Los Angeles (CA) – If you plan on purchasing a $500 PS3, get it while it is available.

The recently announced $100 price reduction of the 60 GB PS3 was widely interpreted as a strategic move to bring the price of the game console closer to Xbox 360. It turns out, Sony does not have a long-term price reduction in mind.

In an interview with Gamesindustry.biz, David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, said that the price reduction is part of a move to phase out the 60 GB model and transition to a recently announced version with 80 GB storage space. During the Sony keynote at E3 this Wednesday, Phil Harrison, president of Sony Computer Entertainment’s Worldwide Studios, noted that the 80 GB model was introduced to provide more room for downloadable games.

According to Reeves, Sony believes that the 60 GB PS3 will be sold out by the end of this month. Beginning August 1, Sony will only be offering a $599 80 GB model, which however will include the game Motorstorm.

Harrison said there are currently more than 80 game titles in development, which Sony plans to make available for download through the Playstation store. The upcoming titles include Wipeout HD, Echo Chrome, Warhawk and Socom Navy Seals: Confrontation.

The price reduction remains very limited in a geographic perspective. In Europe, for example, Sony holds back the PS3 80 GB and introduced a new game package. For the same 599 Euro (about $825), Sony will be offering a “PS3 Starter Pack” with two wireless Sixaxis controllers as well as the games Resistance Fall of Man and Motorstorm.

Headline a bit misleading

Jul 13, 2007 10:18     

Technically the price drop isn't temporary...the 60 GB PS3 is temporary. Still, I get the point.
neal report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

no one wants it still

Jul 13, 2007 10:27     

Without mentioning the announced price cut, I asked a friend if he would buy a PS3 if it was $100 less then it is now, he still said no.
Bill report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Does that come with lube?

Jul 13, 2007 10:31     

Talk about taking one where ya shouldn't have to. Sony is turning into the king of doing stuff the absolute wrong way. I was thinking of maybe getting a PS3 at the $500 price point, but if they're going to screw over consumers again, I'll just stick with my Wii and 360. Thank you Sony for once again proving that you have no idea how to market your product.
Brian report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

80gb? are those still manufactured??

Jul 13, 2007 10:39     

I don't know why they are using such pathetic small hard drives. I can't believe that 80gb hard drives are even still manufactured
Erich report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

No emotion engine

Jul 13, 2007 10:45     

They took the Emotion engine, the hardware that allows it to play back PS1 and PS2 games, out of the 80GB model.
Falcon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Sony messed up pretty badly with PS3

Jul 13, 2007 10:46     

first the degraded compatibility, then the so-called price cut...come on, do they think we're stupid enough to buy it?
Hugh Hefner report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

The 80GB model will get the $100 price cut

Jul 13, 2007 11:03     

I'm sure the 80 GB model will get the price cut by holiday season.
JD report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

$350 is reasonable price to me.

Jul 13, 2007 11:07     

I will buy one around $350.
Lyon report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Old bait and switch routine....

Jul 13, 2007 11:07     

Old bait and switch routine.
Jim report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

by end of the month

Jul 13, 2007 11:14     

in article says ... "According to Reeves, Sony believes that the 60 GB PS3 will be sold out by the end of this month." haha, they must have manufactured VERY little 60GB to actually believe it will be "sold out". And i second to that why are they using pathetically small hard drives. Doubling 80GBs to 160GB will only cause you extra $20 bucks... I believe consumers are more aware of HDD prices nowadays that a 20gb difference doesnt warrant a $100 increase... ($100 can get you a 500gig HDD) Are they using (or do they need to use) specially manufactured HDDs? no way they are using NAND flash o.o

eeto report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

^ agree

Jul 13, 2007 11:20     

it's a trick to urge people to do the purchase and not hesitate. If your product is good, people will pay even if it is 1000 dollar
t report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Another Price Cut for the Holidays

Jul 13, 2007 11:26     

Sony is going to cut the 80gb for the holidays. That is according to Engadgets artical from Capcom's Cheif Financial Officer. I will believe it when Sony says it, but it only makes sense. http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/12/ps3-to-get-another-price-cut-by-years-end/ Even without the 60gig model you are getting more for you money at 600 than you were. 80gb and a game. The emulation will cover most every game you have ever played on ps2 or ps1 so that should be a moot point. Remember a little console called the 360. It is emualation only too. Just in case you forgot that.

blcskate report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Wow!

Jul 13, 2007 11:29     

Could Sony be anymore out of touch?? What another major screw up for the PS3. Bummer!!
James report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

@Erich & JD

Jul 13, 2007 11:30     

Erich: 2.5" drives dude. How many times does this have to be said? Laptops use 2.5" drives, desktops use 3.5" drives. 80GB drives are quite common in laptops. Even the biggest available right now is 200GB I think. JD: Holiday season will be too late for the PS3. It needs an install base now to prompt developers to produce titles for it. As a developer who's about to spend a hundred million dollars or more to produce a game for the PS3, what incentive do you have to make it exclusive rather than spending a bit more and making it cross platform so it will sell better when the PS3 has such a low installed user base? None. Sony is shooting themselves in the foot doubly. Not only are they pissing people off even more, they've also prompted Microsoft to lower the 360s price soon. Once that happens and the 60GB model is gone, it will be a $200-350 price difference between the 360 and the PS3. You'll be able to get a Premium and the HD-DVD drive for less than the cost of a PS3. Or the Elite and the HD-DVD drive for the same money. Or don't get the HD-DVD drive (like me) and save all that money for accessories and games.

