Rumor Mill: 80GB PS3 to replace 60GB at $499 MSRP later this year?

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6178052.html?part=rss&tag=gs_news&subj=6178052

Today, though, two of the industry's more prominent analysts predicted that the days of the $599 PS3 are numbered. In a note sent out this morning, Wedbush Morgan Securities' Michael Pachter and Edward Woo predicted the 80GB console will also see $100 knocked off its price point before the all-important holiday seasons begins.

"The PS3 will remain at $499, with the 80GB model replacing the 60GB model at that same price point," Pachter told GameSpot.

Pachter and Woo also repeated their prediction that Sony might further discount the PS3 early next year to coincide with two highly anticipated games for the platform: the exclusive Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots, and Grand Theft Auto IV, which is also coming to the Xbox 360.
Not really new in terms of internet rumors, but it's nice to see the analysts are starting to pick up on it now that it seems like the 60GB stock is starting to wind down. Seems like the most logical thing for Sony to do to with the 80GB SKU.

[Dark Slayer120]

I really can see this happening once all the 60 gigs are gone. It would truly be the wise thing to do on Sony's part.

[linkpwns]

The 80 gig doesn't have the Emotion chip, right?

[Dark Slayer120]

The 80 gig doesn't have the Emotion chip, right?

Right.

[zewone]

I like the part that there may be a price drop around MGS4's release.

I don't really want to spend more than $300 on another PS3, but $450 for the 80GB isn't unreasonable. I don't care about the EE at all, since I still have a PS2.

[gokou36]

We predicted this already, these analysts sure are slow. I think they'll go a bit further and add rumble in them.

[ighosty]

i believe this, later this year or i could even see it happening Q1 of 2008 before all of sonys big titles.

[linkpwns]

Right.
Yucky!

[hcamacho]

I am tired of the price cuts of the ps3, still it is at 500$ and 600$ who the hell is thinking they are doing a price cut, since the launch they had two sku's one a 500$ and the other 600$.....Still it's the same price, there really has not been a price cut, jesuus, guys wake up!

[Morpheus]

I am tired of the price cuts of the ps3, still it is at 500$ and 600$ who the hell is thinking they are doing a price cut, since the launch they had two sku's one a 500$ and the other 600$.....Still it's the same price, there really has not been a price cut, jesuus, guys wake up!

I agree that there hasn't really been a pricecut, but there has been an increase in value on both sku's.

[primetime]

I am tired of the price cuts of the ps3, still it is at 500$ and 600$ who the hell is thinking they are doing a price cut, since the launch they had two sku's one a 500$ and the other 600$.....Still it's the same price, there really has not been a price cut, jesuus, guys wake up!

The 60 GB went from $600 to $500. Around here they like to call that a price cut, no matter what the reason.

[The Mana Knight]

I am tired of the price cuts of the ps3, still it is at 500$ and 600$ who the hell is thinking they are doing a price cut, since the launch they had two sku's one a 500$ and the other 600$.....Still it's the same price, there really has not been a price cut, jesuus, guys wake up!To most, the 20GB never existed. Many assumed it was a tard pack (which it wasn't). The reason the 80GB isn't $500 now is because who would buy the 60GB over it (other than those who know about the EE). Next to no one and Sony would be stuck with the 60GB.

[sparklecopy]

why wouldn't they lower the price of the 60 gb to 449?

[FriskyTanuki]

why wouldn't they lower the price of the 60 gb to 449?
Because it's being phased out.

[hiccupleftovers]

Of course the 80GB will be $500. After getting the consumer used to seeing PS3s at $499 finally, the consumer is not to go out and all of a sudden pay more for a PS3, no matter how hard Sony tries or thinks they will.

[rendil]

Of course the 80GB will be $500. After getting the consumer used to seeing PS3s at $499 finally, the consumer is not to go out and all of a sudden pay more for a PS3, no matter how hard Sony tries or thinks they will.

Agreed. Everyone predicted this ever since the 80GB was announced, so I don't think anyone is really surprised. They would be commiting financial suicide if their sole SKU was priced at $600 after the consumer was used to the $500 price point.

