SCEA announces immediate availability of 80GB PS3
by Colin Torretta 
{ Aug 6th 2007 at 8:15PM }
The release of the new PS3 now puts North America back into the 'dual-sku' position that we we thought we had finally escaped from. At least this time around, we have two fantastic options as opposed to one fantastic option and a crappy gimped option. Plus, considering the 60GB PS3 has a limited life-span we can expect to go back to $599 single-SKU in the future. Hopefully, Sony will listen to their consumers and realize that as much as we like a single-SKUs, we also like $499 PS3s.
Full Press Release after jump.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the availability of a new 80GB PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) at online and brick-and-mortar retailers in the United States and Canada. The system, available immediately for a suggested retailer price of $599US/$659 CND, comes with the hit online-enabled off-road racing game MotorStorm(TM) packed in the box.
Featuring an expanded hard disk drive, 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(R)Network. There are currently more than 60 playable games and game-related downloads available through PLAYSTATION(R)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.
"The 80GB PS3 offers expanded options in the PS3 family of products for those who want to enjoy more downloadable content," said Peter Dille, senior vice president of marketing, SCEA. "The new model will provide ample storage space to meet the appetites of those who wish to download content today, and for many more years to come. With the expanded disk capacity and dynamic system upgrades, we have effectively created a system that is 'future-proof', providing consumers an exceptional entertainment value that will stand the
test of time."
The 80GB model joins the existing 60GB PS3 that has been available at retail since launch last November. The 60GB PS3 is currently enjoying a surge in sales following a price reduction in the US and Canada on July 9 of $100 to $499/$549 CND. Since that date, unit sales at the company's top five retailers have jumped 113% when compared to the average sales of four weeks prior to the price drop. SCEA will continue to sell the 60GB in the US and Canada at the new, reduced price until current inventory is depleted, which is predicted to be this fall based on current consumer demand.
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(TM), Heavenly Sword(TM), LAIR, NBA '08, Ratchet & Clank(R) Future: Tools of Destruction(TM), SingStar(TM), SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, THE EYE OF JUDGMENT(TM), Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, PAIN, and Warhawk(TM).
Both the 80GB and 60GB PS3 models come standard with Cell Broadband Engine(TM) (Cell/B.E.), built-in hard disk drive, 1080p high-definition output, Wi-Fi connectivity, SIXAXIS(TM) wireless controller and Blu-ray
Disc(TM) player. According to Nielsen VideoScan, there are currently more than 270 high-definition Blu-ray Disc(TM) movies available at retail, including the recently released "300," "Shooter," and "Ghost Rider."
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
kingofwale @ Aug 6th 2007 8:39PM
I supposed when they mean "North America", they meant US ONLY!
because nowhere in Canada can you find the new SKU, not even Sonystore.ca
but then again, not remembering there are other countries in NA outside of US is such a small thing, how could they have remembered?
phattie @ Aug 6th 2007 8:59PM
The 80gb is available on Aug. 12th in Canada..
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?sku_id=0665000FS10092266&logon=&langid=EN
mccomber @ Aug 6th 2007 9:01PM
They specifically mention Canada in the press release... anyway, this is a terrible option. They had better drop the price before the holidays, I just don't see consumers putting up with a price hike on the ps3.
Kspraydad @ Aug 6th 2007 9:14PM
This BUNDLE needs to be $499 and the a non-bundle version at $449. Else all the recent good buzz is for nothing.
imo.
phoenix_sinistre (PSN) @ Aug 6th 2007 9:21PM
actually.... funny story.... I bought a 60GB PS3 yesterday at the Sony Store in Toronto, and the sales clerk there informed me that if I wanted I could purchase an 80GB model w/the Motorstorm packing on the spot...
LIke the news story said though... we love our $499/549 PS3s... so I told the clerk he can hold onto his 80GB model (after all I already tossed him some free money with an extended warranty...
oh wells.
Consolcwby @ Aug 6th 2007 9:49PM
@kingofwale: That's why people in the U.S. ignore Canadians - sometimes they bitch and whine so much about nothing! =P
(But even I love that hockey, eh?) =DD
@mccomber: How can you call it a price HIKE when the bundle includes more items, thereby making the BUNDLE a different product?... If it was an 80 gig with one controller and no game - I'd agree with you. But it isn't. So, no hike - just more value for the $600!
