Rumor: UK 80 gig PS3 by summer

by Majed Athab { Mar 27th 2008 at 1:30PM }

Various British retailers have told CVG that 80GB PS3 SKUs might be on the way to the UK by the end of Summer. CVG reports that employees from both wholesaler Costco and music store HMV are hearing that the 80GB models are likely to hit the UK in a few months.

Sony's official take on the rumor is one we're not surprised to hear, "There's no official word on an 80GB PS3 coming to the UK." At least it's better than the usual "Sony does not comment on rumors and speculation." Almost the same thing really though; however, from the former's wording, it sounds most likely that something is in the works.

Support for an 80 gig model in Europe seems to be a logical step. After all, with increasing mandatory installs and new features such as PlayTV coming soon, there will be a higher demand for more HDD space.

Tags: playstation3, ps3

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Christian @ Mar 27th 2008 1:43PM

Of course anyone really serious should just buy a 250GB drive like I did and replace the bundled one. It is actually very easy and painless.

mathab @ Mar 27th 2008 1:47PM

Yep, that's good for guys like you and me but casual consumers probably wouldn't bother to even think about customization and whatnot. An 80GB system means roping in more mainstream Joes.

dabamf @ Mar 27th 2008 1:54PM

I agree. I think most gamers are not going to take advantage of PlayTV anyway and any that do will not be satisfied with an 80 Gig HDD.

Eggy @ Mar 27th 2008 1:54PM

Think the more important part of this news will be if the new SKU will reintroduce BC in Europe.

Tranando @ Mar 27th 2008 2:02PM

Sony dropped the ball BADLY on this one. They underestimated how important PS2 compatability was. They didn't put an order in for any more 60GB units, and went for single 40GB SKU.

Whilst sales in Europe are great, they could have been so much better had there been a 80GB premium option. I know plenty of people not buying the "gimped" 40GB version, and holding out, or going for 360's instead.

Someone in SCEE needs giving the heaveho.. for than monumental cockup.

Popfrogs @ Mar 27th 2008 2:33PM

Sony didn't drop any ball, they responded to widespread media criticism about the price being too high, and adoption rates suffered as a result. So, they "cheapened" the PS3 by removing the PS2 chips and all of a sudden they sold alot more. Now that the PS3 has momentum, they can reintroduce a higher-spec SKU and give us choice while not losing a billion dollars at the same time.

I totally expect an 80GB to resurface with software BC at the least.

Kspraydad @ Mar 27th 2008 2:37PM

How, EXACTLY, does buying a 360 help you with PS2 BC concerns again?

Teddy @ Mar 27th 2008 3:05PM

Here's another rumor:

160GB PS3 will be available in the US by the end of the summer with DVR feature at a lower price just to annoy Europeans.

Zombie Huggles @ Mar 27th 2008 3:47PM

I'm just sad Europe has been without BC with a focus on the 40 gig. I've been a fan through all three Playstation Generations and an adopter of the PSP. I don't want five consoles clogging my entertainment center when I can just have 1 ultimate badass-of-a-system.

Sam @ Mar 27th 2008 4:10PM

...end of summer, thats forever away, the 80 gig was out in america months ago is it really that hard to just make a few more and sell them in europe? also why do we only get 80 gig when it will cost more here (as always) and they could easily but in like 160 or 250 and make more here than in america... oh lovely europe, all we ever do is get ripped of, yet we still get almost everything later... and most of the time MONTHS later... :'( how i weep...

Devin @ Mar 27th 2008 5:00PM

EU/UK gets things before NA sometimes......honestly I don't understand why Sony hasn't introduced another SKU that brings back BC especially since it's almost a good month since the 80GB has been available at BestBuy or Circuit City....

What I want to see if another $50-$100 price drop along with a HW revision that will make the unit smaller and less heat conductive.....w/ DS3 included...that would make me happy.....

Bobulous @ Mar 27th 2008 10:18PM

Now if they could just add software based backwards-compatibility for all PS3s and get the Playstation store up to speed and generally stop treating us Europeans as second class customers, I'd be happy.