Headline :: PS3 Elite in the planning - 80Gb HDD!?!

[Steven W]

What?! A new upgraded version of the PS3 is apparently already being planned. Save your cash if you want an extra 20Gb to play with!

Check out the Headline

[Lexic]

Both the new PS3 and new Xbox 360 Elite consoles should mean that the original models will drop in price

This didn't happen with Elite, they just added it on top of the existing range.

With PS3, I can see it replacing the 60GB model, and the 60GB model replacing the 20GB model, basically cutting the price of the 60GB. I don't think its coincidental that 20GB PS3s are very difficult to find - probably because they're now costing Sony the same amount to make as the 60GB units. That's just the way hard disk prices work, they don't scale down ad nauseum. Sony can use that to their advantage, and basically get a 'free' price drop out of it.

[Steve B]

apart from the fact that nobody wants the 20Gig model because its not selling

[finlay666]

apart from the fact that nobody wants the 20Gig model because its not selling

its not even released in the UK yet.......
(the 20gb ps3)

[Lexic]

apart from the fact that nobody wants the 20Gig model because its not selling

Sony might tell you people prefer the 60GB model, but that's because it's all they're offering right now The 20GB 'option' seemed to be a very short term offer around launch in Japan and the US to convey the impression that $499 was the entry point for PS3 rather than $599, but I think quickly after that, the two units starting costing Sony virtually the same amount to make. That's certainly the case now, I have no doubt. 60GB 2.5" hard disk prices are beginning to bottom out at retail, so I'm sure it was the same for Sony even earlier. No point in selling a system for $100 less that costs you about the same amount to make.

[Steve B]

the retailers in the US dont want the 20gig models
source

[Steven W]

This didn't happen with Elite, they just added it on top of the existing range.

Not yet it hasn't. Watch this space.

[Steve B]

i can see the core package dropping out, as this console aint just a limited edition, its a proper SKU.

The premium package will drop slightly in price.
Xbox elite stuff is beside the point however.

Personally, i'd rather have a PS3 at the same price as the Xbox 360 Elite, with a smaller hard drive, yet wifi, and a next generation player built in.

I wouldn't buy either though, because i love my wii

[robbo]

long live the wii

robbo

[Lexic]

the retailers in the US dont want the 20gig models
source

Best Buy discontinued it because they were no longer receiving it. If they could get it, I'm sure they would, as a cheaper SKU would no doubt help out with US sales.

Not yet it hasn't. Watch this space.

Sure, I expect Elite will be $399 by the end of the year, with everything else pushed down also. But Elite isn't prompting the cut, it would have happened with or without it.

[menthel]

Not yet it hasn't. Watch this space.

What does that mean???

[Steven W]

What does that mean???

That does sound as if I know something, I don't honest! Lexic is right, the 360 will come down in price anyway this year whether there's an Elite unit or not.

[GeorgeTuk]

I think this is purely to avoid the issue of low stock on 60GB drive because they are being overlooked production-wise as people want much bigger drives in PCs even corporate PCs (the market driver).

I have tried to purchase a large number (100+) of 20GB HDD from suppliers but its a very long lead time as production levels are not there.

[Spud1]

Most people seem to think that Sony will be releasing this alongside the current lineup?

I think that would be stupid *if* the only difference is the bigger hard drive. It makes much more sense for Sony to simply replace the current, 60gb model with the 80gb model..the difference is so small that its not worth making it an entirely separate product imo..have to wait and see I guess though