http://www.kotv.com/news/national/story/?id=131051 

New Version Of PlayStation 3 To Go On Sale In August; Sony Cuts Price On Older Model
AP - 7/8/2007 6:57 PM - Updated 7/8/2007 6:58 PM

Sony Corp. announced a revised PlayStation 3 console Monday with a bigger hard drive for storing downloaded content such as video games and high-definition movies.

The new $599 PS3 increases the system's storage capacity from 60 to 80 gigabytes and also includes a retail copy of the online racing title ``MotorStorm,'' a company spokesman said.

Starting Monday, the current 60 gigabyte model will cost $499 _ a $100 price drop.

The larger capacity machine won't be available in the United States and Canada until August.

It plays into the company's upcoming strategy of eventually offering downloaded high-definition movies, video games, movie trailers and demos, Sony spokesman David Karraker said.

Karraker said further details on high-def movies for download would be released at a later date.

The announcement comes two days before the E3 Media & Business Summit in Santa Monica, Calif., where dozens of industry heavyweights including Sony rivals Microsoft Corp. and Nintendo Co. are expected to show off their latest games and related products.

In April, Microsoft began selling a version of its Xbox 360 with a 120-gigabyte hard drive and a souped up high-definition video connection. Called Xbox 360 Elite, the black-colored system sells for $479.99.

Xbox gamers who already own the $399.99 20-gigabyte model can buy a snap-on 120-gigabyte hard drive for $179.99.

Karraker said Sony would use the E3 show to focus on two areas: ways to increase the number of consumers who own PS3s and other products such as the PlayStation Portable handheld system, and expanding the system's library of available games.

He said Sony would be releasing 100 new video games during the current fiscal year, including 15 titles that are exclusive to the PS3 such as the hack-and-slash action title ``Heavenly Sword.

I find the price drop incredibly easy to believe, but the new version with the pack-in incredibly easy NOT to believe. I don't know why Sony would do this, should Motorstorm is cool and all but 20 gigs more and a game?! How about an extra controller, hmmm... one that rumbles? Anyways, PSWii60 FTW!

Oh, Sony, tell me this isn't true!

This would be an awful move, in my opinion. 

It's from the AP, so I assume it's reliable information.

They're going to kill themselves like this.

Wow, this is awesome news! for people who want to pay the 499 they can go ahead and do that, but if someone wants mortorstorm they mine as well get the 80 gig for the 20 gigs and the game.

Here's what I see happening. Sony is discontinuing the 60gb model. They need to clear the inventory, so they are lowering the price of those units. The new 80gb model will fall to the $499 price sometime before the holidays. It wouldn't shock me if 80gb drives were actually cheaper than 60gb drives.

@FishyJoe, didn't mean I was doubting you! :)

Bodhesatva don't troll.


Move makes sense id bet the 80 gig is cheeper to produce then the 60 gig, being a newer design with no emotion engine probably.

I'm not quite sure why you think his post is trolling. It's his opinion, and one I'm inclined to sort of agree with.

They're introducing another SKU. There were a lot of people who thought this was a bad idea when Microsoft said they'd make an Elite version. Is it suddenly a good idea?

Not only that, but they've put themselves back in the 499 and 599 price range that they launched with. Sure, there's more bang for the buck, but ... it's ... still ... 599USD!