Sony drops price of PS3 60gb to 499, makes 80gb for 599.

[Billy Rygar]

Price of the ps3 remains at 600$.  Good work Sony.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

Includes Motorstorm

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[Himu]

lol good work billy

[Mondain]

Well, that makes sense, it avoids Sony making itself look bad by making these price cuts since the SKU pricings remains the same as they once were, and since all in all there really is a genuine price cut (which is what they want). Each one of us knows that a 60GB version at 499$ is what we need. Hopefully 60GB PS3s form the absolute highest prorata of systems sent in stores.

Contrarily to 360 systems, people are going to be able to tell the difference clearly and there'll be far less consumer confusion since one of the reasons a system is priced higher is because of a game (which is something that they can easily understand), and because it's got a few gigs more in storage, something that doesn't exist with say, the Elite.

[Cheebs]

500 is still too much for consumers as the 400 pricetag of 360 has proven.

For Americans its 300(& lower) or bust. This gaf image summed it up well:

[Mr. Gundam]

Good going, Sony! Any positive spin you might have received just went away as you SHOT YOURSELF IN THE FOOT AGAIN.

[Cheebs]

The elite was a fucking stupid move why did they do basically the same thing. Ugh. What is this gen and multiple sku's? Its absurd.

[Mr. Gundam]

The elite was a fucking stupid move why did they do basically the same thing. Ugh. What is this gen and multiple sku's? Its absurd.

Companies like making as much money as possible? I have no fucking clue.

At least the only difference between the $500 and $600 PS3 systems is hard drive space. Might be a little easier for the average consumer to figure out.

[Cheebs]

The elite was a fucking stupid move why did they do basically the same thing. Ugh. What is this gen and multiple sku's? Its absurd.

Companies like making as much money as possible? I have no fucking clue.

At least the only difference between the $500 and $600 PS3 systems is hard drive space. Might be a little easier for the average consumer to figure out.

it is easier than elite but that $599 stigma that has haunted them in the press still is there which alone is problematic. But yes, far easier than elite but still:

Sony took what should be good news, and turned it into confusing news.

[Van Cruncheon]

so lemme get this straight

the 60 gb is being discontinued, and the price drop is only to move it off shelves

the NEW and primary ps3 sku is the 80 gigger with LOLZ MOTORSTORM, which is $599 and has only 20 extra gigs BUT has no hardware back compat??

WHAT THE FUCK

SONY AM distinguished mentally-challenged fellow

[Mr. Gundam]

I haven't read anything that would suggest that the 60GB model is going away. Sony better not pull that shit.

[Cheebs]

I haven't read anything that would suggest that the 60GB model is going away. Sony better not pull that shit.

They did with the 500 unit first time around! And the fact they made their price drop seem insignificant this time gives me no faith they wont just push away the new 500 pack soon.

One big reason that they would push back the 500 unit is the new 80GB pack will have software side emulation, which Sony wants to fully convert to for ps2/psx games.

And Sony KNOWS this is not "good" news. If you have news right before e3 you save it, unless you don't think it will bring in good reactions so you let it out early. Much like MS did with the warranty thing due to breaking systems. You don't want to talk about "bad" stuff at E3.

[Mr. Gundam]

Sounds about right.  Maybe they'll throw in some more slots for memory cards I DON'T USE AND DON'T NEED as well. 

I've never once thought about using any of those card slots, and I've got my PS3 hooked up via ethernet cable to my wireless router. I would've gladly bought the 20GB model instead of a 60GB if I could've found one.

[BlueTsunami]

So distinguished mentally-challenged

Its as if they figured a 20GB increase in harddisk space is what the consumers wanted. Also, wow, Motorstorm included? Hurrr, might as well sell that model for $499 with no game included. distinguished mentally-challenged fellow logic, I can't believe they (Sony) are going to sink the Playstation brand in one swoop.

[Cheebs]

So distinguished mentally-challenged

Its as if they figured a 20GB increase in harddisk space is what the consumers wanted. Also, wow, Motorstorm included? Hurrr, might as well sell that model for $499 with no game included. distinguished mentally-challenged fellow logic, I can't believe they (Sony) are going to sink the Playstation brand in one swoop.

It is all the more amazing that Sony knew basically every damn time what the consumer wanted for 10 years straight, they made almost every single right move from PSX to PS2. Yet now are unable to bring in the simple news of "price drop" without messing it up.

