Source says Sony still undecided on new PS3 model

by Chris Powell { Feb 1st 2008 at 7:00PM }

There's been so much talk about the possibility of yet another PlayStation 3 model that it's hard not to believe that Sony has something in the works. And GameDaily has learned as much from a "very reliable" anonymous source inside Sony. However, that source said Sony hasn't actually decided what configuration the new model will sport, but that its executives and other officials have been meeting in Japan this week to figure that out.

"There are a lot of different strategies under consideration, but nothing is final yet. They are considering ways to put some relevant distance between the two PS3 SKUs, but it's unclear how that will roll out," the source said. Additionally, the source said the reason for Sony considering yet another hardware configuration is because it doesn't believe there's enough difference between the 40GB and 80GB models.

So if GameDaily's source is to be trusted, there's definitely something in the works, but it doesn't seem like even Sony knows what will be coming down the pipeline at this point. Either way, consumers won't be too upset if Sony can pack in a bigger hard drive and maybe a DualShock 3 while keeping the pricing structure the same.

[Via Joystiq]

Tags: 120GB, hardware, new-model, rumors

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Chris Rah Osiris @ Feb 1st 2008 7:10PM

Hmm I wonder what would bring enough differentiation. It seems like the new sku will have BC and a larger HDD at least. I think that there should probably be another game in the sku as well. Adding router capabilities would be a good start.

Akamaru @ Feb 1st 2008 7:42PM

A bigger hdd and BC would be the best way to tell them apart. One could have a huge "Also Compatible With Your PS2 Library*" sticker on it and one wouldn't. When people notice the price difference at the local retailer, this sticker would instantly justify it, along with reading a bigger "Gb" number on the box.

Hashbrown_Hunter @ Feb 1st 2008 8:45PM

Yeah I fully agree with you on that. That's what Sony should do, with a 100GB+ HDD and DualShock 3 SKU.

Andy @ Feb 1st 2008 7:45PM

So this would make 5 SKU's.

I can't wait for the 7th version. My sources tell me it will be made of panda fur.

Hashbrown_Hunter @ Feb 1st 2008 8:46PM

Well it looks like this will be the last one for a while. Hopefully after this it won't be confusing to consumers anymore.

Kevin @ Feb 1st 2008 8:49PM

Panda fur?

Nah I want Home to be released tomorrow, buggy or not.

Kspraydad @ Feb 1st 2008 8:47PM

Tivo add on is coming...maybe they'll build it in...

Nate @ Feb 1st 2008 9:26PM

you know, I personally think they need to streamline their line. Just make the 40GB PS3 backwards compatible and keep the same price point, then phase out the old. Keeping track of all these different versions is a headache if you only glance once in a while. Reminds me of when you try to buy a computer. Do you want the Turbo XFZ 900000 with 80 GB hard drive? how about the XFU 734 with accelerated graphics and a 60 GB hard drive that runs at 7200 RPM, with a built in memory card reader... too complicated and its too messy.

manaman @ Feb 2nd 2008 11:04AM

I totally agree,

A few people have disagreed with me, but I feel this is why Sony is going to lose this generation of gaming consoles. The only console out right now that you don't have to think about to buy--you can just pick up and there's nothing to add to it or versions to consider--is the Wii. My prediction and hope is that Nintendo is going to keep this practice up because it is really what separates consoles from personal computers and in the end, that is what makes consoles viable.

Just my opinion,

manaman

PS: I should probably head back to my nice safe Nintendo Fanboy corner, now. :) I don't own a Sony product. . . . The PS3 sure has pretty graphics, though!

TinyTim121 @ Feb 1st 2008 9:27PM

I got my 60gb console on day of release. And as far as i can see, apart from nabbing away at the different Compatabilities and watever, 20gb, 40gb, 60gb, 80gb, panda fur, they all play PS3 games, and do PS3 things.

This is also what the consumer sees; a PS3 is a PS3. They don't look for much else.

I don't see the point in making new SKU's. Bundle packs yes, SKU's, nah

Popfrogs @ Feb 3rd 2008 2:42AM

Well the whole point of the newish 40GB was to remove stuff to bring the manufacturing cost down then transfer those savings to the consumer. And of course we as consumers want the impossible...a console that does everything and costs nothing. Each day you see someone say "bring out a 120GB with BC that runs quieter and cooler for less than $300". Right.

