PS3 sku differences - why you want to avoid the $499 unit

[Swift900]

Saturday 13 May 2006
Sony has today cleared up the confusion over the differences in specification between the two models of PlayStation 3 - and the cheaper version won't support wireless controllers.

As announced by the company on Monday, two versions of PS3 will be available at launch - one with a 60GB hard drive, and a less pricy model that features a 20GB hard drive. However, what the company didn't mention at the time is that the 20GB machine also lacks a number of key features that are included as standard in the more expensive model.

The 20GB console won't include an HDMI output, which means that it won't be able to deliver high definition pictures. But perhaps more disappointing is that wireless bluetooth controllers won't be supported; instead, gamers will have to make do with retro-style wired-up versions of the increasingly controversial PS3 pad.
In addition, the lower-end model also lacks WiFi and the slot for Memory Stick Duo cards included in the full-spec PS3.

A Sony representative on the show floor at E3 also emphasized that gamers won't be able to upgrade the memory of the 20GB version; if that's the PS3 incarnation you opt for, you're permanently stuck with a 20GB memory limit.

Amazingly, Sony big boss man Phil Harrison, in a BBC interview earlier this week, insisted, "What we should be clear about is that the functionality is identical in both machines. There is no difference in what the machine does."

Unfortunately, the actual facts seem to suggest otherwise.

Well, this pretty much confirms it. If you are serious about next gen gaming, than the $599 unit is obviously the only way to go....

Sony, what are you thinking?

[salmonaxxx]

I don't trust GamesRadar. They refer to the HDD as "memory", which is a mistake. Kaz Hirai specifically said the hard drive was removable.

Also, Bluetooth was standard for both versions in the Sony press release. Unless, of course, they're changing the hardware specs right now. But I'll wait for one of the bigger sites to report on it first.

[TimPV3]

Yeah, Kaz said the HD was removable. I'm also doubting the controller thing, but just like with the memory stick slots there's always USB.

[Ivanhoe]

I think i will believe phil harrison over a "sony rep" sited as their sourse.
that told gamesradar.com this info.


Phil harrison said will be able to upgrade the HDD to anysize you want because it uses a regular computer HDD.


So this post doesnt "confirm" anything.


we will need the real news sites to report similar findings before anyone believes it.

[dtcarson]

But how easy will it be, and will it void your warranty? You can upgrade Tivo and many dvr hard drives, but some makers make it hard to do so.
Lack of wireless controllers seems like a loss that most people would notice.

[Richlough]

Gamesradar is basically PSM magazine website .
Why wouldn't you believe them ?

[graf1k]

Yeah, I posted that Games Radar thing yesterday too, but I think they might have got "no wireless built in" confused with "no wireless controllers" because nobody else has reported this as I am aware.

Still, the $500 SKU is bullshit. They need to come right out and say whether or not no HDMI is going to crippled Blu Ray playback or not. If it somehow doesn't than the $500 PS3 ain't so bad. If it is, it's like buying a 360 for $500. You don't get anything for that extra $100.

[Purkeynator]

I am guessing it is removable in the same sense as the PS2 hard drive if you have it. You can remove it and replace it but must open up something to do it (ie take off network adapter on PS2). It won't be snap on and off like the Xbox 360.

[dpatel]

I didn't mind lack of HDMI since I doubt I will ever use HDMI, but if the lack of wireless and upgradeable HDD are true, then I will definitely have to get the more expensive console.

[solid snake]

I didn't mind lack of HDMI since I doubt I will ever use HDMI, but if the lack of wireless and upgradeable HDD are true, then I will definitely have to get the more expensive console.
same situation here.
i just wish that we would get games or something for the extra $100

[FriskyTanuki]

Are there any credible sources that are reporting this exact same info? I'm not seeing it anywhere else like Gamespot or IGN. Gamesradar is the same place that posted the "Sony is getting rid of pre-owned games" article, which was false. How can I trust that this bit of info is true, if they've reported false info before?

Also, where is this on gamesradar's website? I don't see it anywhere. Seems false from the getgo.

[Vinny]

Are there any credible sources that are reporting this exact same info? I'm not seeing it anywhere else like Gamespot or IGN. Gamesradar is the same place that posted the "Sony is getting rid of pre-owned games" article, which was false. How can I trust that this bit of info is true, if they've reported false info before?

Also, where is this on gamesradar's website? I don't see it anywhere. Seems false from the getgo.

http://www.gamesradar.com/gb/ps3/game/news/article.jsp?articleId=20060513133719562032

I'm not sure if anyone can say for sure but it seems as if Sony isn't giving a direct answer.

Some sites reported that wireless and Wi-Fi won't be in the $499 version and those features cannot be added later on (meaning you'd have to buy the $599 version to get them). But others have reported that Wi-Fi and wireless controllers can be had if the player chooses so via external methods (USB add-ons).

[FriskyTanuki]

http://www.gamesradar.com/gb/ps3/game/news/article.jsp?articleId=20060513133719562032

I'm not sure if anyone can say for sure but it seems as if Sony isn't giving a direct answer.

Some sites reported that wireless and Wi-Fi won't be in the $499 version and those features cannot be added later on (meaning you'd have to buy the $599 version to get them). But others have reported that Wi-Fi and wireless controllers can be had if the player chooses so via external methods (USB add-ons).
Thanks for the link, though it's old info. If that's the article, then this is a repost.

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93847

I doubt the controllers thing since I don't believe anybody else has said that the $500 model will have wired controllers. I believe they're taking no Wi-Fi as not having the Bluetooth controllers, which aren't using Wi-Fi at all. I still don't see them as a credible source.

[sononkyo]

gamesradar is a wanna be site. its like a personal blog, full of biased information from hearsay.

[DarkNessBear]

All this was "No Wireless controllers" is proven tottally false.

And it goes to show you, how powerful the PS3 haters are. They fake news all the time...

http://www.us.playstation.com/News/Stories/4355

http://cache.kotaku.com/images/2006/05/ps3chartalt4aq-thumb.png