best deal.

*pats 60GB*

[Meus Renaissance]

No console will sell well if its priced at over $399. I don't care what it has.

[zambrota]

399$ is the optimum price for most people and considering that our incomes are depleting it is hard for North Americans to take up 499$ ps3

[Ju]

I think even the $399 is to high. For us hardcore this might sound reasonable, but for Joe Average its still to high, IMO. Within 2008, they'll run out of hardcore customers, me thinks, thus these $299 rumors.

[JVIDICAN]

whys the guys name always joe =P and joe average isnt into videogames hes working his ass off to keep his house and provide for his family
times have changed =(

[Darkiewonder]

The fact when they introduce new SKU's they take out parts or have cut the cost of manufacturing parts. With news about the Blu-ray thing cost drop, I expect they are going to do a "Limited" time model which will compete with the 40gb and see how well that sells. BUT it'll cost more than 40gb as they are dropping that price to 299. Summer time? Sure, sounds logical.

[TruthBTold]

ive seen it online, dont know if its real or fake but man, the red PS3 looks badass. They should do a Limited edition like that. I dont like the whie too much, it looks to plain. I prefer the black but the red is something else.

Edit: for the record I didnt disagree with you

[ravinash]

The cost of production is going down now, so theres no point in taking any more features out.
With the lower cost of production and soon to be smaller BlueRay drive the cost should go down again later this year.
But if sales go up with the new releases of MGS4 etc then the cost cut might be even later.

[captainpwn]

I have about 5 friends who got PS3's this christmas and they were ALL 80gbs. One guy had a 40gb, but after it broke his 2nd time, he just bought an 80gb.

[Captain Tuttle]

Well there's 5

[eagle21]

Analyst are dumb. It's just going to change up soon, Sony called it "limited" at e3 07'.

[pwnsause]

well thats not the problem though, the problem is that it looks like it failed sony's expectations to get to that 11million sales mark by the end of march, despite it is selling well. thats the problem. also, just getting rid of Partial Hardware BC can solve the financial Issue with the PS3 and the consumers who dont want to buy the console due to its price. I think by monday we'll possibly see a 300 dollar 40 gb version and an intrudction of a 120gb version with no Hardware BC whatso ever, but possibly announce software BC, which what they should of done when they launched the console in the first place. I heard that the PS2 EE and GS cost sony about $100 to produce and install into the PS3, is that correct? I might be wrong.

[ravinash]

Has this Analyst written any books???...time to head off to Amazon to write some comments.

[PSWe60]

ENOUGH with the damn SKUs!
Keep the 40 gig, no more new SKUs, during the holiday I would over hear employees try to explain to confussed parents about the PS3s. Its confussing STOP!

[thedude17655]

that is it easier for them to explain all of the xbox skus?

[Dmack79]

This won't hapen anytime soon. I think They should bring beck the 60 and announce a 120. That would be better.

[SoulReaper]

What is he trying to say that the 80GB isn't popular?? Its selling way better then the 40GB PS3 out there..This dude is a joke..

I just went to amazon the 80GB PS3 climb to the #13 spot..It seem like people is scared that Sony isn't going to release a new SKU with BC..

I say wait for Sony official announcement..The new Sku will probaly come with rumble..

[pwnsause]

agreed.

[thedude17655]

I have been waiting to buy a PS3 for sometime, unemployment and standard living costs have prevented me from purchasing one. I only hope is that they continue to sell the 80gb sku, because that was the one i was planning on purchasing. Also i hope sony will make an announcement about these rumors, because i don't want to rush out and buy one if another is coming out with slightly larger HDD and rumble for about the same price or even less.

[midgard229]

the 80 gigs are always sold out and the 40 gigs dont do no where as good, so unless its just where i am that it happens, scrw this article

[IRONMAN_X_357]

lol thats why we always hear about it, selling out more than the 40GB and xbox on amazon, what kinda crap is that

[beoulve]

Funny the analyst seems a little bit clueless to me.