TinyTim121 @ Feb 4th 2008 4:47PM

Ah...that makes sense lol

I remember praising sony as well for releasing the 40gb to get more sales and to reduce costs lol *Wears his dunce hat*

Iain @ Feb 1st 2008 10:36PM

One SKU would be best for all.
40GB, Backward compatible, memory card readers
$399

if two make one white but otherwise the same.

Todd @ Feb 1st 2008 11:13PM

I actually do look for the Ps3 to do other things. Mainly backwards compatibility.

The worst part is that they don't advertise that the 40gb model is no longer backwards compatible. My friend was sorely upset when I told him his new Ps3 wasn't able to play his Ps2 games. That's just a ridiculous and ill-thought mistake on Sony's part. Making the more affordable console the one without backwards compatibility makes it harder for the money-strapped consumer who wants to play Ps2 games on his Ps3 to choose between models. Backwards compatibility is a major selling point. For me especially. I love being able to play everything on one console.

Anyway, I also agree that there are way too many SKU's. Sony should've released one SKU with interchangeable or replaceable HDD's that you could easily purchase and swap out when yours is full. I only have the 20gb model, and it's going to be really stupid when it's completely full and I have no room left to do anything with it.

Christian @ Feb 2nd 2008 5:00AM

Dude, that is exactly what they have done. Check your PS3 manual it even contains instructions on how to replace the hard drive. Or check out the many online step by step instructions.

enigma137 @ Feb 2nd 2008 5:59AM

No worries on storage !

I bought a 360gig iomega HDD for £60 Its already set to Fat32 so no messing. Just plug and play.

I have 100+ Divx movies. 230+ music albums and 1000's of photos on there with 279gig to spare !!

Bring on play TV

I have 4 USB ports tho . so 2 ports could be a pain on the 40g. But If your not using the HDD you could just unplug it I suppose!

Looks cool too. With a funky blue light and Brushed
aluminium casing.

Highly recommended HDD For PS3 use.

Kspraydad @ Feb 2nd 2008 7:03AM

Todd...

Learn your machine.

HDD is replaceable without voiding warranty and is easy to do.

As for 'not advertising BC'...the 40 GB box says it in BOLD LARGE print right on the side along with the features list....
http://news.softpedia.com/newsImage/New-Pictures-of-the-40GB-PS3-Package-Featuring-Warning-Sign-2.jpg

Risky @ Feb 1st 2008 11:22PM

Um, how about the obvious change?

Make the damn thing smaller and lighter!

I hate lugging this damn system around. It's like carry a sack of bricks on my back.

massive_98 @ Feb 2nd 2008 12:52AM

Would M$ advertise the RRoD? No. Panda fur. lol.

enigma137 @ Feb 2nd 2008 5:47AM

I would like to think I am fairly clued up when it comes to most things PS3 but can someone please tell me what SKU stands for !!?

Kspraydad @ Feb 2nd 2008 7:22AM

Stock Keeping Unit....

Basically any change in a product may result in a new SKU...

A new SKU does NOT mean a new model necessarily...for instance if the 80GB came out with a different pack in game that would be a new SKU even though the PS3 model is the same.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stock-keeping_unit

chris @ Feb 2nd 2008 9:54AM

next model should blu-ray burner,tivo like software,and come with eye/camera/gesture tech for wii type game in glorius 1080p

Laurens Holst @ Feb 2nd 2008 1:55PM

I’d say the release of the Dual Shock 3 is the primary reason to create a new SKU. When people buy a PS3, they will want to get the new controllers too (or, of course, the cheap 40GB one with less features and old controllers).

darkedgex @ Feb 2nd 2008 2:15PM

A higher end model should have more USB ports (preferably two more on the back of the unit so external hard drives won't have their cables dangling out in front, ditto for the USB camera/eye). Also, at least a 160 GB hard disk should be in the box given all the media playback features the PS3 has.

If they plan on going the DVR/Tivo route, they might consider including a tuner built in to the unit (instead of making it an add-on which uses one of those front USB ports).

802.11n wireless would be a big upgrade too.