@Kspraydad: O.o That's only a $50 difference! And not much of a bargain at that! Lets see now, I have a 60 gig PS3, lets see what it would take to increase it to the bundle...
1) An 80 gig SATA 2.5" hdd = 89.99 (link: http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=SEARCH&Ntt=SATA+Hard+drive&N=0&Dx=mode+matchall&Ne=200000&Nty=1&D=SATA+Hard+drive&Ns=display%5Fprice%7C0&Ntk=All&product_code=342309 )
2) A second Sixaxis = 39.99 (link: http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=srch1&Ntt=sixaxis&N=0&Dx=mode+matchall&Ne=500000&Nty=1&D=sixaxis&Ntk=All&product_code=342828 )
3) A copy of Motorstorm = 59.99 (link: http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=SEARCH&Ntt=motorstorm&N=0&Dx=mode+matchall&Ne=500000&Nty=1&D=motorstorm&Ntk=All&product_code=344597 )
4) One PS3 (60 gig) = 499.99 (link: http://www.compusa.com/products/product_info.asp?pfp=SEARCH&Ntt=Playstation+3&N=0&Dx=mode+matchall&Ne=500000&Nty=1&D=Playstation+3&Ntk=All&product_code=343142 )
So, lets add all that up, rounded, shall we? 90 + 40 + 60 + 500 = 690. Bundle price = $599 (or $600)...
There you go! The bundle saves you almost $90!!! So, what you're saying is that a savings of $50 > a savings of $90?... In your cheapskate mind, you might think it's better, but in reality it is not. at $450 + $90 = $540... =o How cheap can a man be if he wants to save $60 on a premium package??? The prices you want btw, are unfairly low for a console that hasn't even been out a year yet, but still! The consumer is saving nearly ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS and yet it isn't enough for you??... Tell you what, why don't you go buy yourself a PSOne. I saw one at Newbury Comics, brand new, for $50... that's a $400 savings off what you suggest for a PS3. Just good luck finding any new games... idiot. >=S
kingofwale @ Aug 6th 2007 10:51PM
The thing is.... where did it say that the 80GB version gives you ANOTHER controller? ;)
thetwohundredth @ Aug 6th 2007 11:25PM
Consolcwby, you need to rethink your argument.
You're charging for two hard drives. The 60GB PS3 includes a 60GB hard drive, so your shouldn't be adding the price of the 80GB hard drive, but the difference in price from the 60GB to the 80GB.
60GB ATA6 2.5" $49.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148088
80GB SATA 2.5" $59.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148260
There is a $10 upgrade for the additional 20GB plus 59.99 for MotorStorm. So we're getting an additional $70 in value, but paying $100 more. Sony also removed the EE which at this point isn't worth much in dollars, but I know how poorly software emulation works on my Xbox 360 so I decided to pick up the 60GB.
Consolcwby @ Aug 6th 2007 11:43PM
@thetwohundredth: My argument stated "Lets see now, I have a 60 gig PS3, lets see what it would take to increase it to the bundle... " Perhaps, you would rather I had said "upgrade it" instead of "increase it"? But, that's all pandantic now isn't it, since I didn't include the 5 free BD movies in with that now did I? And you also included the wrong 60gb hdd, the one I have I checked and it's cheaper then that. So, enjoy your 60gig and don't be so putzy - be nice. =P
Kspraydad @ Aug 7th 2007 12:53AM
Consolcwby...
Where does the rudeness come from?
You call me an idiot yet can't even string together a coherent mathematical example. Adding the cost of an 80GB drive to the cost of a 60GB PS3 is retarded. I am talking VALUE not upgrade cost.
Can you also please link us to the 80GB bundle from SONY that included and extra SIXAXIS? Thanks.
Oh..and not to be pedantic or anything but the word is pedantic. If you are going to use your thesaurus please transcribe properly. Pointing out that your argument is completely off base is not pedantic anyway.
thetwohundredth @ Aug 7th 2007 1:11AM
You replied to mccomber "How can you call it a price HIKE when the bundle includes more items, thereby making the BUNDLE a different product?"
It's a hike, because the price of the value added items were less than the increase in price and the lower priced model was discontinued.
Here's the problem with bundles. Not everyone wants the game included. Let's take another look at your argument against Kspraydad.
$449 PS3
60GB Hard Drive
$499 PS3
80GB Hard Drive
MotorStorm
The extra 20GB is $10 and MotorStorm is $60. You're receiving a $20 discount for purchasing a game you may or may not want with the console.
