I dont know why people are acting like this is a new thing. Even nintendo(for those who say "thats why i like nintendo because they only release one sku" Isnt there a Nintendo DS, and DS lite? GBA and GBA SP? You do know there was an NES version that was smaller and toploading? SNES had a couple of versions too. Hell, Sega Genesis had so many versions its hard to count. The PS1 and PS2 have had multiple versions also. In fact, if you have a old launch version of the PS2, there was a certain period of time after that you couldnt play new games because they started coming out in Dual Layer and the launch PS2s didnt have a CD Drive capable of reading dual layer yet.

The only difference now is they are launching at the beginning these different skus, that mainly are very smiliar to each other.

Plus, nintendo is guilty of this now with the Wii too, just not with consoles. How many different types of controller layouts (im not talking about different between wired and wireless) do they have? And like cant some games only work with one controller layout and not the other? Also how many times have they release different versions of the same game, like different versions of pokemon or nintendogs, that are each totally different games(this i consider different from like limited edition versions, cuz those games are all the same, just with special features like on a DVD.) Everyone is guilty of releasing multiple versions of the same thing.

I dont see how its confusing to people either. Like when you look at the xbox, the main difference is just accessories. Either you get a core with just a wired controller, or you get a premium with wireless controller, and a ton of other shit, including a harddrive. PS3, either no bluetooth with smaller hard drive or bigger harddrive and bluetooth. I mean, besides the halo 3 version of the xbox, the main different between the units is accessories, and whether or not you want to bundle all those accessories with your xbox now, or spend a ton of money on them later. Same thing goes for the ps3.

those examples are way off.  those new versions of nes and snes came out very late in the life cycle, in fact the top loading nes was released in 1993, 2 years after the SNES came out and the price was $50.  Usually the reason they make a new versions is because there is a flaw in the hardware or it is less reliable or big.  However it is still the exact same system with the same features as the old one. 

Microsoft and Sony are putting in and taking out all kinds of stuff within 1 year of launch.  Sony is literally downgrading their system by taking out the EE then selling it at a higher price.  Stop playing games with us, just stick with one damn SKU.

edit:the new version of SNES came out in 1997, 6 years after launch in america and 7 years after in japan.

 All the early SKUs (SNES and the like) had no difference aside from aesthetics and minor things (such as top loading NES) that made no difference whatsoever to your gaming experience. And Different control methods on the wii? Seriously? That's your argument? The only other controller you would potentially need to buy is a classic controller for 15-20 dollars for some games on the virtual console. Out of the box you've got the wii-mote and nunchuck, which is what every game uses (some don't even use the nunchuck, but that hardly counts as the same as a different SKU). That's a piss poor comparison to what Microsoft and Sony are doing.

 Having Pokemon Red and Blue is also very different, that is to encourage trading. Unless you plan on trading collectible hard drives or USB ports with your friends it doesn't parrellel in any way. Also big difference between 30 dollar pokemon game and 500-600 dollar SKU that may be inferior in a few months. 

 Again people it's not a matter of confusion, it's a matter of buying something gimped or something that will likely be inferior in 6 months. Which is fine for PC gaming, but these are consoles. They are supposed to be steady machines. Buy one at launch, you're getting the same machine you'd get four years later.

 to spend 500-600 dollars on a console is stupid IMHO just cause the tech in that system will be outdated by the pc within minutes of launch. already there are pc games out there that can better anything the ps3 and xbox360 can do. that is why people buy pc's cause they cost the same you get more for you money and on top of all that you can upgrade a pc not a ps3 or xbox360. plus my pc lasted me 4 years just recently is when i am realizing i need to "upgrade" my pc.

Both of the HD consoles launched at a higher price than any succesful console ever had, so it seems to me they included lower end SKUs to provide an alternative for people on a budget. Also the internet plays a larger role this gen, so now fanboys can use the lower price and higher specs when arguing which console is the best. =P

I'm not sure why Sony did the 80GB bundle, but I'm guessing they're trying to increase revenues by adding more stuff rather than dropping price. Adding 20GB, an extra controller and a first party game probably costs them less than $100 per unit, and they're hoping the customers will be wanting to get that stuff anyway, and treat the new bundle as if it was a hundred bucks cheaper than the identically priced 60GB one.

Hus?

 They have allowed it as the FF MMO requires the hardrive and they have said future MMO's can also require the hardrive.  Of course if the compression technology improves or other technologies are developed to allow all the data needed for future games to fit in a DVD9 then this won't be an issue at all.  I am just saying needing a hardrive is worse case scenario for the 360 sku's difference.

 Actually you are WAY off on this one. The graphics card ALONE for a comparable PC will run 500-700$. PCs do not cost the same, atleast not ones that can even be compared to PS3 or 360. People also buy consoles so they dont have to worry about upgrading every 6 months to play the newest games that come out. Nice try though. If your PC lasted you 4 years recently without upgrading, it must not be for gaming...that, or you play the orignal counter-strike or something. There is no way a 4 years old PC could touch any game the has recently come out or is coming out. Unless you want to run it at low res with the absolutely lowest detail setting.