[zewone]

It's not that crazy. They've done it before.

How long was in between the 20GB being cancelled until the 60GB had it's price drop?

At least a couple of months.

[Thomas96]

they should keep on making the 60gb.. and an 80gb... 399 and 499

[mykevermin]

One thing they can't do is sell the 80GB without Motorstorm and continue to charge $600 for it; as a result, once you take that into account, along with the EE-less 80GB taking the place of the once-they're-gone-they're-gone 60GB, any analyst thinking that the 80GB will drop to $500 and lose Motorstorm isn't an analyst (unless you call someone who says "I predict the sun will come up tomorrow" an analyst too).

Now, if they continue to include Motorstorm (or go GH with Resistance or some shit) , and drop the price to $500, then I'd be a bit surprised. But 80GB at $500 with no pack in before Christmas? No shit.

[zewone]

they should keep on making the 60gb.. and an 80gb... 399 and 499
That'd be nice, but it's still wishful thinking.

It's not like if the 20GB was around, it'd be $299.

[FriskyTanuki]

One thing they can't do is sell the 80GB without Motorstorm and continue to charge $600 for it; as a result, once you take that into account, along with the EE-less 80GB taking the place of the once-they're-gone-they're-gone 60GB, any analyst thinking that the 80GB will drop to $500 and lose Motorstorm isn't an analyst (unless you call someone who says "I predict the sun will come up tomorrow" an analyst too).

Now, if they continue to include Motorstorm (or go GH with Resistance or some shit) , and drop the price to $500, then I'd be a bit surprised. But 80GB at $500 with no pack in before Christmas? No shit.
I think MotorStorm would be their go-to bundle game for now, since it's not M-rated. It seems that SCEE's going to be doing a new bundle in Europe, with Heavenly Sword and F1 being packed-in with the PS3 (I think they only have the 60GB over there, right?), which may be popular with the Europeans.

[dpatel]

Most people predicted this since the announcement of the 80GB. I too expect the bundle to dropped and the 80GB to be sold at $499 later this year.

[Dark Slayer120]

they should keep on making the 60gb.. and an 80gb... 399 and 499

Na, I think they are doing the right thing in letting the 60 gigs go, and only having an 80 gig version. Too bad the 80 gig doesn't have the EE chip, to me that is the only thing hurting it. Other then that I think once the 60 gigs go and Sony only has the 80 gig PS3's, and they keep it bundled with Motorstorm and drop the price to $500 they will finally be heading in the right direction. I mean they are having a hard enough time selling PS3's as it is, let alone having all these different versions of the system. I just think that would be Sony's best move.

[zewone]

The best move would have been to never have introduced the 80GB.

[Dark Slayer120]

The best move would have been to never have introduced the 80GB.

True, but we can't go back in time now can we? ;)

[dpatel]

I believe their reasoning for introducing the 80GB was because 80GBs were becoming more common and would be easier and cheaper to manufacture in the future than the 60GB would.

At least, I think I remember hearing that. Or maybe it was just a way to appease the removal of the EE Chip.

[Decker]

I believe their reasoning for introducing the 80GB was because 80GBs were becoming more common and would be easier and cheaper to manufacture in the future than the 60GB would.

At least, I think I remember hearing that. Or maybe it was just a way to appease the removal of the EE Chip.
I think by removing the EE chip it allowed them to make the PS3 cheaper. By sticking emulation software on the HD, they needed a bigger HD and then found 80 GB for other uses. Not a bad arrangement, but I do worry about full compatibility. That's why I just went with the 60 in the current Amazon deal. I can't imagine many consumers who would find 60 GB drives too small but 80 just fine.

And I agree, there will only be the $100 drop in price after the Motorstorm bundles are gone, probably by the holiday season around Thanksgiving.

[imascrub]

I believe their reasoning for introducing the 80GB was because 80GBs were becoming more common and would be easier and cheaper to manufacture in the future than the 60GB would.

