Sony Officially Drops 20GB PS3
- Scribbled on April 11th, 2007 by Devin Grimes
- Filed in Industry News, Sony PlayStation 3
After all the rumors, speculation, and events, Sony has now officially announced that they are completely dropping the lower-end 20GB PlayStation 3 SKU from retail. One could say the system was gimped from the start. Unlike the upgradeable Core Xbox 360, the 20GB PS3 can’t be upgraded with all the bells and whistles (Wi-Fi, media readers) of it’s superior without looking like the console equivalent of Frankenstein.
After a “ten to one demand” from retailers for the higher-end unit, Sony decided to call it quits and SCEA’s David Karraker issued 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
Dun dun dun! Does this spell doom for the PS3? I wouldn’t say so, it’s just a natural evolution, and more of a logical standardization of consumer options.
(Via 1UP)
April 11th, 2007 at 9:09 pm
It makes life simpler, but now you HAVE to spend the most money on the PS3 in order to buy one.
Maybe this will teach these console designers to understand “we want one perfect product” not “awesome product” and “crappy versions” for cheaper.
Seems early for this move…dunno.
April 11th, 2007 at 10:44 pm
Now if only we can talk Microsoft into dropping it’s crappy entry level 360 and allow developers to require a HD version of the system… (yeah, I know they’ve permitted a couple already, but it’s past time for them to just let everyone do it. Shipping a HD-less model in the first place was a massive mistake.)
April 11th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
Being in Australia, doesn’t really effect us since we never were given the 20gig option in the first place.