David report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

80GB price cut

Jul 13, 2007 11:35     

Yeah. The 80gb will get a 100 dollar price cut...immediately after Sony releases the new 120gb model for $599!!! 80gb for 499 while supplies last...then you're SOL, sucker!
Adam Brown report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Get 250gb PS3

Jul 13, 2007 12:02     

I have brought the 160gb PS3 when it came out. Last month I purchase a 160gb 2.5 SATA hdd (from newegg) and put it in. The PS3 ask to format it and there I go. Done. The 160gb = $94.99 5 bucks shipping Sold the 60gb = 50 bucks Even though my title says "200gb PS3" Just wanted to get your attention to let you know you can get a 200gb PS3 or 250gb PS3. Newegg sells them about $150 .
Adam report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

im sure they will

Jul 13, 2007 12:09     

The only way this would make any sense is if the 80gb launches at the $499 price. The dood said its a difference of less than a dollar between the 60 and 80gb to them. If they came out right now and said the 80gb will launch at $499 they would have a harder time moving their "out-dated" product out of the market for the launch of the 80geeegas.
admiral shackleford report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

As if the PS3 couldn't fail any more...

Jul 13, 2007 12:14     

I think it's insulting that Sony is making this a limited time offer. If they were smart they would take the loss and sell it at $450. Microsoft is already selling the Xbox360 for $300 (HALF THE PRICE OF A PS3). Sony is definitely going about things the wrong way with the PS3. Besides that... When was it decided that every new game console has to be a all purpose home entertainment system? How much better would the hardware be in the PS3 for $600 if it used DVD's instead of Blueray? More than $200 of the price of the PS3 is from the Blueray player. How about give the real gamers out there what they want for their money... just a game console... Anyone born before the 90's already has a DVD player. Why do I need to pay for another device that does that? If you ask me, these companies should build a pure gaming console and leave out all the extras.

HunteR-RosE report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

You couldn't make up this stuff on a 5 shot NyQuil ...

Jul 13, 2007 12:25     

You couldn't make up this stuff on a 5 shot NyQuil bender. Sony is indeed the rock-stupidest corporation I can think of. Its time to let go Sony. Its over. You have killed your PS3, its dead, move on. Maybe next time, if there is a next time, you can make a console that people want, not a console that you want to shove down people's throats at a huge price.
Torgo report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

wait a second people...

Jul 13, 2007 12:35     

Over at the official playstation blog, David Karraker, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications, says the following... "I’ve seen a lot of posts this morning related to the 60GB SKU and the comments by SCEE President David Reeves. As we announced this week, SCEA’s product offering in North America consists of a 80GB PS3 available in August and a 60GB PS3 available now for $499. We will have ample supplies of both models to meet the needs of consumers for the foreseeable future."

krl report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Morons

Jul 13, 2007 12:45     

Who's running Sony? They badly need the price cut to get the console selling, and they announce one, but then change their minds again and decide to discontinue another console?! Who the heck is running SCE? Throwing in a couple of mediocre games an a 20gb HDD is not something that's going to sell the PS3. Sony has made a console that they know they can neither afford to produce or sell and now they don't know what to do. I think it's time for new management at SCE.

Mike report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Doesnt it hurt...

Jul 13, 2007 12:53     

To keep kicking yourself in the nuts? Jesus Sony, get a grip. Running around like a chicked with its head cutoff.
T report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Free PS3 after TV purchase

Jul 13, 2007 12:58     

about a month ago best buy had a offer going, that if you bought a sony 40" LCD tv and a ps3 you get $600 knocked off the price off the $2000 tv, but still pay full price for the ps3, making my total $2000....so i really just paid full price for the tv and got a free ps3....not sure if they will have that offer again...but i would keep your eyes our for it
Brian report abuse vote down vote up Votes: -1

Where are the other 300 titles?

Jul 13, 2007 13:13     

Since Sony said there are over 80 titles in development now, and there will be 380 titles available on March 2008, that means close to 300 titles will commence development beginning tomorrow and be complete and in customers hands within 9 months.
IdBuyThatForADollar report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Just got one

Jul 13, 2007 13:15     

I just bought one (a sec ago actually) from amazon for $499 shipped. No way am I buying a PS3 without full backwards compatibility. Maybe the hidden strategy was to make us panic and get these "limited editions".
Ruibing report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Sony happy with 3rd place

Jul 13, 2007 13:23     

I am beginning to think sony is very happy in third place. The just want to charge 30 dollars for Bluray disk and UMD's The hae no intrest in being number one. And if you think about it, there is no other real technology to challenge them. Bluray hold more data and those will win. The chip is better and so there really is no reason for them to compete. The are waiting for the masses to see the obvious and so they really are not doing much. What they should do is re-introduce the 20 gig version and bag the 80 gig or sell it for 499. Who will be next to be fired at Sony?