At least, I think I remember hearing that. Or maybe it was just a way to appease the removal of the EE Chip.

doin a quick search on newegg it's already apparent that 80gb are more cost effective than 60gb. They're about $10 cheaper than 60gb drives, so I can see them saying something like that.

[gunm]

Old news, but still fun to talk about.

The Motorstorm bundles are "limited", so an easy prediction would be that they start releasing game-less 80GB PS3s before they cut the price to $500.

Also wouldn't be surprised to see the Blu-ray movie promo extended into the holidays as it seems to be another successful incentive to getting more players into peoples' homes.

[Thomas96]

That'd be nice, but it's still wishful thinking.

It's not like if the 20GB was around, it'd be $299.


if they could bring back the 20gb systems... it wouldn't be that bad. The magic price point is not 600 dollars... the consumers have definitely spoken on that issue. They might as well just get the blu ray players into homes so that they can have a monopoly on the HD movie market, and be in a better position to help people transition from DVD.

Everyone doesn't need the fully 600/500 complete value package, they just want the cheap, get me in through the backdoor package..

[The Mana Knight]

they should keep on making the 60gb.. and an 80gb... 399 and 499They would never do that, unless they want to ditch the 60GB version badly. In all reality, the 80GB PS3 is cheaper to produce (The difference between 80GB and 60GB is very minimal, but the 80GB can be bought cheaper in bulk due to being industry standard in some ways).

The problem with the 20GB is that it was only $50 less to produce. And if Sony were to price both SKUs within $50 of each other, I doubt they could ever sell the 20GB.

[happy]

This is the most obvious prediction ever. I wouldn't be surprised it they packed in a Spiderman 3 Blu-Ray with the 80 gigs for $500 at holiday time.

[Thomas96]

They would never do that, unless they want to ditch the 60GB version badly. In all reality, the 80GB PS3 is cheaper to produce (The difference between 80GB and 60GB is very minimal, but the 80GB can be bought cheaper in bulk due to being industry standard in some ways).

The problem with the 20GB is that it was only $50 less to produce. And if Sony were to price both SKUs within $50 of each other, I doubt they could ever sell the 20GB.


The problem is that once Sony finds a way to get the PS3 cheaper, they go and bundle something in to bring the PS3 back up to 600 dollars. The reason why the Wii is selling so well is possibly due to consumers inability to afford a PS3. People that don't want 360, who'd rather have a PS3.. are buying Wii's because there's nothing affordable for them. Its so much better if Sony were to just get down as cheap as possible, because they have the most to lose, and gain. At a unrealistic... hell no not this year price point of 399{any version of PS3]... would the PS3 outsell the Wii this chrismas at that price point?

[The Mana Knight]

The MotorStorm bundle is only limited edition, and only there to give those a choice at the moment. Without a doubt, I don't see them pricing a console at $600 again (once the 80GB goes down to $500), unless it has some massive HDD.

[Thomas96]

The MotorStorm bundle is only limited edition, and only there to give those a choice at the moment. Without a doubt, I don't see them pricing a console at $600 again (once the 80GB goes down to $500), unless it has some massive HDD.


IF the bundle goes down to 500...

[elwood731]

IF the bundle goes down to 500...
It will go down. As much as Sony might lose by selling it at that price, they would lose more in the long run by going another Christmas with only a $600 system to sell. In fact, I'd say the $500 price is a wee bit cautious. I would not be surprised to see Sony introduce a new bundle in time for Christmas with maybe two games bundled, Spider-Man 3 Blu-Ray as someone mentioned for at MOST $500. I think we'll either see Sony bundle more for the holidays, or drop the price even more. They have to do something soon and they know it. I would say a $450 PS3 in time for Christmas is not out of the question. If they bundle a couple of games and/or Blu-Rays, then definitely $500.

