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Sony may discontinue 80GB PS3

25 January 2008 11:43 by Dave "Davedough" Horvath | 46 comments

According to an internal memo at retail giant Best Buy, the store will no longer stock and distribute the 80GB Sony PS3, thereby moving the console closer to a single SKU retail option. According to the memo, the store will no longer carry the product after January 28th of this year. The unverified memo reads, "The 80GB version of the PS3 is going closeout and won't be replaced at this time. Only the 40GB version of PS3 will be sold in Best Buy stores at this time."

This move as a whole would completely dismiss backwards compatibility for future PS3 owners from ever being achieved. As known in the past, the 40GB model saved money by going with a different motherboard which did not include the architecture needed for backwards compatibility for PS2 games. Of course, PS1 games are still playable via the digital download service they offer. If this memo serves as a direction that Sony wishes to take with future sales, it would mean that Sony has given up on supplying backwards compatibility to its customers.

To further substantiate this, North America is the only region that still a multi-system lineup. Japan and the UK have already dropped the higher capacity models in favor of the cheaper 40GB model. Earlier last year, Sony had dropped the 20GB and the 60GB model from their lineup, leaving only the 40GB and 80GB respectively.

Permalink to this article | Topic: Consoles

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CES 2008: Sony Japan to drop 20GB and 60GB PS3 models (10 January 2008)

