PS3 Poll Police: Why, oh why, is the 80GB canceled?

by Nick Doerr { Jan 27th 2008 at 6:30PM }

The Poll Police need your help in deciphering the reason behind Sony's action to get rid of the 80GB model of the PS3. The 20GB is long gone; the 60GB has vanished; now the 80GB is fading away? This only gives people the 40GB left to pick up and it's, quite frankly, lacking in features the other models proudly displayed. Rumors abound as to why the model is leaving -- what's your opinion?
We have no idea, but Sony is going to address the situation soon. Don't worry, Sony fans, we know there's nothing to worry about. This is one of those things getting out of hand when the truth is actually a benefit for consumers. That's what we think, anyway, but we'll find out in time. Last week's poll? Take the jump.

We think it's pretty clear you guys find that comparison videos don't actually serve any purpose but to incite more arguments and flaming on the internet. But we guess if you add up all the other votes, comparison videos are almost useful. It's all a matter of opinion, but like we said, the best way to compare games is to have them both on your own television. Oh well. As always, thanks for voting!

Tags: 80gb

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Byron517 @ Jan 27th 2008 6:43PM

Well I hope its not production costs but if it is.. Then I don't blame Sony for doing what is necessary for the company.. however i do hope that they aren't struggling.. either way I'd like to know what is selling more, the 80G or the 40G? I personally like being able to play my ps2 games that's why I got a 60G when it first came out..

Mossman @ Jan 27th 2008 6:54PM

the 80gb has ben out selling the 40gb
source: http://www.gamedaily.com/articles/news/sony-ditching-80gb-ps3-due-to-poor-sales-says-analyst/19208/

read update 2

Kspraydad @ Jan 27th 2008 8:13PM

@Mossman...

The 80GB was in the market for the full NPD period...the 40GB was not. This skews the numbers in the 80GB favour somewhat.

XanthouS @ Jan 27th 2008 6:51PM

Less SKUs are better for everyone, less to worry about on the production side of things, less inventory for retailers to hold, and less consumer confusion.

Three of my friends recently bought PS3s, and I couldn't recommend the 80 over the 40 to any of them. 40 extra gigs, memory slots and limited b/c aren't worth an extra $100. Yes, it's bundled with a good game, but you're also getting dated hardware (compared to the 40).

I would absolutely LOVE to see Sony launch a ceramic white model at $350 (or dare I dream $300). Drop the built-in Wifi, drop the memory slots, add in the smaller, less expensive Bluray laser and chipset. Maybe bundle it with the first DualShock 3s?

P @ Jan 27th 2008 7:05PM

Sales were supposedly pretty good for the 80gb i thought?

I cant imagine the production cost for the items which are in one unit, but not the other, are that significant that they'd remove it from shelves. I know adding something costing $1 can end up equating to something like $10 on the shelves, so i dont believe production costs.

I cant imagine they'd drop the 80gb unit entirely, and i cant see them releasing a 100/120gb version, although if they do it'll be pretty pathetic if they're playing that game every 4-6 months. If they were releasing a white PS3 then i wouldnt be happy if it was no longer my choice to have that or the black version, theres nothing wrong with limited editions, but continually changing what you sell from month to month is only going to confuse potential customers and the majority of thick sales people flogging them.

kingofwale @ Jan 27th 2008 7:14PM

lower the 40GB by 100 dollars.

reintroduce the 120GB version with R&C and Dual Shock 3 for $450

Carl;)G @ Jan 27th 2008 7:25PM

We in the U.K have only the 40GB left to :-(
Glad i got a 60GB one few months ago.
HATE they took out PS2 B/C!!! :-/ (for the 40GB unit)
Hope they bring out a PS2 B/C PS3 one soon.
I'm just worried if my PS3 brakes down, erm i don't want a CR*P 40GB PS3 back!!! I LOVE PLAYING PS1+PS2 games on my PS3 SONY!!!