[Thomas96]

Na, I think they are doing the right thing in letting the 60 gigs go, and only having an 80 gig version. Too bad the 80 gig doesn't have the EE chip, to me that is the only thing hurting it. Other then that I think once the 60 gigs go and Sony only has the 80 gig PS3's, and they keep it bundled with Motorstorm and drop the price to $500 they will finally be heading in the right direction. I mean they are having a hard enough time selling PS3's as it is, let alone having all these different versions of the system. I just think that would be Sony's best move.


oh that's a good point... I didn't realize there was only going to be one version.. My main thing is that I just want people to be able to afford the system. The masses are not middle and upper class, the masses are lower class who can't afford to pay 600 for a console... but at least if they were to drop the bundle to 500 dollars itd be a complete set.
Having one unit is definitely a good move,and having that one bundle at 499.99 would perhaps do well this chrismas.

499.99 two controllers, 80gb hard drive, one game. vs. a Wii 249.99 / 60 for controller set nunchuck / remote, and 50 for a game. plus batteries. $500 vs $360

[Thomas96]

It will go down. As much as Sony might lose by selling it at that price, they would lose more in the long run by going another Christmas with only a $600 system to sell. In fact, I'd say the $500 price is a wee bit cautious. I would not be surprised to see Sony introduce a new bundle in time for Christmas with maybe two games bundled, Spider-Man 3 Blu-Ray as someone mentioned for at MOST $500. I think we'll either see Sony bundle more for the holidays, or drop the price even more. They have to do something soon and they know it. I would say a $450 PS3 in time for Christmas is not out of the question. If they bundle a couple of games and/or Blu-Rays, then definitely $500.


Well anything is possible since they got 3 billion from selling off the IPO stock... a 450 PS3.. would be killer.

[Dark Slayer120]

oh that's a good point... I didn't realize there was only going to be one version.. My main thing is that I just want people to be able to afford the system. The masses are not middle and upper class, the masses are lower class who can't afford to pay 600 for a console... but at least if they were to drop the bundle to 500 dollars itd be a complete set.
Having one unit is definitely a good move,and having that one bundle at 499.99 would perhaps do well this chrismas.

499.99 two controllers, 80gb hard drive, one game. vs. a Wii 249.99 / 60 for controller set nunchuck / remote, and 50 for a game. plus batteries. $500 vs $360

I agree with you Thomas, I also want more people to be able to afford the system. Hell to me $600 was a lot of money for a game system and it took me awhile to save up for it. Since apparently the Motorstorm bundle is LE, they should defiantly add some stuff to keep bundled with it. Doing that and also lowering the system's price down should help this Xmas. I'd like to see it $499.99 with a game and an extra controller myself. I think it would be better to include a game in the bundle, rather then a blu ray dvd. I know that maybe a stretch but Sony has to do something to start selling more PS3's. Also with only one version of the system it should help not confuse people on which version is the "best" to have.

[happy]

$450 alone or $500 in a bundle shouldn't have them losing that much money. The 80 gig hdd is cheaper than 60 gig, and they save a moderate amount by not having the EE chip. Also now that they've made a bunch the blu-ray drives and Cell chips should have started their decline in price. Look at the price drop of any top of the line intel or amd chip over the course of a year, it's huge. Also the Cell is supposedly starting to be used in other things too (servers and TVs I believe).

[mykevermin]

My revised thought on this post: fucking Pachter. He ought to have his title revised to be "Captain Obvious."

$20 his next analyst report will discuss the fact that games will be coming out on the consoles as Christmas approaches.

[ihadFG]

It will go down. As much as Sony might lose by selling it at that price, they would lose more in the long run by going another Christmas with only a $600 system to sell. In fact, I'd say the $500 price is a wee bit cautious. I would not be surprised to see Sony introduce a new bundle in time for Christmas with maybe two games bundled, Spider-Man 3 Blu-Ray as someone mentioned for at MOST $500. I think we'll either see Sony bundle more for the holidays, or drop the price even more. They have to do something soon and they know it. I would say a $450 PS3 in time for Christmas is not out of the question. If they bundle a couple of games and/or Blu-Rays, then definitely $500.
That is true. I know that personally, I will buy a PS3 this holiday season if there is a price drop and/or really great bundle. If there isn't I won't buy a PS3, so I'm sure that there are several other people in this situation too. Also, I really hope they extend that 5 free movies thing because that is also a deciding factor for me. (By the way, I don't need EE because all my games are backwards compatible without it)

[Roenick92]

What exactly does the EE chip give you that software emulation can't? I'm wondering why the chip not being on the 80gb is a dealbreaker for some people..