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red2tango (Inactive) 26 January 2008 12:44
*Originally posted by ZippyDSM:* Even BB sees the price gouging with the 80GB model set at 599,if they set it to 499 and the 40GB model to 299 then there would be no problem. NEWS FLASH!!!! 80gb ps3's are 499 lmao GENIUS [ + quote]
mcmenace (Member) 26 January 2008 14:02
tin23uk *Quote:* hey it keeps their grubby little fingers away from my ps3. This is off subject but I think worth saying, I let my girls grubby little fingers all over my PC when they were old enough to reach it and now 1 is a chemical engineer and another an IT Engineer. Also got others the 80g PS3 for Xmas, looks like a good move now. [ + quote]
p303 (Newbie) 26 January 2008 20:33
I work at a best buy and the word we're getting is the the 80 gig is gonna say and it's just gettin repackaged without motorstorm. Therea also rumor that it's getting a larger HDD sold sepretaly. And maybe with a different title. Thats all the input i have! [ + quote]
spydah (Junior Member) 26 January 2008 21:15
*Originally posted by Weirdo007:* I have a question about the whole BWC thing or lack there-of now that it looks like Sony MAY (key word there) at some point only produce the 40GB version of the PS3. I do still some play some of the older PS1 games on my PS2 een now, I'm an avid RPG player and still play through some of the older Final Fantasy titles such as 4 and 6. Here is my question: Final Fantasy XI I know this MMORPG is old and has been out for awhile and that it is really a niche game but I did play it a lot on my PC until my old PC bit the dust. My dilemma is this, I know Sony doesn't support the PS2 hdd anymore and that the slim PS2 can't even use it. However, I knew from reading and researching the PS3 that you could load the FFXI system partition files from Sony's website onto the PS3 HDD and thus load the PS2 FFXI games CD's themselves onto the PS3. An expensive option but it would work. But now that it looks like they will be dropping BWC altogether, what does that do for anyone such as myself wanting to play this game but doesn't have the extra couple grand to drop on a new PC? XBox 360 is an option I guess or build a relatively cheap PC to run it which I could do. Thoughts? Honestly I think they are following M$ foot steps with the PSN store where you going to have to buy if over again which isnt fair to those whom already own and dont want to pay to play. It sucks all around in that category. I dont really care about the BWC but i do have the 60GB that supports it. It will take a seriously fun game thats old for me to buy it through their store online. [ + quote]
gmontalc (Newbie) 26 January 2008 21:50
The Sony Playstation management, all of them are smoking to much grass; - for example - the original PS3 60GB when came out with all the glorious hype everybody was static happy, And after all this craziness 80GB, 40GB market strategy they realized that the hardware are not going to make them super rich. Instead of focusing on "ONE" type of console and develop new features and originals games, by not doing that they have dig their own grave for failure and disappointment. Sony has already admitted that the PS3 have been the main reason for the delay of Grand Tourism 4, also for the quick buck crappy games. at the same token games developers still are not in favor for PS3 games format, but instead they are more comfortable in creating games for the Xbox 360. What Sony Playstation is going to do next? [ + quote]
Mr_Del (Member) 27 January 2008 4:02
Just curious, Can you put any HD in there or is it propiatary? -Del [ + quote]
ZippyDSM (AfterDawn Addict) 27 January 2008 4:13
*Originally posted by Mr_Del:* Just curious, Can you put any HD in there or is it propiatary? -Del any NB/laptop sata HDD will do. [ + quote]
3482 (Newbie) 27 January 2008 7:25
i thibk this is a bad move by sony. they should sell the 80gb model this year. [ + quote]
NexGen76 (Member) 27 January 2008 7:31
*Originally posted by gmontalc:* Instead of focusing on "ONE" type of console and develop new features and originals games, by not doing that they have dig their own grave for failure and disappointment. Its call cutting cost you can't keep one type of system the whole life cycle thats asinine. *Originally posted by gmontalc:* Sony has already admitted that the PS3 have been the main reason for the delay of Grand Tourism 4, also for the quick buck crappy games. at the same token games developers still are not in favor for PS3 games format, but instead they are more comfortable in creating games for the Xbox 360. See this is where you have no clue to what your talking about Gran Turismo hasn't been delayed.But if it was its because Kazunori Yamauchi will not release any of has games if he see one flaw.GT being delayed isn't anything new this happen all the time back during PS2 days. The Reason PS3 has seen crappie games because Dev's didn't want to take the time to learn how to code for the Cell a disc format has nothing to do with this please educate yourself before you make false claims like this.Dev's would take the cheap route & port the game from the 360.It has been showed that if Dev's code for the cell the right way then PS3 games will look just as better than 360 games...COD4,BurnOut: Paradise just to name a couple.They was comfortable with 360 because it was old tech & cheaper to produce for. [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 27 January 2008 7:34
nobrainer (Inactive) 27 January 2008 7:34
Here goes backwards compatibility! Is it cost cutting or just forcing ppl to purchase new games out of frustration, due to a poor catalouge of PS3 titles regardless of the quality? or you can always purchase the same titles you already own with compatibility from the PSN! why don't they allow you to time shift i wonder..... Is Sony Dropping PS2 Compatibility? *Originally posted by hyperlink:* FTA: Long time ago, oh, say a year and a half ago, Sony director Phil Harrison called backward compatibility a "core value." Here's what he told GamePro in May 2006. "Backwards compatibility, as you know from PlayStation One and PlayStation 2, is a core value of what we believe we should offer. And access to the library of content people have created, bought for themselves, and accumulated over the years is necessary to create a format. PlayStation is a format meaning that it transcends many devices -- PSOne, PS2, and now PS3." I have a copy of Sony's January 23 "PlayStation in Review" press release sitting in front of me. Among other things, it devotes two of six bullet points to "PlayStation total [hardware and software] revenues." Clearly part of this company wants us to see