[Mattearl]

I think BC in a PS3 is not needed.... Spend another $100 and get a PS2 if you really want to play PS2 games.

But (i'm going to contradict myself) it is nice having the "smoothing" ability on the PS3...

[Ju]

Well, my PS3 scales it much better then my TV (hooking up the PS2 directly)...

[Vanqu1sh]

If sales keep getting worse Sony will probably be forced to discontinue all PS3s and move to PS4, this is really bad news

[thedude17655]

yes they are planning on dropping all ps3 support and manufacture the ps4, while still supporting the ps2./end sarcasim. get a clue and use some common sense, from what i have read all over the internet is that MS would be the one who ditches the 360 and focus on their new console, in a year or two. Sony plan, and they made this quite clear, is that the ps3 will be their focus for almost a decade.

[Vanqu1sh]

it makes sense think about it

If Sony releases PS4 now they could have games that look better than 360, better looking call of duty, metal gear solid 4, grand theft auto

PS3 sales are really bad and not many people bought PS3, so all the PS2 owners could just upgrade to PS4!

[Ju]

Amazingly some people always believe that things which do not exist would solve problems you already have...

[Mr Tretton]

They may be attempting to release their own 'elite'

A bigger HDD (I agree with people that say it's really pointless, but it's pointless only to those that know any better) and other stuff in the box, an HDMI cable, dualshock3, maybe a second game or a BD movie, etc.

They could still use a higher end model when the price drops come later, but clearly people are only willing to pay for that at 399 or so.

Then again they might just say screw it, release only a black and white (white, to make the PS3 seem 'nicer' to squares) 40GB model with no backC, and drop the price down. Either way, that model is still going to need a game and DS3.

[whengeeksgobad]

I agree that the bigger hdd would be useless. I own a 360 elite and honestly the smaller 20 gig (more like 13 gb) was more than enough, but I plug an external 1TB HDD into my 360 for all my multimedia needs (HD-.wmv's for now, will graduall shift to using the ps3 as my media center as its slightly quieter).

I don't know that they need a higher end model though. I personally think the biggest mistake sony made with the ps3 was the price. I may get flamed for this but most reasonable people I've talked to, and most "pundits" agree: $600.00 was too much for a game console regardless of how amazing it is/was." That said, if Sony can put backwards compatibility in the 40gb and cut it down to $299.00, they'll have one of the most affordable multi-featured device on the market, AND we can all still upgrade the HDD to 120 if we so desire (although most people I know who use their consoles as media centers stream content so the HDD size is once again not much of an issue. That way when people ask where the "flagship" model is, a salesperson can simply say: this already does everything the xbox can without an add-on, if you wan't a larger hard drive sony allows you to upgrade it to one of your own choosing - something you can't do with the xbox without hacking it anyway. No flagship needed, I'd be sold.

again full disclosure:

proud owner of 360 + ps3

[thedude17655]

@whengeeksgobad

i believe it is a bit more complicated that just adding BC in the 40bg and sell it for $100 less

[whengeeksgobad]

Nope. It is simply a software implementation that sony chooses not to put into the 40. This info is readily accessible.

[ReBurn]

I've known since the 40gb was announced that the 80gb's days were numbered. They have two different motherboard configurations and Sony's not going to be able to support that and continue to get prices down. It's going to be another 60gb scenario where they sell through their stock of 80gb and all that's left is the 40gb.

After that they'll be down to a single SKU, and in my opinion that's the right place to be.

[whengeeksgobad]

+1

I came to the same conclusion just a few lines above, I didn't know about the motherboard info though. Thanks!

[thedude17655]

40gb doesn't have the ps2 emotion chip in it, 80gb does. To me they just split the mothers board in half during manufacturing, to the left goes the 40gb, and the right goes the 80gb where they put the emotion chip in.

[whengeeksgobad]

the 80 gb backwards compatibility is done via software. The ps2 chip has been gone since the 60 gb has been discontinued. Hence why I think its lame that the 80 gb gets backwards compatibility and the 40 doesn't. It was sony's choice not to implement it, not a limitation of the hardware.