[Mondain]

what's Sony's motivation? not making itself look bad by looking like it's really dropping prices, when in reality they ARE dropping prices... a full pricedrop on a single SKU could make Microsoft retaliate with a big price drop in counter-attack

consumers get confused about details like HDMI, Live accessories and a bigger HDD to a certain extent, but they know well what game bundles are and their plus value

it's a smart move, and no the 60GB SKU isn't going to be discontinued

[Cheebs]

what's Sony's motivation? not making itself look bad by looking like it's really dropping prices,

Uh..dropping prices ISN'T a bad thing. Price drops = boosts in sales, its always win win. When PS2 had it's first price drop people didn't react like "things must be going wrong. ABANDON SHIP!"

Making people think you didn't drop the price backfires, completely.

[Mr. Gundam]

it's a smart move, and no the 60GB SKU isn't going to be discontinued

You know, maybe they're going to hang on to the 60GB model, and maybe we're just jumping to conclusions, but someone needs to grill Sony about this at E3.

[Cheebs]

it's a smart move, and no the 60GB SKU isn't going to be discontinued

Someone needs to grill Sony about this at E3.

the software side emulation thing being introduced with the 80GB packs makes things far more cloudy about this issue than they should be.

Also the problem is with Motorstorm. Motorstorm didn't sell that well, it isn't a system seller.  They should have waited till fall and picked a better title.

[BlueTsunami]

It would be a smart move if the 60GB SKU isn't discontinued (and priced as it is). I'd rather there be two SKUs with one cheaper one than one mega Playstation with 20GB MORE SPACE hurr.

But as distrantmantra stated, it sounds like Sony are trying to clear out the 60GB units.

Also, you would think they (Sony) would be saving a pretty penny by not having to manufacture the EE anymore for the PS3. They must really be bleeding with the PS3. Sucks fo sure.

[Cheebs]

But as distrantmantra stated, it sounds like Sony are trying to clear out the 60GB units.

Which is my hunch. The software side emulation being introduced to USA via 80GB confirms this in my mind for now.

[Mr. Gundam]

There are a fucking ton of 60 GB models sitting in warehouses. It's going to take quite a while to unload all of them. 

[Cheebs]

It's not like they are selling out lol.

[The Fake Shemp]

Sony has a surplus of units - this is the only way they know how to get rid of them.  Adding another SKU with very little in the way of added hardware cost is their rationalization of maybe being able to not lose as much per unit when it comes to your high end user and not have the public perception that they're losing.

Either way, it's all bad.  It's not like the Elite, where Microsoft introduced the SKU due to demand.  The Elite sells.

[Van Cruncheon]

yeah, they won't wanna support two fab lines for separate configurations -- one with the EE for backcompat and one without -- if cost saving is paramount.

[demi]

WOW, thanks Billy

Gonna go buy my Super Stardust HD (tm) machine tomorrow! Hope there isn't a line!

[demi]

Ok! I suppose eating can wait for at LEAST another week. And I guess I won't need gas THAT much... the cold water is good for the heat!

[BlueTsunami]

You could buy Oblivion again

[Smooth Groove]

so lemme get this straight

the 60 gb is being discontinued, and the price drop is only to move it off shelves

the NEW and primary ps3 sku is the 80 gigger with LOLZ MOTORSTORM, which is $599 and has only 20 extra gigs BUT has no hardware back compat??

WHAT THE FUCK

SONY AM distinguished mentally-challenged fellow

You, MAF, TVC, and I aml distinguished mentally-challenged fellow too for buying the PS3 at full price + no free games or movies at launch.    We should have seen it bombing from miles away.  Blu-ray can't save a console if it's $200 more for worse graphics, worse gameplay, worse online features, etc.  

[Cheebs]

Stuff like this news makes my expectations for Sony at E3 to plummet. Sony NEEDS a fantastic showing at E3. Nintendo doesn't they have that "casual market" card that is meaningless for E3 events, MS has Halo 3 and the "definitive" GTA 4 this fall they have their best possible defense for the fall.

Sony needs to prove themselves and from looking at GAF Sony is putting all their eggs in the Killzone basket. Which is soooo stupid. I don't care how pretty it is or how great it will be, Killzone to the market will be Resistance all over again and cause almost no one to buy the system for it. Sony needs to stop trying to hype up a FPS to be the end all be all of their lineup. Thanks to Halo in 2001 Xbox has become known as the shooter system, better or for worse. And that won't change.