Akamaru @ Jan 27th 2008 7:29PM

I think the 60Gb is still the best model out there. Bring it back with the DS3 and FULL BC @ 400~449 and knock the 40Gb to 300~329 and you have EPIC WIN. Also, tiny lasers.

secretagentman811 @ Jan 27th 2008 7:48PM

What ever happened to the fancast? :(

bs6268d @ Jan 27th 2008 8:59PM

I miss them bring it bck

sami @ Jan 27th 2008 7:55PM

did sony ever announce that they're canceling the 80 GB ps3? i thought it was just best buy that stopped selling it... i don't think that constitutes as "no more 80 GB PS3"

AIM-Stevieypie @ Jan 27th 2008 9:13PM

Not only will the high-end model feature the spiffy 80 gig harddrive, but I predict it will also be sleeker due to removed and updated parts.

Kspraydad @ Jan 27th 2008 8:12PM

See how that box says 'Limited Edition'?

That might mean 'something'.

Seattle Yonkers @ Jan 27th 2008 8:32PM

I thought the same thing.

Mossman @ Jan 28th 2008 2:37AM

the box is a limited edition motorstorm ps3 pack

Donato @ Jan 27th 2008 8:17PM

First the 20, then the 60, then the 80, then the 40
...What the hell are they gonna do next?!

cycopl @ Jan 27th 2008 8:19PM

I'm glad I picked up a 60gig.

John @ Jan 27th 2008 8:34PM

I'm guessing a new SKU with larger hard drive and bundled with a DualShock 3 and probably a game for the same $499 price.

scotrulz10 @ Jan 27th 2008 9:01PM

If the rumor is true i think it's because sony wants people to move away from the ps2 because thats what holding the ps3 back the most. So having a system without bc might be a good move to do that. At the same time thats really stupid because with 2 sku's good to give consumers the choice.

Edge @ Jan 27th 2008 9:09PM

I really think the 80GB is the better package. Especially since good PS2 games still eclipse new PS3 games. I have been playing Culdcept and Shadow of the Colossus and it's the most fun I have had with my PS3. Sadly, I could get the same experience in a PS2.

Sorry, I refuse to look to the future and dream about the gains I might maybe receive. That has left me disappointed more than once.

So, at least at this phase of the game, backcompat is a definite must.

linebeginstoblur @ Jan 27th 2008 8:51PM

"But we guess if you add up all the other votes, comparison videos are almost useful."

Um, excuse me? Did you read the same graph I did? Are you seriously counting "No, they're not that helpful" as "almost useful"? I added it all up myself.

27% somewhat helpful to really helpful
73% not helpful to useless

Ranus Studios @ Jan 27th 2008 8:53PM

I don't know about any of these poll options. I have to wonder if it isn't just another dumb Sony move.

Fortunately I am rocking a 60GB model.

Myke @ Jan 27th 2008 9:03PM

What about:

White PS3
120GB
BC
GT5:P
DS3
$450-$500

Sounds like a good deal to me!!!

Efeez1986 @ Jan 27th 2008 9:11PM

People are so damn cheap here in America. People keep saying "lower the price some more blah blah blah". $400 for the 40 gig and $500 for the 80 gig are great prices for everything you get. Why don't you people just save money and support the Playstation 3. I want Sony to make a shitload of money off the PS3 so they can spend more money getting exclusive titles over to the PS3. As you all know, the full power of the PS3 is only shown in PS3 exclusives. When titles go multiplat. the PS3 version get's dumbed down.

Kspraydad @ Jan 27th 2008 9:19PM

There is NO new model (ie with the new laser) as nothing has been submitted to FCC.

They 'could' do a new SKU with different Hard Drive but if the laser or chips are changing it HAS to go through the FCC.

Motorstorm has run its course and a new bundle will be announced.

erac3rx @ Jan 27th 2008 9:25PM

I think they're doing this so they can lead the Dual Shock 3 in the 'premium' bundle for a little while. If it's $449 for say a 120gb + DS3 vs $399 for 40gb without it, a lot of people will just go for it. Then once there are enough 80gb + DS3 in the channel they can drop the 40gb non-DS3 model and replace it with both black and white DS3 versions.

