SCEE phasing out current top-spec PS3 in favour of cheaper, downgraded 40GB model.
UK, October 8, 2007 – Sony has confirmed reports that, following the announcement of its lower-specced 40GB PS3 on Friday, the older 60GB model will be phased from European retail over the coming months.
Sony’s new 40GB PlayStation 3 slashes 126 GBP off the original price of the 60GB console, but sacrifices two USB ports, the multi-memory card slot and backward-compatibility with PSone and PS2 titles in the process.
As announced on Friday, the 60GB model will retail as a 349 GBP Starter Pack, including SIXAXIS controller and two first-party titles. However, Sony UK has told IGN, “Our offering in the UK market place for Christmas are the two SKUs announced on Friday but, as the 60GB stock is depleted, the 299 GBP 40GB SKU will be the only version available going forward”.
Commenting on the new downgraded 40GB machine, Sony noted, “[it] represents all the power and potential of PlayStation 3 at a very compelling price. Whilst the feature set of the 40GB is a result of extensive feedback and research, all the ‘missing’ features, should some consumers require them, are easily upgraded with USB memory card readers, USB hubs, or bigger external USB or internal HDs.
“The only functionality that is being removed is backwards compatibility – and this is because we believe this less important now than when we launched, as there will be 65 PS3 games available by Christmas. Furthermore we believe we should now be devoting our resources to the future of PlayStation gaming and delivering next generation experiences”.
While Sony is also phasing out its 60GB PS3 in the US, the company is offering an 80GB model, retailing at 599 USD, as an alternative purchase.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/825/825517p1.html
I do not want Trophies, Money or not even a title saying I am number "1". You can have your cheap trophies, paper titles, and dingy headbands. I am a "STORY" to my peers, a "LEGEND" for your kids to hear, and a "FOLKLORE" to keep you from dieing with fear - [b]Calvin D. Kates aka Chauncy "TRU" Talon. [/b]
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