[ReBurn]

That's right. There is still some hardware in the 80gb to aid in backward compatibility. The EE chip was removed, but the GS chip remains. The 40gb has neither chip, so that's why there's no PS2 compatibility.

@thedude17655 - If you do a Google search you can see that the 80gb and 40gb in fact have completely different motherboard configurations. They are not made on the same lines.

[whengeeksgobad]

thank you for the info, this was news to me.

My next question (and this is just to clarify) is: are you saying that the 40 has no possibility for backward compatibility due to the lack of the gs chip,or is it possible but more difficult? BTW its nice to have an on fanboyish conversation on these boards finally. Thanks again man!

[ReBurn]

I wouldn't say that BC on the 40gb is impossible. They would need to emulate the PS2's graphics synthesizer chip via software as well and then get that talking with the Emotion Engine emulator. I'm sure the PS3 is powerful enough to pull that off, I'm just not sure that Sony is going to put the effort into it.

[whengeeksgobad]

well, here's hoping that *if* they try to move towards a 1 sku plan, they consider putting forth the effort!

[feejo]

Motor storm is most selled PS3 game, because it come with 80 gb, can't believe it is because poor sales.

[Sheddi]

Why cant they release the 80gb in europe?

[joemomma]

"Sony-We dont not comment on rumours or speculation"

Rumor. End of story.

[Naruto]

UPDATE: An SCEA rep has now told us, "SCEA does not comment on rumor and/or speculation. We have not made any announcements regarding manufacturing."

[BardockS30Z]

are they smoking. 80GB Sold better than the 40GB at my Best Buy, by a longshot!

[Salvadore]

Sony has been critised on numerous times for releasing multiple SKU's on the market and I dont think it would be resonable for them to discount the 80gb as it will even cause more confusion. To leave the 40gb on the market would probably be a great solution a it's affordable, but at the same time, there are people (Like me for example) who'd want to buy a PS3 that is compatible with PS2 titles and the whole set.
As it's very easy to upgrade the HDD, Sony should really start making this feature clear to consumers because HDD are very cheap nowadays.

[dfcm2003]

And I can tell you that All best buys in NC, SC, TN, and VA are all sold out of 80 gigs. Why? Not sure, but TN,had 2 come in today, so a friend of mine is having them hold one, and we are going to go get it tonight. He was told on the phone by the manager of bestbuy that the 80gig was being phased out..... This was news to me, and now today I seen this news. HUm.....

[sak500]

What next ? 20gb for 250$..

[Snukadaman]

if you check motorstorm sales since they are bundled...last week they sold 33K...thats more then all of the 47K ps3's they sold....for the 12th of january...you can see they sold 34K out of 52K ps3's sold...those 80 gigs look too me too be selling quite well.this is all not scientific but its common sense...lets also not kid ourselves...bc is needed and is that little extra most people consider when buying a console...you want the most for your money.

[nitramn4g]

all PS3 sku's will be Ditched!

[JVIDICAN]

dude just play your 360. u seem a little paranoid its a game system lol

[DJ]

That's packed in with these consoles (both 40GB and 80GB). We'll have the exact same consoles on shelves, only with Dual Shock 3s, as predicted last year.

[puki]

They need at least one SKU with card readers I use em a lot, nice feature.

[FF7numba1]

Hard drives are replace for cheap. Um, is there anyway they can make ps2 games work ps3 40 gig?
I want a 299 40 gig.

[aiphanes]

You will never, ever go back and play old PS2 games...

Sony if they wanted to could do software only backwards compatibility...its just not worth it...how many times do Xbox 360 ownwers or even wii owners go back and play old ass Xbox or Gamecube games?

A $299 white or black PS3 with Dual Shock 3, bluray movie and game pack in is the sweet spot.

Sony will do it, we will see in the next week.