The hard drive is retail and likely costs less than $5 and MotorStorm is published by Sony, so a bundle would likely keep a similar profit margin at those prices. It's not the right time for Sony to offer a bundle, unless they do it at the same price point.
You didn't include the 5 free movies because they're worthless (imo). I would have rather received one movie of my choosing than five mediocre movies. I qualify, but haven't bothered to mail in the offer.
You called the other person a cheapskate and an idiot and you're asking me to be nice? BTW, I am aware there are cheaper 60GB drives out there, but I wanted to keep the model similar so there would be no confusion over the difference in price.
Ste @ Aug 7th 2007 6:11AM
Why are you taking the cost of a 60GB HDD away from the cost of a 80GB hdd? It's not a "$10 upgrade", becuase youdon't pay $10 for the upgrade. You can't just buy 20GB for $10 dollars and add it to the 60 to make 80, it doesn't work that way.
So if the HDD costs $60 then the upgrade it self cost $60. It's idiocy to take the price of a 60 GB HDD away from the cost, because in real life, you wouldn't and can't do that.
Incase you still don't understand, think about his:
Someone gives you a free $60 80GB HDD for your PS3. You put it in replacing your old 60GB HDD. Has this saved you $10 or $60? You'll find the answer is the latter.
Beach Bum @ Aug 7th 2007 8:33AM
Being sure that my whole ps2 collection plays on my ps3 is priceless. The only thing that may screw things up for 60GB users is an update that deactivates the EE. That'll suck donkey.
Kspraydad @ Aug 7th 2007 9:36AM
@Ste
The point is VALUE to a NEW consumer...not cost of upgrading.
The VALUE of a 80GB is PENNIES more than the VALUE of a 60GB.
WebMaster @ Aug 7th 2007 11:53AM
LOL!
Consolswby just raised his street cred in the "I'm a Sony Coporate Whore" category by flaming some well known "Sony Can Do No Wrong Fanboys"
Way to start feeding on your own, dumbass.
MattMan @ Aug 7th 2007 3:18PM
What do they mean by downloadable-content friendly?
thetwohundredth @ Aug 7th 2007 2:21PM
"Why are you taking the cost of a 60GB HDD away from the cost of a 80GB hdd? It's not a "$10 upgrade", becuase youdon't pay $10 for the upgrade. You can't just buy 20GB for $10 dollars and add it to the 60 to make 80, it doesn't work that way."
We're over here talking about Sony, and you come out of left field talking about users replacing hard drives?
I'll give you a hint. Sony can either purchase a 60GB or 80GB drive for the PS3. What will it cost them to use the 80GB instead of the 60GB hard drive?
HektikLyfe @ Aug 7th 2007 4:01PM
I wonder if this new Sixaxis won't lose connection with the system randomly and cast your character into the pits of doom like my version does.
mccomber @ Aug 7th 2007 4:14PM
thetwohundredth covered it pretty nicely. I want my console ala carte, and if anything comes bundled I don't want to be charged for it; if you include a game, you'd best do it on your own dime. If I was buying a ps3 this year, I'd look at it as "why do I have to pay $600 to get one now when I only had to pay $500 before?"
Bottom line — the 80gb PS3 had best be available in some form in 2007 at $499 if Sony wants to have a chance at coming back in 2008.
Kspraydad @ Aug 7th 2007 9:05PM
@Hektiklyfe
If you remember the original FCC application for the 80GB (self gloss) it was to enhance/change the bluetooth tech as well. The 'new' controllers take advantage of these changes to offer a more stable experience.
Consolcwby @ Aug 7th 2007 10:13PM
Ok - allow me to touch on something, in my original post I made an honest error from faulty info I recieved from a "friend" who works at a major retailer: There is no extra controller in the bundle. Finding this out today I bitched him out for telling me three weeks ago "See? If you waited to get a PS3 until August or September you would've gotten that Motorstorm game and ANOTHER controller. You're pretty stupid for getting one anyway before the games hit."
Now, that I have admitted my error, allow me to say this: My original comment was based on value of the PS3 I bought in May compared to the PS3 bundle being offered now while keeping the second SKU in mind. I was reiterating a point I keep making: That it is still a better deal than the PS3 60gig of a month ago. Yet, thetwohundredth and Kspraydad decided to flame instead of disagreeing with my assertion of it being a "value" package. What is the definition of flame?
