We'd love to say picking up PlayStation 3 is as easy as going to the store and grabbing the first box with the console's name on it. For better and for worse, this generation of consoles gives consumers many choices at the (potential) expense of causing confusion at the store. In all, there have been six different hardware configurations for the PS3, with two of those currently in production.

So, it's with this in mind that we present to you a handy guide for discerning the difference between the various PlayStation 3 versions (aka SKUs) out there. Please note that the red and green coloring is not only festive decor for the holiday season, but a subjective highlight of what each version excels in (or subsequently lacks).

	160GB	80GB (Aug. 08)	80GB (Aug. 07)	60GB	40GB	20GB
Hardware
Model #	CECHP01	CECHK01	CECHE01	CECHA01	CECHG01	CECHB01
Price	$499.99	$399.99	$499.99*	$499.99*	$399.99*	$499.99*
Chrome trim	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
USB 2.0 slots	2	2	4	4	2	4
802.11 b/g	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Flash card reader	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	No
Bundled Accessories
Ethernet cable	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Video cables	Composite	Composite	Composite	Composite	Composite	Composite
Controller	DualShock 3	DualShock 3	Sixaxis	Sixaxis	Sixaxis	Sixaxis
Backwards Compatibility
PS2	No	No	Software**	Yes (NTSC), Software** (PAL)	No	Yes
PS One	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Notes:
*This model is discontinued. The price on the chart represents the listed price before Sony axed it.
**See explanation in F.A.Q. below.

Alright, Joystiq, time to answer your own questions.

Let's do this.

There's been some confusion about all the various PS3 models that are available. Sony has introduced, and discontinued, so many different SKUs over the PS3's relatively short lifespan so far. Did you know, with the discontinuation of the Metal Gear Solid 4 model, there will only be two SKUs on the market? And did you know that neither will have backwards compatibility? Check out Joystiq's handy reference guide to see the stats of each SKU -- and if make sure you've nabbed the system that fits your needs exactly!

A new PS3 SKU will go to sale in Europe on August 27th. Already, the effects of the newly announced 80GB Core model has been affecting the sales stream of the 40GB model. According to HMV's commercial manager for games, stock of the 40GB model is dwindling as retailers prepare for the newly upgraded model. For those interested in picking up a PS3, it appears waiting for the 80GB model next month would be the wise choice.

"40GB stock has been in very short supply over the last few weeks ... PlayStation 3 will now boast a monopoly on Blu-ray, increased storage space and Play TV in the near future," Jonathan Hayes noted. "All this points to a stronger proposition for Sony going into Christmas. The only disappointment was the lack of backward compatibility compared to the US version."

New core configuration this fall with 80GB hard drive. Same as the current 40GB SKU with twice the hard drive. This will also include a DualShock 3 controller.

[Thanks, ajiezer!]

It looks like it's time to the PS3 SKU dance again. An alleged Wal-Mart spreadsheet sent to Joystiq states the 40GB PS3 "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August." What this new model will entail is unclear: it could be a new 40GB bundle, or it could be something different altogether. Perhaps we'll find out more at E3?

This isn't the first time hints of a new system were revealed through retail channels. The 40GB model is currently the cheapest model of the PS3, retailing for $399. It is the only model of the PS3 that does not feature any backwards compatibility support for PS2 titles.

A Wal-Mart spreadsheet allegedly listing products that the company is having difficulty stocking states that the 40GB PS3 "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August." We received this sheet from an employee that's sent us solid information in the past though s/he can't confirm the origin of the note that the model will be replaced. Of course, in the eternal battle over semantics, "replaced" could simply mean some minor tweaks to the model and the addition of the DualShock 3.

For those keeping track, if the 40GB version actually ceases production it would be the third version of the PS3 to do so. Let's take a trip down memory lane: The 60GB PS3 was last seen in late 2007 roaming the plains of retail (some still speak of finding them in random places today) and the 20GB was officially declared dead in early 2007 after it went missing from retail for months. Perhaps next week's E3 will shed some light on the fate of the 40GB unit.

Update: Adjusted for the possibility that "replaced" could mean basic changes to 40GB model, like the addition of DualShock 3.

We knew it was coming, but now we have a fancy press release in our inbox confirming it. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has officially announced a Grand Theft Auto IV bundle "exclusively" for the PlayStation 3. As you might expect, the bundle's release will coincide with that of the carjacking, city-wrecking romp on April 29th. The €439 (RRP) package will contain a 40GB PlayStation 3, a Sixaxis controller and ... we forget what the other thing was.

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]

We all know the Japanese love their gaming systems in many different colours, which is why it's no surprise that Sony has announced that another PS3 colour is being released in the region on March 6th of this year for 39,980 yen. The "Satin Silver" PS3 is another member of the 40GB SKU which Sony have stated many times that they are focusing on in the Japanese and European region.

A Dual Shock 3 will also be released in Silver at the same time, priced at 5,500 yen, but will not come bundled with the console. This seems to us to be a wasted opportunity to start phasing out the Sixaxis, which is what ultimately should happen. Of course, putting a DS3 in the box would probably raise the price and after two price drops in its first year, a price raise, even with a good reason, would be risky business on Sony's part.

[Via Engadget]