20GB and 60GB models skyrocket in price in Japan

by Andrew Yoon { Mar 3rd 2008 at 11:45AM }

How important is PS2 backwards compatibility to you? For many Japanese consumers, the ability to play last generation's games is a must-have feature on the system. So much so, that the discontinued 20GB and 60GB models are skyrocketing in value in the buyback market. Currently, Japan only has access to one system: the 40GB, and that is without any kind of backwards compatibility.

Amazon Japan is currently selling 20GB systems for ?63,800 ($617), almost twice the current asking price of the the 40GB system. The 60GB model, which includes additional features, like wi-fi and memory card readers, currently sells for ?74,800 ($723). Hobby shops are the worst offenders, according to this blog (NSFW ads).

In America, the backwards compatibility situation is less dire. 80GB models are readily available, and although they offer less-than-perfect support for PS2 games, it's certainly far better than the 40GB model's inability to play any PS2 titles. The upcoming Metal Gear Solid 4 bundle, for example, includes backwards compatibility with PS2 titles. However, one quick look at Amazon US shows that demand for the 60GB model, which is the most compatible with PS2 software, has done a good job of making it a valuable commodity.

[Via Joystiq]

Tags: 40gb, 60gb, 80gb, japan, ps3, sales

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Brodie-san @ Mar 3rd 2008 11:57AM

"Currently, Japan only has access to one system: the 40GB, and that is without any kind of backwards compatibility."

I thought the 40GB version had full PS1 BC as it was pure emulation but no PS2 BC as the emotion chip wasn't included?

Christian @ Mar 3rd 2008 11:58AM

Still surprised Sony is not pursuing a two SKU approach also in Europe and Japan. Offering a baseline and premium model is just good sense; you use the baseline to pull people to the shops, and once there the extra features of the premium convince people to cough up the extra bucks.

Of course they should name the SKU's better also. Using the harddrive size as the differentiation is rather misleading as it is the least important feature difference due to its upgradeability.
Painful as it is to say I think Microsofts Premium and Elite naming is more to the point in terms of indicating to users that there are differences to look out for.

Carl;)G @ Mar 3rd 2008 12:28PM

PS2 backwards compatibility IS IMPORTANT SONY!!! :-/
In the U.K we are stuck with the cr*p 40GB version :-(
Sort it out Sony please!!! FULL PS2 B/C PS3 would be nice;)

Christian @ Mar 3rd 2008 12:39PM

Actually wonder what the prices are here in the UK for a 60GB model. Been considering to get a 40GB instead as I couldn't care less about PS2 BC, but I do care a lot about fan noise. And the 40GB are supposed to be more silent due to having cooler CPU's.

Freemen @ Mar 3rd 2008 12:39PM

lol 723$ is pennies compared to how much they are going for on amazon uk.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/offer-listing/B0007SV734/ref=dp_olp_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1204565820&sr=8-4

James @ Mar 3rd 2008 12:46PM

"However, one quick look at Amazon US shows that demand for the 60GB model, which is the most compatible with PS2 software, has done a good job of making it a valuable commodity."

Is the 60GB any "more compatible" than the 20GB? I bought a used 20 for exactly this reason, because I was under the impression that the ONLY thing I was losing was the space and the Wifi/card reader. It's the same BC, though, right?

Jason B. @ Mar 3rd 2008 12:52PM

No one mentions the 20GB version, but it should be the same in terms of compatibility with the 60GB version.

Cool Paul @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:25PM

Just buy a used PS2 if you haven't gotten around to playing PS2 games. oooh so you'll be missing out on progressive scan. big deal!

now that the PS3 actually has games I don't understand the demand for this feature anymore.

that first year was brutal but now? idunno.

Neo Senku @ Mar 3rd 2008 1:26PM

Its not surprising as sony told consumers that they didn't want backwards compatibility, they didn't find out for sure.

Mikey G @ Mar 3rd 2008 3:22PM

"In America, the backwards compatibility situation is less dire. 80GB models are readily available"

You aren't really up with the news now a days are you? All the 80GBs are almost gone... It took me going to 10+ stores last week to find any. Everyone said the same thing "they are discontinued till june's MGS bundle"

Just saying. I don't get how you say they are readily available, alot of people are having a problem finding an 80GB, Im happy I got this one it has everythiny.

I use to be a Xbox Boy... I think ive converted :-P

Popfrogs @ Mar 3rd 2008 4:29PM

Wow, did Sony ever guess this one wrong. They must have looked at initial sales of the 60 vs. 20, then looked at manufacturing costs and said "screw this".

Stories like this prove there is room in the market for 2 versions, one with no BC and one with. Maybe they should make the BC version special order or available through Sony Style stores for Europe.