the value of "PlayStation" as a brand, not a singular ailing third generation console. Another part -- the one making decisions about what configurations of the PS3 ought to be put to market -- would apparently prefer you kindly forget its second generation product. Forget it, that is, despite a library of some 1,500 games, December sales of 1.1 million units (beating the PS3, with 798k) and more software unit sales than any other console on the market. Why, if an unverified memo turns out to be correct, will Sony really drop its $600 80GB PS3 and the only currently available version that lets buyers play PS2 games? Maybe they aren't. Maybe they're planning to introduce a $300 model and add PS2 compatibility to the $400 model. Maybe they're in fact planning to discontinue a really dumb idea (making PS2 compatibility a buy-time decision) and add software compatibility to the $400 model. Maybe they'll even offer a system update to buyers of the existing 40GB model that up-flashes their systems. You know PS2 compatibility is just a software trick in the 80GB model, right? "You know PS2 compatibility is just a software trick in the 80GB model, right?" HU, DID I READ THAT RIGHT? So its not about cutting costs, surly sony wouldn't charge for something that costs either the same, or very little more, like the $1 difference between the 60 and 80 gig hard drives! The BPI Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, EMI. The RIAA Soundexchange Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, EMI. The MPAA Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, DISNEY, PARAMOUNT, FOX. [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 27 January 2008 10:26
gmontalc (Newbie) 27 January 2008 14:06
* NexGen76 * "The Reason PS3 has seen crappie games because Dev's didn't want to take the time to learn how to code" First of all you only give excuses, and second is not "crappie" it is CRAPPY ! Think for a minute... you'd agree that Sony Playstation is a fly by night company?, you'd think the management and all the people who works for are just someone found around the streets? If Sony Playstation are struggling with the PS3 is because they're thinking on how to make a quick buck. that's all. It is already been rumor that by 2010 will come out the next Playstation, this console will have a better cell processor, better video card capable handling a true High Definition 1080p, much larger central memory (RAM), WiFi 3g technology... and much more. Now, if this rumor is all true then what's the point for all this senseless "business strategy" for just a mere cut costing production? for a smaller or larger Hard Drive? We (the customers) all know that in this era of cyber technology, needs a very large hard drive, huge memory, crisp clear vision and fast connectivity. Why the PS2 was and still is the best choice for gaming?, just because the PS2 have large option of games!. and ironic the PS2 do not need a hard drive. [ + quote]
ZippyDSM (AfterDawn Addict) 27 January 2008 14:17
*Originally posted by gmontalc:* * NexGen76 * "The Reason PS3 has seen crappie games because Dev's didn't want to take the time to learn how to code" First of all you only give excuses, and second is not "crappie" it is CRAPPY ! Think for a minute... you'd agree that Sony Playstation is a fly by night company?, you'd think the management and all the people who works for are just someone found around the streets? If Sony Playstation are struggling with the PS3 is because they're thinking on how to make a quick buck. that's all. It is already been rumor that by 2010 will come out the next Playstation, this console will have a better cell processor, better video card capable handling a true High Definition 1080p, much larger central memory (RAM), WiFi 3g technology... and much more. Now, if this rumor is all true then what's the point for all this senseless "business strategy" for just a mere cut costing production? for a smaller or larger Hard Drive? We (the customers) all know that in this era of cyber technology, needs a very large hard drive, huge memory, crisp clear vision and fast connectivity. Why the PS2 was and still is the best choice for gaming?, just because the PS2 have large option of games!. and ironic the PS2 do not need a hard drive. and the 360 is practically dead becuise of space issues and poor dsign.... neither console is perfect pick your poison and drink up :P Oh and we are now complaining about upgraded consoles when the 360 has failed to do it right? oy vay...... [ + quote]
arekisu (Newbie) 27 January 2008 15:47
*Originally posted by snowlock:* sony introduced bwc into the console game market...now their going to abandon it? Sega had bwc with the Mega Drive/Genesis and Nintendo with the SNES. Sony was 3rd. But i agree, they shouldn't abandon it. [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 27 January 2008 15:49
ZippyDSM (AfterDawn Addict) 27 January 2008 15:51
*Quote:* *Originally posted by snowlock:* sony introduced bwc into the console game market...now their going to abandon it?quote]Sega had bwc with the Mega Drive/Genesis and Nintendo with the SNES. Sony was 3rd. But i agree, they shouldn't abandon it. the SNES adopted BWC late, the Mega drive did have a add on pretty early in the game but sony had it from day one out of the box, so I'l give them props for that. BC is imporant to me and futhers my distaste for new gaming when they do not properly support BWC. [ + quote]
arekisu (Newbie) 27 January 2008 15:58
*Quote:* *Quote:* *Originally posted by snowlock:* sony introduced bwc into the console game market...now their going to abandon it?quote]Sega had bwc with the Mega Drive/Genesis and Nintendo with the SNES. Sony was 3rd. But i agree, they shouldn't abandon it. the SNES adopted BWC late, the Mega drive did have a add on pretty early in the game but sony had it from day one out of the box, so I'l give them props for that. BC is imporant to me and futhers my distaste for new gaming when they do not properly support BWC. Good point well made. Sony had the idea to have bwc out of the box, but to drop it is not a good idea. [ + quote]
NexGen76 (Member) 27 January 2008 17:14