Quoted from Wikipedia: **Flaming is the hostile and insulting interaction between Internet users. Flaming usually occurs in the social context of a discussion board on the Internet. An Internet user typically generates a flame response to other posts or users posting on a site, and is usually not constructive, does not clarify a discussion, and does not persuade others. Sometimes, flamers attempt to assert their authority, or establish a position of superiority over other users. Other times, a flamer is simply an individual who believes he or she carries the only valid opinion. This leads him or her to personally attack those who disagree. Occasionally, flamers wish to upset and offend other members of the forum, in which case they are trolls. Most often however, flames are angry or insulting messages transmitted by people who have strong feelings about a subject.**
My evidence: **8. Consolcwby, you need to rethink your argument.
You're charging for two hard drives. The 60GB PS3 includes a 60GB hard drive, so your shouldn't be adding the price of the 80GB hard drive, but the difference in price from the 60GB to the 80GB.**
Again, that was NOT the basis of my point - I was talking about the value of the bundle COMPARED to the value of the non-bundle of a few months prior.
**10. ... You call me an idiot yet can't even string together a coherent mathematical example. Adding the cost of an 80GB drive to the cost of a 60GB PS3 is retarded. I am talking VALUE not upgrade cost.**
Yes, I did call you an idiot - based on your comment: **4. This BUNDLE needs to be $499 and the a non-bundle version at $449. Else all the recent good buzz is for nothing.**
If you had ever worked in the business world, you would realise that my statement: **@Kspraydad: O.o That's only a $50 difference! And not much of a bargain at that! Lets see now, I have a 60 gig PS3, lets see what it would take to increase it to the bundle... ** was a valid argument and one that you did NOT want to go against the BASIS of what I was talking about but instead the basis of what YOU were considering. You could've said: "First, I'm not an idiot, and secondly I disagree that first time buyers would see it like that." and I would have STFUed. But, you have to just keep prodding on, not trying to convince me of your arguement, but feeling insulted, decided to insult back. If I really thought you an idiot, I wouldn't have tried to explain my rationale to you. I'm almost sorry I did.
Now, allow me to say that calling someone an idiot or a cheapskate does NOT automatically constitute a flame, especially when used to make a point: **In your cheapskate mind, you might think it's better, but in reality it is not. at $450 + $90 = $540... =o How cheap can a man be if he wants to save $60 on a premium package???** was only the opinion of someone who read a ONE SENTENCE POST of someone else's opinion. If his opinion was important to him, he would've elaborated on HIS point in the beginning - NOT in trying to argue MY point when he wasn't using MY BASIS against my arguement for his own. (mccomber knows what I'm talking about, since HE does this quite frequently!) Consequently, this leads to a well known Xbot commenting on the whole affair.
Look, if anyone takes exception to a little bantering on the internet without being able to flame/spam/hate get off it now. In rl I am not always a non-rude person, and I don't expect to change my ways this far into the game. Just consider me a curmudgeon, and be done with it! Oh, and just for the record: I never took money from Sony. I HAVE worked for another company in the console market and took money from them, though... If you really want to see what I think about all this and that, why sometimes I attack, and sometimes defend others, or just my own opinion, try looking for me at Kotaku. That's me there too! Oh, and if anyone wants to continue this discussion, go to the rock band forums and message me. I've got the same screen name all over the net! =)
Cheaper prices, value-added bundles, free Blu-Ray movies... and the children are all complaining! Makes me think this site should be called PS3Haterboy.com! =(
thetwohundredth @ Aug 7th 2007 11:21PM
I don't know where to begin because I have already refuted all your arguments.
"That is is still a better deal than the PS3 60gig of a month ago."
No, not necessarilly. The MotorStorm bundle only adds value if you want the game and dropping the EE for an extra 20GB is... well, it depends on your priorities. I think most consumers would rather keep the $499 price point and choose whether they want MotorStorm, or Resistance, or Ninja Gaiden, or any number of other games releasing this fall.
Flaming? It's just too ironic to comment on.
"I was talking about the value of the bundle COMPARED to the value of the non-bundle a few months prior."
It's ridiculous to compare the bundle with the launch price 60GB PS3 because the price dropped, making it obsolete. But, I humored you and compared the two above. I also compared the bundle to the $499 PS3 in a previous comment and showed it was actually a poorer value to purchase the bundle, expecially when you consider the $40 difference without the hard drive. You could use that credit and for another $55 get a much larger hard drive and still rely on hardware rather than software emulation.