I'm in the boat of having a $500 bestbuy gift card fall in my lap (and it's a lonely boat), and while the only game that whets my appetite now is a decade old masterpiece (super puzzle fighter 2 turbo remix!), I know good times are coming for the ps3. That puts me in the position of waiting for the best possible bang for my buck- and if that means waiting for them to drop the price of the 80gb to $499.99, I'll cash out then. Doesn't sony allow you to drop your own hard drive in there? What does it matter to me in the 60gb vs 80gb if I'll drop a 200gb in?
-R92

[mykevermin]

What exactly does the EE chip give you that software emulation can't? I'm wondering why the chip not being on the 80gb is a dealbreaker for some people..

I'm in the boat of having a $500 bestbuy gift card fall in my lap (and it's a lonely boat), and while the only game that whets my appetite now is a decade old masterpiece (super puzzle fighter 2 turbo remix!), I know good times are coming for the ps3. That puts me in the position of waiting for the best possible bang for my buck- and if that means waiting for them to drop the price of the 80gb to $499.99, I'll cash out then. Doesn't sony allow you to drop your own hard drive in there? What does it matter to me in the 60gb vs 80gb if I'll drop a 200gb in?
-R92

I don't know when the 5 free Blu-Ray movies deal ends, but you can buy a 60GB with the EE (which, for the moment, means vastly higher compatibility with PS2 software) and get 5 free Blu-Ray movies.

As for software emulation, the problem is when it isn't updated - look at the 360's BC, which is an absolute crapshoot. Only about 1/5 of all Xbox games work on the system, and those that are BC sometimes run like absolute hell. (keep in mind that although only 1/5 of the games are BC, they have done a good job prioritizing popular titles). PS3's software emulation is, out of the gate, far better than the 360's, but given the choice between hardware and software, I'd opt for the former - the 60GB and 80GB are identical, save for the HD space. So, if you're going to eventually upgrade the HDD, there's no need to wait, is there?

[FriskyTanuki]

What exactly does the EE chip give you that software emulation can't? I'm wondering why the chip not being on the 80gb is a dealbreaker for some people..

I'm in the boat of having a $500 bestbuy gift card fall in my lap (and it's a lonely boat), and while the only game that whets my appetite now is a decade old masterpiece (super puzzle fighter 2 turbo remix!), I know good times are coming for the ps3. That puts me in the position of waiting for the best possible bang for my buck- and if that means waiting for them to drop the price of the 80gb to $499.99, I'll cash out then. Doesn't sony allow you to drop your own hard drive in there? What does it matter to me in the 60gb vs 80gb if I'll drop a 200gb in?
-R92
The EE's a much more reliable solution for BC gaming at the moment, so those that have BC high on their priority list will want to get the 60GB while it's still out there.

[Roenick92]

Well thanks for the info :) I guess the next time Bestbuy sends me those 10% off coupons I'll be takin' my $5 rewardzone coupon (wow signing up for that really paid off :P) and my gift cert and plunging headfirst into the cool next gen waters. Like motostorm is worth $100 :P
Thanks again for the info!
-R92

[dpatel]

I believe those 10% coupons exclude console hardware. Can someone verify this?

[Thongsy]

I believe those 10% coupons exclude console hardware. Can someone verify this?

That is correct. I hate how those coupons exclude so many good things. It's barely worth it to use since it seems anything worth buying is excluded.

[Layd Dly]

When they do drop the price on the 80gb it will most likely be game-less like others have said.

the motorstorm bundle is more of a marketing ploy. someone who is looking at the ps3 models in store are going to buy a game with the system anyways so hav ethem cough up $100 extra bucks and you get a $60 game and for and extra $40 you get 20gb. The 80gb are already cheaper to make as they pulled the EE out.

To me waiting will probably be amoot point as they will pull the game and lower the price to $500 so the only different then will be 20gb and EE-less, and if you wait too long youll also miss out on 5 free movies.