Sony kills off 20GB PS3

Author: Tim Smalley
Published: 12th April 2007
Comments (12) Stumble
Sony kills off 20GB PS3

Sony has finally sealed the 20GB PlayStation 3's fate -- it's no longer being sold in North America.

Sony has finally discontinued the 20GB version of PlayStation 3 in North America after months of speculation.

In fact, Sony opted not to launch the 20GB PlayStation 3 in Europe at all, so this move doesn't come as much of a surprise.

Gaming blog Kotaku managed to speak to David Karraker, a spokesperson for SCEA, and were given the following statement:

"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 ninety percent 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."

Karraker also pledged that the 20GB Playstation 3's that have already been sold will continue to be supported by Sony with software and service updates.

Do you think Sony is making a move in the right direction here? Let us know in the forums.
Quote HourBeforeDawn 12th April 2007, 07:23
yes I do think they are heading in the right direction as long as they pass the saving onto the consumer with a single production line this should lower cost to some degree not to mention they can now put focus onto the 60gb line and possible expansion of its features. But thats just my opinion who knows if Sony will follow threw with that or not.
Quote Neogumbercules 12th April 2007, 07:55
I'm sure it lowers their internal production costs to an extent but I doubt the customer will see any of that. It'll probably be at least a year before we see any kind of global price drop. Honestly, I was gonna buy the 60GB model anyhoot, so no big deal to me.
Quote Iago 12th April 2007, 09:55
Financially, yes, it's a good move for Sony.

Customer wise, it's bad news and shows that the 20Gb was just an exercise in marketing (so Sony could have a entry point closer to MS's X360). A pity as, unlike the crippled Core 360, the 20Gb PS3 did offer real value. In fact, if you weren't interested in the onboard wi-fi, the 20Gb (upgradeable HDD, remember) was much, much better value than the 60Gb.
Quote Juppun 12th April 2007, 11:53
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iago
Financially, yes, it's a good move for Sony.

Customer wise, it's bad news and shows that the 20Gb was just an exercise in marketing (so Sony could have a entry point closer to MS's X360). A pity as, unlike the crippled Core 360, the 20Gb PS3 did offer real value. In fact, if you weren't interested in the onboard wi-fi, the 20Gb (upgradeable HDD, remember) was much, much better value than the 60Gb.

Yeah but, the 60GB version is shinier than the 20GB one, so that overrules everything!

Seriously though, I hope this means the consumer can benefit from this in the future (somehow). With 20GB production costs gone they can divert it to other things. Wasn't there a rumor of them changing the 60GB drive to an 80GB drive to counter the Elite? Or did that get squashed. Either way I still wouldn't have bought the 20GB model anyways.
Quote mikeuk2004 12th April 2007, 12:24
Makes sence, when will MS take not and dump there stupid core pack. Lets face it you need a hard drive.

Stupid sony doing a 20gb version with no HDMI but at least they realised there is no market for the cheaper version and just shows that people wont buy a car without wheels.
Quote Swafeman 12th April 2007, 12:45
i dont see why the intorudced a 20gb model in the first place, if 60gb outsold it 90%, there cant hardly have been any produced, also, it wasnt released in europe so they must have had an extra production line for just a few consoles, seing as there different hardware wise :|
Quote r4tch3t 12th April 2007, 13:35
This is a bit of a moot point really, most people I know who are getting a PS3 are planning on the 60GB (which they now have no choice)
I plan on getting a PS3 (Maybe with my uni loan?) when the prices drop.
Quote devdevil85 12th April 2007, 16:11
It makes sense to me. No HDMI and no Wi-Fi and no 60GB. Why not just spend the extra $100 bucks (over here in the US atleast) and get those features. It should also help Sony focus on that one specific console setup. By the way, Wi-Fi is so nice. My friend can take his PS3 upstairs and downstairs whenever he wants and there's no humongous CAT5 cable running throughout his whole house anymore like when we played his original Xbox.
Quote Blademrk 12th April 2007, 19:34
Quote:
Originally Posted by Iago
Financially, yes, it's a good move for Sony.

Customer wise, it's bad news and shows that the 20Gb was just an exercise in marketing (so Sony could have a entry point closer to MS's X360). A pity as, unlike the crippled Core 360, the 20Gb PS3 did offer real value. In fact, if you weren't interested in the onboard wi-fi, the 20Gb (upgradeable HDD, remember) was much, much better value than the 60Gb.

but at least with the crippled core you could re-build it into the same spec as the premium at a later date by simply adding the HDD and a wireless controller/headset (even if that does make it more expensive in the long run) - There is no such option with the 20GB PS3.
Quote Aankhen 12th April 2007, 21:16
I think this is a good move, although I do agree that there should have only been one SKU from the start. Then again, one can't discount the psychological impact of having the PS3 start at $499 instead of $599. ;)
Quote David_Fitzy 14th April 2007, 07:05
Well if they recall all the 20Gb back from the retailers to re-manufacture the mobo into premium PS3s then that'll reduce the stock on shelves in america then they'll start claiming shortages through "popularity"
Quote automagsrock 14th April 2007, 22:07
Woo hoo!!!! I own a collector's item!!!



Well if I didn't have a 200gig SATA drive in it already
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