Which is more desireable?
$599 PS3 80GB
MotorStorm
$674 ($499) PS3 60GB
$60 any game of your choosing
$95 160GB hard drive
$20 external hard drive enclosure for the old 60GB drive, which could be used to transport gamesaves or music from your computer to the PS3
or
$599 ($499) PS3 60GB
$60 any game of your choosing
$40 wireless controller
or
$619 ($499) PS3 60GB
$60 any game of your choosing
$60 any game of your choosing
It can only be considered a value if it has any value to you. However, in the case of the 80GB PS3 it's a bad value for everyone. For the extra $100 you receive a $60 game and 20GB of storage.
Since you added the definition of flaming, I'll do the same for value.
American Heritage Dictionary "Worth in usefulness or importance to the possessor; utility or merit."
Consolcwby @ Aug 8th 2007 7:39AM
**I don't know where to begin because I have already refuted all your arguments.**
Uhm, no - you stated an opinion that the bundle has less value in it then the $600 equivalent of one month prior. Since you place great emphasis on the EE chip, I might remind you that we have no evidence one way or the other that the chipset is still being used since the firmware update (1.80? Don't remember which one) which added upscaling and smoothing to PS1 & 2 games. As someone who has some experience with this (but has no evidence to support the claim) it is more likely than not that emulation is being used, which would make sense in some of the differences I've noticed in my ps1 and 2 games. Regardless, as I've pointed out before, you are living with too much expectation from any price cuts, therefore you are dissatisfied with any bundle put forth that is not on a sub 600 dollar sku.
Allow me to ask YOU which is more desirable?
$599.99 PS3 80gb with Motorstorm
or
$599.99 PS3 60gb
$59.99 game of choice
This is my point. But since you refuse to direct comment at what I percieve a better deal than I recieved when I bought my PS3, and your ego depends on me saying "gee, your right. how stoopid i be!", allow me to ask you this: Would you have rathered Sony have kept a single sku at $599.99 without any kind of change in hdd or added game?
If you answered no, then you agreed with my point but misunderstood. If you answered yes, then you are exactly what I called you in previous posts. And if you still demand for me to say that you are correct, then let me point out that I have been under the belief that the next time you see a $499.99 sku, it will be around the holidays with a nonbundled 80gb PS3.
You can whine and bitch about Sony's business plan all you want, but you are not going to change their mind. Be happy that they offered a cut - a second sku again - and that they are moving units. (I am estimating in my area, based on 6 retailers that Sony is moving close to 135 units per week on average...) If you can't be happy with that, I'm sure MS or Nintendo would welcome your business just as much as Sony has.
I mean, really! People like you are the types who see no value in anything unless it conforms to their own personal specification! It's called being a brat. Get used to the term, it's beginning to fit you! =DD
thetwohundredth: "See it my way! It is the superior way! Soon, we will pwn all your base! Like I did with your weak math skillz! You have no value in a opinion! I am g0d!" =S This is what I hear from your arguments. Nuff said.
(If you noticed, I have not commented on YOUR argument above, since it is your opinion. I actually respect other's opinions when they make the effort. So, while I applaud you in your effort, I also disrespect your weak attempts at baiting me into denying your arguement. Which cannot simply be done, since it is based more on opinion about CURRENT PRICES and not based on people putting down any PRICE CUTS or VALUE ADDED BUNDLES. And, as for definitions for the term "value added", allow me to point out the irony that in Europe they have a tax called a vat. It stands for "Value Added Tax". By your own way of thinking this is a wtf kind of name, isn't it?)
thetwohundredth @ Aug 9th 2007 12:48AM
You keep trying to make this personal, but I'm not taking the bait. It was never my intention to convince you. I don't care what you think. It was my intention to convince others you're wrong, and I believe I did that.
"Would you have rathered Sony have kept a
single sku at $599.99 without any kind of change in hdd or added
game?"
I'll alswer the only question I haven't already answered. No (I already responded to how stupid it is to compare the PS3 you purchased to the 80GB bundle), but I didn't want a BS bundle at a higher price either. I'd love to see your reaction if next month Microsoft announced the Premium goes back to $399. And I bet it won't be, "But Microsoft included Forza Motorsport 2, so it's a great value."
Achmat @ Aug 12th 2007 2:34PM
when the hell is this coming out in alberta canada???