Let's review: all the PS3 SKUs
MGS4 80GB bundle may be discontinued
It looks like the 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle really was "limited edition." The $499 bundle has been deleted from the Wal-Mart databases, to make way for the 80GB Core and upcoming 160GB Uncharted pack. Considering the current MGS4 pack is the only system to support PS2 backwards compatibility, this may be your last chance to get your hands on a PS3 that can play PS2 games. Neither the current $399 80GB Core nor the upcoming $499 160GB bundle will support PS2 games at all.Stay tuned for Sony's official response.
80GB goes on sale in Europe this Friday, 160GB PS3 available 10/31

New 80GB Core Packs can be sold as soon as stores get them [Update]

If the new 80GB Core Packs are available, that means the two current PS3 SKUs both feature 80GB hard drives. The more expensive ($499) 80GB Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle includes a copy of the popular stealth action game and offers backwards compatibility.
Update: SCEA rep Al de Leon tells us that "Shipments of the new 80GB PS3 started this week, and retailers can sell them as they receive the inventory." If your local store has the new 80GB system, they're allowed to sell it immediately.
Retail says new 80GB PS3s out in Europe this Friday
Australia gets new 80GB SKUs priced and dated
The same pack will be available in North America this September and Europe on August 27. As a reminder, the units come with a DualShock 3 and the same functionality as the 40GB units -- namely 2 USB slots, no memory card readers, and no PS2 backwards compatibility.
[Kotaku via Edge Online]
40GB stock running low in anticipation of new 80GB model
"40GB stock has been in very short supply over the last few weeks ... PlayStation 3 will now boast a monopoly on Blu-ray, increased storage space and Play TV in the near future," Jonathan Hayes noted. "All this points to a stronger proposition for Sony going into Christmas. The only disappointment was the lack of backward compatibility compared to the US version."
80GB PS3, Platinum range to launch in PAL territories

A Platinum range of PS3 games have also been unveiled for Europe -- starting August 1st, Heavenly Sword, MotorStorm, Ratchet and Clank: Tools of Destruction, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune, Virtua Tennis and Assassin's Creed will go on sale with a recommended retail price of €29.99. WWW Smackdown Vs Raw 08 is also in the Platinum range, but its cheaper incarnation's release date hasn't been announced. The Platinum range of games have each sold at least 400,000 copies in the PAL territories.
So... in terms of software selection: Greatest Hits or Platinum range?
PS3 Core 80GB $399.99 [update]

New core configuration this fall with 80GB hard drive. Same as the current 40GB SKU with twice the hard drive. This will also include a DualShock 3 controller.
[Thanks, ajiezer!]
Where to buy the Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle
Each retailer will have its own policies regarding what to buy with the system, but Wal-Mart clearly has the competition beat with its generous bonus $100 gift card -- an incentive that will also work with this lucrative bundle. Getting a free $100 for buying the Metal Gear bundle? How generous.
If you can't make a Wal-Mart, you may want to try any of these other options:
- amazon.com is already sold out
- Best Buy is holding multiple midnight launches this Wednesday night.
- Circuit City has pre-orders available, but you must buy an extra Blu-ray remote (total: $525).
- EB Games/Gamestop online pre-orders are sold out -- check midnight launches.
Lucky guy: Metal Gear Solid 4 unboxing
So, gvgnumber1 from YouTube managed to trick a Wal-Mart employee into selling him a Metal Gear Solid 4 system early. And, he's unboxed it for the entire world to see. As of now, he doesn't know if he should keep it or sell it, but feel free to enjoy this lucky b*stard's ability to get his hands on MGS4 so much earlier than the rest of y'all.
[Thanks, Don M.!]
Metal Gear bundle kills amazon.com [Update]

Demand for the Metal Gear bundle was so high, that the popular online retailer simply couldn't handle the traffic. If this is the fervor in just one store, imagine how well the bundles are going to sell when they release nationwide next Thursday.
Update: GameStop.com is selling 80GB bundles, but you are forced to buy the questionable Bluetooth headset. The total cost? $560.
Update: Well, it's finally back.
80GB Metal Gear systems on amazon.com tomorrow at 10AM PST
According to the online retailer, "demand for this item is so great, we anticipate selling out very quickly." Thankfully, you'll have a slight edge over others who may be browsing the site. The bundle will be available at 10AM PST (1PM EST) tomorrow. Get your F5 buttons ready -- and g'luck to all of you.
Update: Please note that the system will be $499 when it is available tomorrow. Any prices you see right now are third-party resellers that are free to charge whatever they want to -- and they want to charge a lot.
80GB MotorStorm packs discontinued
Sony underestimated 80GB demand, admits Steinberg
Gamers, at least those in America, are willing to pay a premium to get the "complete" experience associated with the brand. For example, many Xbox gamers opt for the Premium model, as opposed to the cheaper (but HDD-less) Arcade model. Many new PS3 owners most likely want PS2 backwards compatibility, something that the 80GB offers (but the 40GB model does not).
"You'll see us replenish these in the marketplace," Steinberg said. In fact, we hope that they'll make a lot of 80GB systems. The upcoming 80GB Metal Gear Solid bundle will certainly have a mass market appeal -- even with its pricey $500 price tag.


