[Van Cruncheon]

Smooth Groove,

[Cheebs]

Nobody that played the first Killzone honestly gives a fuck about the sequel.  Sony is dead in the water at this point worldwide and Microsoft is going to capitalize with a big price cut soon.

Yet look at the SDF at gaf. All of them have Killzone avatars. 

[Mr. Gundam]

Unless Killzone underwent some serious redesign, I'm not interested. I want to see more on Uncharted and White Knight Story.

[Cheebs]

Uncharted is one of the few sony produced game that has my eye. If only because I masturbate to anything resembling Indiana Jones. Hopefully it turns out great.

However, Naughty Dog has gone to pure shit after J&D.  Jak 2, Jak 3, and that Jack weird shooter racer thing sucked so I am unsure.

[Van Cruncheon]

they only care about killzone 2 because it might provide them with a little extra ammunition in the "spec wars" on gaf. a shame, because killzone 2 is gonna wind up no more than a box of .22 rounds at the alamo. :'(

[Van Cruncheon]

uncharted will definitely turn out good. i'm pumped for it and white knight story, as well.

[BlueTsunami]

The only nextgen games I'm really hyped for is whatever Tri-Ace churns out

Infinite Undiscovery!

I don't know what the title means, but its gonna be awesome

[demi]

uncharted will definitely turn out good. i'm pumped for it and white knight story, as well.

Those pics Pimpwerx posted looked like dogshit, though

[Van Cruncheon]

there was nothing that impressive about that trailer once you took the non-technical components -- animation, scripting, and attention to detail -- out of it. certainly nothing the 360 is incapable of equaling or significantly bettering given a likewise competent, focused development team!

[Cheebs]

Jason Rubin is gone from ND right? He was such an attention whore. He called himself the Steven Spielberg of video games before lol.

[Smooth Groove]

Nobody that played the first Killzone honestly gives a fuck about the sequel.  Sony is dead in the water at this point worldwide and Microsoft is going to capitalize with a big price cut soon.

And that weren't even that many people that played the first Killzone.  Pretty much anyone who is going to buy Killzone 2 is a GAF member.  

[Van Cruncheon]

re, uncharted: yeah, but i don't expect the ps3 to better -- or even regularly equal -- the visuals powered by the superior 360. uncharted is still a next-gen game with a great theme and ideas behind it.

[AdmiralViscen]

I don't see this being as problematic as Elite vs Premium.



Unfortunately, I'm not interested in a PS3 yet, and having software emulation will keep me from buying a new one, ever. We'll see if I want to buy one used in a year or two. I hate buying shit used.

[Cheebs]

Lego Indiana Jones Trilogy (you know its fucking coming after the lego licence got annouced) will out-Uncharted Uncharted.

And it will be on PS2.

spoiler (click to show/hide)

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[AdmiralViscen]

Maybe I should just get one of these 60GB PS3s.

Fuck.

[Mr. Gundam]

Nobody that played the first Killzone honestly gives a fuck about the sequel.  Sony is dead in the water at this point worldwide and Microsoft is going to capitalize with a big price cut soon.

And that weren't even that many people that played the first Killzone.  Pretty much anyone who is going to buy Killzone 2 is a GAF member. 

I'm not defending Killzone, but didn't it sell one or two million copies worldwide?

[BlueTsunami]

Be careful with getting a PS3 with hardware based BC. Who knows how Sony will handle Software Emulation with all PS3s across the board. Meaning, they may just give you Software Emulation even if you have a PS3 thats capable of Hardware BC.

*Be careful as in, don't think you'll have the 99.8% or whatever percentage BC compatability just because you have a PS3 with Hardware BC

[Cheebs]

Nobody that played the first Killzone honestly gives a fuck about the sequel.  Sony is dead in the water at this point worldwide and Microsoft is going to capitalize with a big price cut soon.

And that weren't even that many people that played the first Killzone.  Pretty much anyone who is going to buy Killzone 2 is a GAF member. 

I'm not defending Killzone, but didn't it sell one or two million copies worldwide?

Worldwide is the key word. Basically anything with decent press could sell over a million worldwide on PS2 with its installed base.

[Smooth Groove]

re, uncharted: yeah, but i don't expect the ps3 to better -- or even regularly equal -- the visuals powered by the superior 360. uncharted is still a next-gen game with a great theme and ideas behind it.

Jason Rubin is gone from ND right? He was such an attention whore. He called himself the Steven Spielberg of video games before lol.

