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An anonymous Best Buy employee has sent us a scan of an internal letter, which notifies employees that the 80GB system is being discontinued. "The 80GB version of the PS3 is going closeout and won't be replaced at this time," it reads. "It will come off the planogram on Jan. 28. The 60GB version should already be gone from stores. Only the 40GB version of PS3 will be sold in Best Buy stores at this time."
The 40GB model currently costs $399, and is the cheapest PS3 available. However, it does have a few limitations: it lacks memory card readers, features only two USB ports, and most importantly, loses backwards compatability, as noted in the memo. "This means that there currently isn't a version that is PS2 compatible," it notes.
There have been very shady rumors suggesting Sony is planning on introducing a cheaper $299 version of its console (although that has been repeatedly denied by Sony). Earlier in the week, we also discovered an FCC filing for a white model PS3. Whatever's going on, it appears that Sony's making moves for a big change. Stay tuned.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
1-24-2008 @ 10:37AM
KushielsScion007 said...
Is there a link to the rumor about the cheaper version of the ps3? I haven't heard anything about it so I'm sorta curious...
As for this news...wow is all I can say. Thats what 3 different skus canned in lil over a year? Thats got to be some kinda record.
If this rumor about the cheaper sku is true is right I wonder what they'll be taking out of it to make it that cheap.
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1-24-2008 @ 10:40AM
Andrew Yoon said...
The rumors were so shaky that we didn't ever post them on PS3 Fanboy. However, I updated the story with links to two different denials. That should give you all the information you need!
1-24-2008 @ 10:51AM
KushielsScion007 said...
Thanks...and I see your point about the rumors.
3-06-2008 @ 11:09AM
Ronaldo said...
That sucks i got my 80 gb ps3 like a week befor this happend at best buy i am so thankful i got my 80 gb ps3 in time
1-24-2008 @ 10:42AM
Tru-blu said...
Interesting. I better tell my friend to pick up that 80GB model before he misses out on the options that the 40GB doesn't have.
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1-24-2008 @ 6:36PM
Jason said...
Me too...
It sucks to be one of those people who kept saying "I'll wait till stuff like MGS4 and GTAIV come out to get a PS3." Now they are going to get a stripped down shit SKU. Maybe its Sony's way of punishing the disloyal. ;)
1-24-2008 @ 10:49AM
Kane said...
they need to leave at least one PS2 compatible version...
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1-24-2008 @ 11:18AM
JerJerBinks said...
I believe that they are currently building software backwards compatibility for the 40GB version of the PS3. It makes sense now that they are discontinuing the 80GB version.
1-24-2008 @ 11:28AM
Trev said...
I was thinking the same thing. I hope they're pulling some bigger hdd = new model thing like they did with the 60 to 80gb model change. Not having any model available with ps2 compatibility would be a dumb move.
1-24-2008 @ 11:37AM
G. Scott said...
The 40 gig model has been announced to be the worldwide standard PS3.
http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-40059.html
Sony has totally given up on its promise to have backwards compatibility. In fact, Sony executives have stated that they are not and will not be working on backwards compatibility for any PS3 models. PS3 is meant to play Bluray discs and PS3 games, not PS2 games... ever. Not downloadable versions, no software emulation.
If you want to play PS2 games, buy a PS2.
2-02-2008 @ 5:42PM
snQQpy said...
No, Sony does not need to keep one compatible PS3 for PS2 games. If you think about it, why would Sony do that. They cant make any money on PS3 sales as long as they have a console that supports all previous versions. It seems that what Sony is trying to do is restructure the playing field.
If you want to play PS2 games, do it on a PS2 and same if you want to play PS3- do it on the PS3.
This is purely guesses of mine. If in fact this is how Sony is thinking, then they should have never come out with a console that was backwards compatible to begin with.
1-24-2008 @ 10:54AM
Aaron said...
The $299 PS3 is coming check it out http://gamerumor.blogspot.com/2008/01/299-ceramic-white-playstation-3.html
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1-24-2008 @ 10:55AM
Blackacidstang said...
40GB being 299 and a new 120GB for 400? Just a thought.
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1-24-2008 @ 10:59AM
Nate said...
I don't think they could squeeze the machine anymore than they already have.... although, to be fair, they are breaking even on the $400 40 gig ones, so maybe they could stand to introduce an entry level one (no idea what they'd drop from it... wireless?) that loses a little money at $299. I think it would be a very good move to get the marketable price down to $299. Then it's barely more than a Wii.
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1-24-2008 @ 11:00AM
wicko said...
Boy, am I glad I have a 60GB model.. Is no BC really worth the price drop to people? Hang on to your PS2s I guess!
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1-24-2008 @ 11:02AM
wonway01 said...
I pretty much agree with what they are doing.
PS3 launches and needs to get PS2 users to the PS3 so they offer full compatability for the hardcore players.
Eventually bring the cost of production down and losing some compatability.
Now after a year+ lose BC all together and make production costs as low as possible.
At this point you arnt as worried about PS2 to PS3 adopters. People that moved early did so with ease. People from now on either were not too interested in changing hence not too worried about BC when they switch or they are new commers that don't have anything PS2.
If PS2 users want to switch eventually they can just keep the PS2 or bail on it all together.
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1-24-2008 @ 11:03AM
Boris said...
so this means im screwd when i go try to buy and 80 gb in march...wil this be in all stores?like walmart,kmart,target,sears...etc?
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1-24-2008 @ 11:06AM
mike said...
according the the link, the 299 version is exactly the same as the 40 gig, so how is there a price drop? They just said, " Hey lets make the white version cheaper"
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1-24-2008 @ 11:11AM
Ben Lizzotte said...
I work at Best Buy and I was talking to our Sony rep and I'm pretty sure this just has to do with the motorstorm bundle. We've been out of the 80gb for awhile now and she said that Sony is waiting for the current 80gb to sell out across the country and then they'll be sending out regular 80gb without the game bundled in.
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1-24-2008 @ 5:12PM
Neo said...
Best Buy employee here too & from what I know it's the same situation as the xbox360 holiday bundles. Though I don't know why it happened with the 80gb first as the 40gb was "at-risk" in our store...~