Really though I'm hoping that along with this change comes the announcement that a new firmware will be bringing full PS2 compatibility to all PS3 models. I still believe this will be happening, and Sony just couldn't get the emulation done in time to have a $399 model for last year's holiday season.

Dehshizknight @ Jan 27th 2008 10:48PM

The 80GB has been outselling the 40GB, just like how the 60GB outsold the 20GB (which was why it was phased).

But I'm pretty sure they're introducing a new SKU because the whole Motorstorm deal wasn't going to last forever...

They might just introduce a PS3 SKU with just a PS3 OR a new bundle with a different game (and hopefully a DualShock 3).

9m @ Jan 27th 2008 11:56PM

Dehshizknight well I hope thats what the do cause making new SKUs everyday is gettin annoiying and unfair to older PS3 owners.

I hope they just pack in a game like Resistance or Folklore or Burnout Paradise for that matter
DS3 has been confirmed for spring so I doubt thats why there were removing it from bestbuy they probably just packing it in with games

matthew_neitzer @ Jan 27th 2008 11:34PM

Sorry for hijacking, but how about the news about FF XIII demo and release on Joystiq. Isn't that big PS3 news? You can delete this if you put up the new, or whatever. lol :P

daranta parker @ Jan 27th 2008 11:36PM

i think there doing it to increase ps3 game sales remember when they said they choose not to a emulator in the 40 gig models for that reason, there probably trying to force everyone to buy them

Szu @ Jan 28th 2008 1:28AM

Hmmm, watching all these SKU's being made and then being discontinued makes the PS3 somewhat like a phoenix.

The thing's immortal, it'll rise from the ashes over and over again, no matter how many times it gets killed.

Cory @ Jan 28th 2008 4:16AM

the word from best buy is that they are making a new sku to compete against a new sku coming from microsoft. Its is supposed to be a higher end model with a lower price tag that should be out later this year.

cij61 @ Jan 28th 2008 5:04AM

I'm glad I picked up my 80 when I did. Not so much for the drive space, but the B/C. I'll upgrade the HDD myself. 250 gb laptop drives are under $200.....

mattclarkie @ Jan 28th 2008 8:41AM

There will definately be a new SKU because they have to put DS3 in the new boxes, whether they will bring out a new HDD size, drop the 80gb, drop the 40gb or maybe even produce a SKU with the feature of the 40, but with a 60/80/100 HDD we can only guess.

Either way Sony keep increasing costs by constantly changing components and production lines.

watcher @ Jan 28th 2008 9:32AM

The latest spin on this rumor is that Sony is discontinuing the 80GB in favor of creating 120 and 160GB models with the Duel Shock 3 controller. It sounds very reasonable and I’m leaning towards that. Sony wouldn’t kill their flagship model without having a replacement. It’s just common sense.

If this is true this would be the second time Sony made a decision and due to internet press rushing out stories with half the facts, caused panic among the gaming community. I know it's good to know the latest, but bad internet news spreads faster than anything else. This makes it hard for companies to make any decision without someone running with half the info and making a "end of the world post" for that company. Doomsayers need to relax and wait for all or at least “most” of the info to hit before reporting.

John @ Jan 28th 2008 7:00PM

They are just doing what most people who bought the 80gb model did, upgrade the hard drive. I have had the 80gb since release and upgraded the HD3 months to 160gb for just under $100.

Shane Emery @ Feb 11th 2008 3:04PM

Could it be that the b/c maby has sometype of exploit that sony doesn't want being found out? I think they will bring the 80g back once they have removed the exploit.

Chris @ Mar 8th 2008 10:46AM

first time poster here, hi everyone. (my 2 cents)
I bought the 40gig @ Christmas time and am very happy with it, I still have my ps2 and gave it to my daughter. (yeah I'm that old, lol) but we both play both systems at least once a week, mostly ROCKBAND lately. I couldn't see spending another $100 to play ps2 games that I can already play on its own system.

Why has the 80GB been pulled?
	Sales were bad!
	Production costs!
	A new 80gb bundle in the future!
	That white PS3 is replacing it!
	Dual Shock 3 will get put in future boxes!

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