[Marceles]

Pfft speak for yourself, I play emulators on my PSP more than I've been playing my consoles. I'm also still playing FF12, God of War 1-2, Odin's Sphere, Okami, and Rogue Galaxy...I play all off my stuff

[Maldread]

Sony drop the price of PS3 in Europe soon, so i can pick one up (hopefully with a rumbling sixaxis included too, so i don`t have to buy one shortly after) :)

[Kenshin_BATT0USAI]

I swear isn't the 80gb model selling like double the 40gb atm?

[kewlkat007]

If gamers see enough value in the 40 giger then why get the 80 giger, if you can save $100 more and buy 2 games or extra controller??

That's if, BC is not important to you, as well as an extra 40 gigs.

I'm willing to bet, sh^t is not selling.

This would be another SKU gone wrong, now only if they kept their words and do like Sony does and just lowered the price of the Original 60 gig console, then there would be no need.

When you got MS on your tail and a rejuvinated Nintendo(already cheap), you have to come out with new incentives and strategies to lower the cost of your box. 20/80 Giger SKU's might not have been the Answer.

[whoelse]

State the goddamn obvious...

Losing 80GB because its not selling well. How is this concept new?

If a company chooses to lose a product, its usually because its not selling too good ;)

[The L3gend]

when people still complain about the price of a ps3!...

I mean comon, your not just buying a ps3...ur basically buying a complete media outlet!...

Your getting a blu-ray player (do you see the price of standard blu-ray players!) Also a computer..(you can browse internet, hook up a printer, download movies and music, etc.) PLUS one of the best gaming systems made! Giving you some of the best graphics and gameplay to date!

I agree with an above poster..if hdd is an issue..replace it! they basically give you 1st grade instructions on how to do so!..

Im not a fanboy but i do feel as far as price goes.in comparison to other systems...the ps3 is worth every dollar!

CAN I GET AN AMEN?!? hahah

Sixasis : MY CHOICE OF WEAPON!

[Iron Man 2]

Good move by Sony,all Sony has to do now is drop the price tag of the 40gig PS3 model by $100 or so and bundle it with Uncharted and/or MGS4;)

[Mikey_Gee]

Does that mean the Backward Compatibility is now FOR SURE a thing of the past for the PS3 ??

[nbsmatambo]

Since Sony cant seem to decide which SKU they want people to have I have a solution...

1) Discontinue the 80Gb Model

2) Enable full BC, more USB Slots, Card Readers to the 40Gb Model (They will have to make a new model, possibly in color variations. Blue, White, Green, Red, Blue, etc...

3) Make a wireless HDD (like the one apple made =)) that links up to your PS3 and anything else that needs memory for sale in the following variations; 50GB, 80GB, 150GB, 300GB, 1TB (maybe a little too much choice but who knows someone might need that?)

4) Drop the price on the 40GB model to about $275-$300( Since i have read that initially companies lose money on SKU's (xcept Nintendo -.-), they would have to keep reducing the cost of the hardware)

And thats my 4-Step plan to kicking microsofts (and maybe Nintendo) of their pedestal

[skagrerrrr]

on all skus

[Bathyj]

Um except
UPDATE 2: Well, this is interesting. We just heard from The NPD Group who told us, "In the last quarter (when both were on the market), the 80GB sold more units than the 40GB." When pressed for a more exact breakdown of the sales data between the two SKUs, NPD said they could not provide that. It's certainly a surprise to us, however, that the more expensive 80GB would have sold more than 40GB, which many have attributed the PS3 sales spike to.

Anyway, who cares, drop the 80GB. We dont need it. If they had a 1 GB HD in a $299 machine I'd get that and put my own 250GB in. Thats the beauty of the PS3, you dont need a crappy propriety HD .

[Enigma_2099]

"The recently released 40GB version is getting traction at retail, suggesting backward compatibility takes a backseat to the console's price point for current buyers."

Well if he means half-assed emulation for $100 more takes a backseat to the price point, then I can see his side of he argumentt.

But here's an idea... stick the emotion engine in a PS3 that doesn't cost $100 more, and see which one sells...

[jorellpogi]

It seems they are going to make the 40GB the sole SKU worldwide. It will be bad for Sony if there's no other alternative SKU.