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Official – 20GB PS3 to be discontinued in States

12 April 2007 - We brought you news that several stores across America had decided to drop the 20G PS3, we now bring you the official word - Sony will discontinue the lower spec model in the US.

The official statement says, "At launch, we offered two separate models of PlayStation 3 to meet the diverse needs and interests of our PlayStation fan base. Initial retail demand in North America was upwards of 90% in favor of the 60GB SKU, so we manufactured and shipped-in accordingly”.

"Due to the overwhelming demand for the 60GB model from both retailers and consumers, we have ceased offering the 20GB model here in North America."

The 20GB model, for which a limited stock remains, retails in the US for $499, while the 60GB goes for $599.

SCEA spokesperson Dave Karraker has promised that gamers who own a 20GB model will continue to be "100% supported with software and services, since all PS3s have the same basic architecture".

More powerful PS3 in consideration, says Sony

a Sony spokesperson has confirmed that Sony is “considering” a new PS3 with more powerful hard drive just months after the UK release.

The rumours started after Sony filed an FCC application for an 80GB PS3 (see link to Gamesdog story below).

The Sony spokesperson Satoshi Fukuoka commented that the possibility of the new PS3 is "in line with our strategy as we had planned to choose models based on consumer needs".

The new PS3 seems to be following a trend to boost sales, and a Nikkei Business report has speculated that Sony will see a 500% increase in operating profits this year thanks to increased sales of LCD TVs and Sony games.

However, the increase in profits isn’t all that impressive when the losses of last year are considered - the division lost an estimated YEN 200 billion (USD 1.67 billion).

Is there an 80GB PS3 in development?

A letter, dated March 2, appears to be looking for approval to change the specifications of its PS3, the original of which was granted back in September 2006.

Those changes include a few modifications to the Bluetooth module and an 80GB hard drive, which Sony claim to be in development prototype stage. However, just because Sony applied for the approval doesn’t mean that it is definitely something that will be followed through.

A Sony representative stated, “As mentioned when we made the product announcement for the PS3, the system will have different configurations (60GB and 20GB). Application to the FCC has been made with various possibilities in mind, however, it does not lead to a new product announcement at this time”.

Another representative was more negative, "The 80GB we're not making any comment on, but we don't have any plans at the moment".

Microsoft’s recent release of their 120GB Xbox 360 Elite give weight to the possibility of a more powerful PS3.

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Wooo its all happening on the PS3

More powerful?? How does a 20GB hard drive improvement make spmething more powerful??

Total BS if you ask me. Cant believe youve fallen for this Mark lmao. Im sure many people will though.

In this day and age, if they were to upgrade the HDD, it would literally cost pennies to go to a 200GB or more.

Matty I'm passing on the info, i haven't fallen for anything,
there the headlines not mine.

My comments consist of "Wooo its all happening on the PS3"
I know a Hard Drive does not make anything more powerful
thanks once again for your vote of confidence. Mr 'Fn' Hawkins

Not something the BBC are interested in reporting... so to me its not a story worth the read atm.

I take a quote from GameSpot:


In other words, some moron on an internet forum has dreamt this up and people are believing him.

It goes with the old saying, don't believe everything you read.

What would a 80GB hard drive have an advantage over a 60GB hard drive? Unless its a direct replacement upgrade it aint happening.

ha ha ha quality