Ron report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

You can add your own Hd

Jul 13, 2007 13:35     

Any notebook hard drive will replace the one that comes with it. You just have to spend the money to do so, its easily removable. I just got a Ps3 since I havent been all that impressed with the 360 other than gears of war. Sony does make some bad decisions but they do have the best screens and digital cameras. Killzone and Call of Duty 4 with the combination of everything else it does including Blu Ray movies on my 1080p tv Im very happy with. I dont understand why they just added 20 more gb, they should have did one better and went with a 150gb.

Barry L report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

80 GB sku will NOT get a price cut

Jul 13, 2007 13:42     

because right now its a bundle with motorstorm and what is believed to be the new sixaxis with rumble for $600. After the 60GB sells out they will have to offer the 80GB model in a non-bundled sku, probably for $500. Then they can decide if they should continue offering the bundled 80GB model.
Matt report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

To add fuel to the fire

Jul 13, 2007 14:02     

The 360 officialy cut its prices. Bye Sony
T report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Sony Management

Jul 14, 2007 09:11     

I think it should be clear to anyone that keeps current on technology news that there must be some desperate meetings going on behind closed doors over at the sony corp. I am sure that upper management at sony is absolutely FREAKING OUT right about now, and I think the desperate blame game is about to start. You would think that sony would have learned by now not to try and leverage one market in the attempt to dominate another. Everytime they try they get their heads handed to them. I will never, ever own a blu-ray device, simply because sony tried to force it upon me.

Scott report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Starter pack seems a good idea

Jul 16, 2007 07:58     

The starter pack for the European ps3, seems a good idea, but the ridiculous pricing is the one reason few will buy this package. The 80GB one is a complete rip off because a HDD cannot cost that much (as mentioned before) and there are no new features otherwise the HDD. Sony is either taking a major gamble and with strong belief thinks the ps3 will win the war or it is blindly leading its new console to its death.

FezDaStanza report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

europe vs us

Jul 16, 2007 10:43     

1 euro = 1,3 dolars 600 euro = 780 dolars PS3 is 180 dolars cheaper in the US, plus bigger hd 80 gigs even with 2 games and 2 controllers we are paying more for the same product.
john report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Questions

Jul 16, 2007 17:30     

1) Who much do Europeans get paid, on average, in dollars? 2) Why the hell doesn't SONY design (or pay another company to design) a decent controller? 3) Barry L. said he bought a PS3 because he wasn't too impressed with 360 other than Gears of War...?
J report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

RE: Questions

Jul 17, 2007 03:51     

does it matter how much the europeans make? is it not the same product?
john report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

just another 3do

Jul 17, 2007 09:21     

It looked like sony finally got it right and they were on the right path, altough I'm still waiting for a bigger price cuts then $100, still even at $499 it's not cheap, I don't need blue ray player, and don't want to spend $30 on movies. Who in a right mind would pay $600 for a game machine with outdated hardware, graphic processor equivalent to 7900 which was developed in 2005 or so. In two or three years from now it will only play striped down versions of pc games. PS3 price should be about $299, not $600, sony is going down this time

Mike report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Answering John

Jul 17, 2007 10:13     

I asked how European wages compare to American wages for a few reasons: 1) Does the PS3 (or XBOX360) seem more expensive to them? For example say PS3 is $600, 600 British Pounds, and 600 Euro in the respective regions. If you convert it all to dollars, that's a HUGE difference. So, does the European pay scale make the prices seem about the same? Yes? No? 2) If you earn $80k a year in the US, could you find a comparable job in the UK paying around 80k Pounds? Then you could work there for a few years save some money and return to the US with 2.05x the dollars (vs. UK Pounds).

J report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Until $399....3rd place the PS3 will be,,,,

Jul 17, 2007 19:26     

All exclusive games will be lost too because not enough consoles are being sold...
James report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

Sony is a bit greedy these days...

Jul 18, 2007 15:05     

PS3 is so expensive. Also another thing to look at is the game put out by SoE called "Vanguard" which isn't only Pay-to-Play... but also charges a subscription fee for community forums. Its rediculous that a company the size of Sony has to squeeze every last penny that it can out of the consumer. I had more respect for them before.
SadSony report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0

DUH!

Jul 24, 2007 11:55     

Of course it's temporary...Sony loses money on every system, and the $100 cut is just costing them more money...just like the original Xbox did for MS. The technology is just too new, will there's room for Sony to reduce cost thru efficiencies and compenent cost, it's going to be a while before that happens. That's why the PS2 is a no brainer...it needs to continue to reduce the losses of PS3...but sooner or later...sooner will have to stop robbing peter...

Hiruu report abuse vote down vote up Votes: +0