I hated Jason Rubin.  He was always exagerrating about the performance of his game engines for the PS2.  Only a fool would believe the performance numbers that he threw out.  Naughty Dog was always using bullshots too.  The Jak games didn't even come close to looking like the perfectly anti-aliased images that you seen on gamespot.com.  I would always remember Rubin for the bullshots and bullspecs.  What's funny is that even a former Sony evangelist like Rubin praised the 360 as the better system on the gametrailers.com show.  

[AdmiralViscen]

Be careful with getting a PS3 with hardware based BC. Who knows how Sony will handle Software Emulation with all PS3s across the board. Meaning, they may just give you Software Emulation even if you have a PS3 thats capable of Hardware BC.

*Be careful as in, don't think you'll have the 99.8% or whatever percentage BC compatability just because you have a PS3 with Hardware BC

What? Why not?

[BlueTsunami]

Be careful with getting a PS3 with hardware based BC. Who knows how Sony will handle Software Emulation with all PS3s across the board. Meaning, they may just give you Software Emulation even if you have a PS3 thats capable of Hardware BC.

*Be careful as in, don't think you'll have the 99.8% or whatever percentage BC compatability just because you have a PS3 with Hardware BC

What? Why not?

I'm not sure if they'll keep the Hardare BC. Software BC is something Sony wants to impliment on all PS3s over time (with the bad theres also good, like Smoothing and faster loading). I could see Sony making Hardware BC nullified via an update in place for Software Emulation (even on PS3s with Hardware BC).

[Mondain]

hehe, looks like it's just a limited edition



SONY COMPUTER ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INTRODUCES NEW 80GB PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™); ANNOUNCES NEW PRICE ON CURRENT 60GB MODEL
80GB System Designed for Today’s Connected Gamer, 60GB Price Now $499


FOSTER CITY, Calif., July 9, 2007 – Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA), Inc. today announced a new 80GB model of its PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) computer entertainment system. Beginning in August, the new PS3 model will be available in North America for a suggested retail price of $599/$659 CND and will be sold with the popular online-enabled racing game MotorStorm™. In conjunction with this news, the company also announced that effective immediately, the current 60GB PS3 model will be available in North America for $499/$549 CND, or $100 below the original launch price.

By featuring an expanded hard disk drive (HDD), the new 80GB PS3 is designed to appeal to the online gaming and entertainment enthusiast, providing ample storage space to download more games and other entertainment content from PLAYSTATION®Network. There are currently more than 60 playable games and game-related downloads available through PLAYSTATION®Store, with expanded entertainment content coming soon. The new model features the million-selling game MotorStorm in the box, allowing up to 12 players to play online at one time, hitting the dirt in this visually-arresting, fast-paced racing title.

Throughout the holidays and this fiscal year, more than 120 new first and third-party software titles will be available for North American PS3 users to enjoy, in addition to the more than 40 software titles currently available. Key upcoming first-party titles include Folklore™, Heavenly Sword™, LAIR, NBA ’08, Ratchet & Clank® Future: Tools of Destruction™, SingStar™, SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, THE EYE OF JUDGMENT™, Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and Warhawk™.

Numerous third-party titles, including several exclusives, will also be available such as Devil May CryIV, Dynasty Warriors:GUNDAM, Grand Theft Auto IV, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Hellboy, Metal Gear Solid 4 Guns of the Patriots, Ninja Gaiden Sigma, SEGA Rally Revo, Stranglehold™, The Darkness, TimeShift™, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas and Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter™ 2.

Additional games and services will also be available for PS3 system owners through the PLAYSTATION Network including PlayStation Home, a state-of-the-art 3D online community that serves as a meeting place for PS3 users around the world, as well as numerous downloadable games including the highly-anticipated title PAIN.

“As we move into the next phase of PS3, it’s important that we continue to evaluate our product line, offering consumers the technology and features that meet their growing needs for new forms of media and the way in which it is delivered,” said Jack Tretton, president and CEO of SCEA. “The introduction of the 80GB PS3, the new pricing for the current 60GB model, the availability of more than 100 new software titles this fiscal year and, finally, the expansion of services for PLAYSTATION Network, will provide even more options for users and will help bring new consumers into the PS3 fold.”

Both the 80GB and 60GB PS3 models come standard with Cell Broadband Engine™ (Cell/B.E.), Blu-ray Disc™ (BD) player, built-in HDD, 1080p high-definition output, Wi-Fi connectivity and SIXAXIS™ wireless controller.

