Interview with Ray Maguire (SCE UK) regarding 40 GB PS3 and price cut

[davygee]

Backwards Compatibility is an issue for some and not for others.  This will always be the case.  Personally, if I had the option of having it...of course I would rather have it....just like I'd rather have a 60Gb drive than a 40Gb drive.  But it all comes down to cost in the end.  What Sony are doing in Europe is effectively giving the consumer the choice.  You can go for the cheapest version of the PS3...yes it will play PS3 games and of course you can still play Blu-Ray movies...but unfortunately you don't get the bonus of being able to play your old PS2 games on it.  Or you go for the standard version which gives you a few extra bells and whistles for a bit more cash.

Although I've always thought BC was a pretty good thing to have.  It certainly isn't essential for the console...it's a PS3 and was made to play PS3 games not PS2 games.  If you are that bothered with it...get the more expensive unit or buy a standalone PS2.  What happens if you are interested in playing Super Mario Brothers, do you expect to be able to play it on the one machine...or just get out your SNES?

I reckon on the whole, what SCEE are doing, is spot on.  They are doing everything that the consumer has asked for.  We moaned when they didn't reduce the price in the summer compared to the US price cut...they gave us 2 games and a controller for the same price instead.  But now, they are reducing the price of the PS3 by a whopping £76 (thats a huge $155 dollars cheaper)...not just that...you would think that they would just get rid of the packed in games etc to reduce the price....no they aren't.  They are only removing a controller, but are still giving you 2 games for £349 instead of £425.  And the two games you're getting are likely to be worth at least £80 normally.

In addition to this, they are bringing out a budget entry level PS3 at under £300.

On a personal note.  I reckon the 60Gb Value Pack is fantastic value for money and my money would be on this one.  You are getting what would have costed £500 in the summer for £350 now.  Also, I reckon the extra £50 from the 40Gb to 60Gb Value Pack is a great deal...2 games and BC and 20Gb extra for £50 is brilliant.

As I said at the start...this is a sensible move.