*Originally posted by gmontalc:* First of all you only give excuses First read my post everything i have said is facts i don't choose to live with rumors like you i deal with fact that are provided not rumors. *Originally posted by gmontalc:* Think for a minute... you'd agree that Sony Playstation is a fly by night company?, you'd think the management and all the people who works for are just someone found around the streets? No you need to do some research before you make these claims because Sony not a fly by night company there track record with the PS1 & PS2 speak for itself...longevity. *Originally posted by gmontalc:* If Sony Playstation are struggling with the PS3 is because they're thinking on how to make a quick buck. that's all. No wrong again PS3 was struggling because the lack of games worth buying & took a chance & actually made a true Nexgen system with new tech which push the cost up.Software sells hardware thats the only way any console going to be successful long term.Since the launch of Heavenly Sword last year(Sept)PS3 has sold very good compared to when they launched look at the numbers for yourself.Uncharted just sold over a million copies which is proof. *Originally posted by gmontalc:* It is already been rumor that by 2010 will come out the next Playstation, this console will have a better cell processor, better video card capable handling a true High Definition 1080p, much larger central memory (RAM), WiFi 3g technology... and much more. Sony has no reason to launch another system for a while as i said look at there track record not rumors.If there any system the may see a new version that would be the 360 which isn't built for the future.Just keep living on rumor & you will get no where. [ + quote] This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 27 January 2008 17:19
ZippyDSM (AfterDawn Addict) 27 January 2008 18:11
NexGen76 I disagree sony could easily launch a "elite" system in 2 years with better spec that most futures would end up in the new revisions, consoles now adays are media focused and the companies are trying to push media, I don't mind revisions or even new models. Like I said a PS3 with hardware BWC or better BWC more options,upgraded spec and a 4X BR drive and theres 600 right there.... anything less and its only worth 400$. [ + quote]
red2tango (Inactive) 27 January 2008 18:51
why do you people care about backwards compatibility.you did not buy a next-gen system to play last-gen games.i got the 80gb for free rather than the 40gb because i just wanted more space.if 80gb is discontinued then buy a 40gb or 20gb(ebay,kijiji) and replace it with a sata 2.5 hdd. [ + quote]
NexGen76 (Member) 27 January 2008 21:03
*Originally posted by ZippyDSM:* NexGen76 I disagree sony could easily launch a "elite" system in 2 years with better spec that most futures would end up in the new revisions, consoles now adays are media focused and the companies are trying to push media, I don't mind revisions or even new models. Like I said a PS3 with hardware BWC or better BWC more options,upgraded spec and a 4X BR drive and theres 600 right there.... anything less and its only worth 400$. He was saying that Sony was going to launch a new system not a new SKU.He wasn't talking about revisions.As we know Sony is the king when it come to new sku's. [ + quote]
temp2008 (Newbie) 28 January 2008 4:14
I want an XBOX Multiloader program because i want to put more than one game one 1 DVD9 [ + quote]
Amir89 (Senior Member) 28 January 2008 7:03
Wtf are you doing Sony??... They're dropping their best selling and most popular models just because the profit margins are currently not breaking even, and leaving consumers with 2 options: a 40Gb piece of crap that lacks all the standard features, or the overpriced and useless 80Gb model.. My god they are hopeless at marketing. They should have kept distributing the 20 and 60Gb models, saturated the market, and then done what Microsoft is doing, jack up the price of accessories, games and services. It's been 2 years and the PS3 is still the least popular console with the lowest sales, even though in all honesty it is the best and most advanced.. and it's no wonder, because Sony just doesn't take consumer preferences into consideration. Current Specs: Intel82801BA Mobo, Intel D 945G @3.4Ghz, 2x2Mb L2 Cache, 1Gb DDR2 SD RAM @677Mhz, 250Gb WD Caviar @10,000Rpm, GeForce7600GT 512MB GDDR2, ASUSTek Tiger Digital/Analog TV Tuner, Samsung SyncMaster941BW 19" LCD, LG H20L DVD�R/RW DL LightScribe, LG GSA-4167B DVD�R/RW DL, Logitech Z-5500 505Watt 5.1 Surround [ + quote]
Nick7543 (Newbie) 4 February 2008 19:50
If you are so worried about backwards compatibility go out and buy a ps2. Chances are if you want backwards compatibility you already have a ps2. I know its nice to have it on one system but you cant have your cake and eat it to. Besides did you really buy your ps3 to play ps2 games. [ + quote]
ZippyDSM (AfterDawn Addict) 4 February 2008 23:04
*Originally posted by Nick7543:* If you are so worried about backwards compatibility go out and buy a ps2. Chances are if you want backwards compatibility you already have a ps2. I know its nice to have it on one system but you cant have your cake and eat it to. Besides did you really buy your ps3 to play ps2 games. Sorry that dose not cut it,Sony was the first to fully support BWC and now they are dropping it on a gray death whim(suits gotta love them), sorry its bull sht and chips without the chips,at least the 360 has teh chips :P. [ + quote]
borhan9 (AfterDawn Addict) 19 February 2008 7:10
Just give all Playstation 3 users or buyers a version that has half a tera byte and we will be set for life :) [ + quote]
babyhewy (Newbie) 20 February 2008 1:46
This mod maybe part of their reason to due away with bwc. All you need is a set of $10. switches to play burned games. With any other system the mod chip alone would cost at least $30. not including installation. This exploit is where Sony is losing the money. You no longer have to play those $60. disc, you can now back it up and play the backup, making it less likely to scratch the original or break it. (and yes, I know what the real reason for a mod is, this is just the legal way of saying it) If this is just Best Buy doing this, then the H*** with them, but I would bet this is a Sony thing, and maybe they are getting rid of this line of ps3's like they did with the original exploit of the first ps2's. Which they came out with the slimline version to get rid of the internal hdd of which you could use a normal desktop computer's hdd, and copy games over to. They blamed it on a bug, took it off the market, and the slimline was born. No more exploit of this type, and more games were sold at regular price. Here is the $10. mod. By, pizzag: http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_jump.cfm/499497/3017630 [ + quote]
zinzara (Newbie) 22 February 2008 9:57
i work at walmart in electronics and this is true. they are showing as "deleted" in our system too. so we won't be carrying it either. i'd say that since two big stores are already not gonna carry it, Sony probably is killing that version. but i'm not worried about it. i just bought me a 40gb and my ps2 still works, so i'm happy :D [ + quote]