[BlueTsunami]

The one being offered with Motorstorm is probably what makes it a "Limited Edition"

I wonder though, will it keep the pricepoint without the game?

[Smooth Groove]

Be careful with getting a PS3 with hardware based BC. Who knows how Sony will handle Software Emulation with all PS3s across the board. Meaning, they may just give you Software Emulation even if you have a PS3 thats capable of Hardware BC.

*Be careful as in, don't think you'll have the 99.8% or whatever percentage BC compatability just because you have a PS3 with Hardware BC

What? Why not?

I'm not sure if they'll keep the Hardare BC. Software BC is something Sony wants to impliment on all PS3s over time (with the bad theres also good, like Smoothing and faster loading). I could see Sony making Hardware BC nullified via an update in place for Software Emulation (even on PS3s with Hardware BC).

Those things are available too with Hardware BC.  Personally, I'll rather have a $100 price cut + 5 blu-ray movies than Hardware BC.  With the $100, I can buy a Slim PS2 for full compatibility with PS2 games and accessories.  I got the Xbox 1 at launch too and was also annoyed by the quick price cut but at least the Xbox's technical superiority was obvious right from the beginning.  

[Mr. Gundam]

Huh, that press release mentions Metal Gear Solid 4. Still coming this Fall or just wishful thinking?

[Smooth Groove]

Nobody that played the first Killzone honestly gives a fuck about the sequel.  Sony is dead in the water at this point worldwide and Microsoft is going to capitalize with a big price cut soon.

And that weren't even that many people that played the first Killzone.  Pretty much anyone who is going to buy Killzone 2 is a GAF member. 

I'm not defending Killzone, but didn't it sell one or two million copies worldwide?

Worldwide is the key word. Basically anything with decent press could sell over a million worldwide on PS2 with its installed base.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_best-selling_video_games#PlayStation_2

According to Wiki, Killzone didn't sell a million copies.  Which makes a whole lot of sense, considering the bad press and negative word of mouth.   

[The Sceneman]

So distinguished mentally-challenged

Its as if they figured a 20GB increase in harddisk space is what the consumers wanted. Also, wow, Motorstorm included? Hurrr, might as well sell that model for $499 with no game included. distinguished mentally-challenged fellow logic, I can't believe they (Sony) are going to sink the Playstation brand in one swoop.

It is all the more amazing that Sony knew basically every damn time what the consumer wanted for 10 years straight, they made almost every single right move from PSX to PS2. Yet now are unable to bring in the simple news of "price drop" without messing it up.

Im not sure if Sony always knew what the consumer wanted, in my opinion they just got really lucky with the Playstation brand. How else would a company that doesnt give a shit about gaming and never will climb to the top of the console pile, totally shitting all over actual gaming comapanies that produced actual fun games: Nintendo and Sega? The Playsation was a fluke, and spawned enough fanboys to make sure the PS2 was a hit also.
how the fuck did PS2 kill Dreamcast? When the PS2 came out its library was nothing but fecal matter on CDs and would stay that way for several years afterwards, DC already had an awesome library cranking with tons of hot quality shit, then everyone bought PS2s. Its about time Sony just fucked off as they have never known what they are doing and now they are taking it in the shorts just like they deserve.

[Beezy]

When you guys say no hardware backwards compatibility, you mean that it can't play PS1 and PS2 games? WTF?

[Mondain]

it doesn't just rely on software emulation, only the Emotion Engine is emulated for now, the GS is still included with every system... however every PSOne game is emulated since Sony developped a 100% software solution ages ago that was even used in the slimline PS2s

anyhow the software BC improved quite a bit over the last firmware upgrades, and I can't see why it would be such a big deal to most anyone if in present times a few games don't boot... most gamers don't have dozens of games in their collection, just a few, and it's likely that a lot of them have already taken advantage of some GameStop trade-in promotion

it might be important for us to know that our PS3 can play all the obscure and niche titles in our collection like Shin Megami Tensei: Nocturne, Okami, Shadow Hearts and the like... but for nearly everyone who isn't a really hardcore game collector it's probably nothing

[demi]

Jason Rubin is gone from ND right? He was such an attention whore. He called himself the Steven Spielberg of video games before lol.

Yes, he's gone, he has his own company now.

[bud]

599!? (...), why bring another more expensive sku, compared to the 499 one, to the market??? it sure did wonders for the 360 lol.

399 or bust