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PlayStation 3 80GB Core Pack Debuts in Sept. for US$399
Posted by Matt Buchanan at 5:53 AM on July 16, 2008
The PS3 40GB model is getting pushed aside in September by a bigger, badder PS3--the 80GB is back in full swing. Dubbed Core Pack, it has "the same functionality" as the 40GB model, but you get double the storage for the same US$399 price. Looks they'll stay ahead of the Xbox 360 storage-wise for the standard model. Update: Press release below, though it doesn't add a whole lot more info.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces New 80GB PLAYSTATION(R)3, Limited Edition PlayStation(R)2 Bundle, and PlayStation(R)Portable Entertainment Pack at E3 2008
Company Also Launches New PLAYSTATION(R)Network Video Delivery Service and Showcases More Than 140 First-Party and Third-Party Games Across All Platforms
LOS ANGELES, July 15 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) held its annual press conference today at the E3 Media & Business Summit, making a series of announcements which demonstrated the strength of the PlayStation brand across all three of its platforms and further leveraged the heritage and momentum of PlayStation's family of products to provide consumers with more compelling entertainment options than anyone in the videogame industry.
Starting in September 2008, the newly announced PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) 80GB model will become the mainstay of the company's hardware line-up. The 80GB model will retail for $399, and will offer all of the features and functionality of the 40GB model with double the storage to accommodate more movies, graphics, music, photos and other entertainment content — all for the same price. As with its predecessor, the new 80GB model will be a complete entertainment system comprising of a Blu-ray(TM) player, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, Cell Broadband Engine(TM) and a built-in 80GB hard-disk drive. The multi-functionality of the 80GB PS3, combined with more than 140 exclusive and third-party titles and the PLAYSTATION(R)Network, is a comprehensive entertainment value designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers from hard-core gamers to general entertainment enthusiasts.
Following the success of five PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) Entertainment Packs, SCEA announced the Ratchet and Clank(R) Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack, a new bundle showcasing PSP's multi-functional feature set, targeted for holiday gift-giving. Launching in October 2008 for $199.99 MSRP, the bundle will include a limited-edition "Silver" PSP system with the highly acclaimed game, Ratchet and Clank(R) Size Matters; a blockbuster movie on UMD(R) (Universal Media Disc); a PLAYSTATION(R)Network voucher to download the innovative puzzle game, echochrome(TM) from PLAYSTATION(R)Store: and a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) for storing music, videos, photos and more.
In addition, SCEA introduced a new family entertainment bundle for the PlayStation(R)2 system, the most successful console in industry history. The limited-edition LEGO(R) Batman(TM): The Videogame PlayStation(R)2 Pack will feature the highly anticipated TT Games/Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment title LEGO(R) Batman(TM): The Videogame, Warner Home Video's Justice League: The New Frontier on DVD, and a PlayStation(R)2 system — all for $149.99 MSRP, which represents a $30 savings for consumers if the contents were purchased separately. SCEA will also launch more than 130 new titles for PlayStation(R)2 system this year, totaling 10,000 PlayStation(R)2 titles by end of the year.
"It's undeniable we have three successful platforms, the broadest and best line-up of some of the biggest exclusives in the business, and are continuing to deliver compelling and original content to our consumers," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Expect to see continued momentum this year as we remain focused on delivering products and services that extend the strength of our brand and reaffirms PlayStation's place at the centre of consumers' homes."
Additionally, the company previewed more than 140 first and third-party games at E3 2008 proving its content line-up this year is unmatched in the industry due to its depth, breadth, and diversity. Throughout the holiday season and this fiscal year, SCEA and its third-party partners plan to release more than 140 software titles for the PS3 available on Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BD).
SCEA is also developing more than 50 games, game packs, and add-ons downloadable via PLAYSTATION(R)Network in North America this year, offering something for every taste, lifestyle and budget. Also, to continue offering greater value to PlayStation fans, SCEA will launch PS3 Greatest Hits program on July 28 with 10 first and third party titles at a reduced price of $29.99. The PS3 Greatest Hits titles include Warhawk(TM), Motorstorm(TM) and Resistance: Fall of Man(R) from SCEA; Call of Duty(R) 3, Activision(R); Need for Speed: Carbon, Electronic Arts; The Elder Scrolls(R) IV: Oblivion(TM), Bethesda(R) Softworks; Ninja Gaiden(R) Sigma, Tecmo(R); Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six(R) Vegas and Assassin's Creed(TM), Ubisoft(R).
SCEA also reiterated its commitment to make PLAYSTATION(R)Network the best entertainment experience in the industry, by announcing a new video delivery service on PLAYSTATION(R)Store for PS3 and PSP systems in the United States. The new video service, available today, allows U.S. consumers to download full-length TV shows and movies to both their PS3 and PSP through the PlayStation Store for rental or purchase.
In addition, SCEA further outlined progress against its revolutionary online experience, PlayStation Home. Highlighting new first party high definition virtual environments for hit PlayStation titles including, Unchartered: Drake's Fortune and Warhawk. With significant third party support already on board, Sony Computer Entertainment will be expanding the beta in Summer 2008 and commence the open beta service by Fall 2008.
About Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc.
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation(R) and PS one(R) game console, the PlayStation(R)2 computer entertainment system, the PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) system, the ground-breaking PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) computer entertainment system and its online and network services PLAYSTATION(R)Network and PLAYSTATION(R)Store.
Recognised as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 and the PSP system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif., Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.Visit us on the Web at http://www.us.playstation.com
PlayStation, PSP and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners. "PlayStation", "PLAYSTATION", "PSP", "PS one" and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks and "PS3" is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
[Sony]
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
Peter
Posted July 16, 2008 10:27 AM
What? So they still havent put the PS2/PSX backwards compatability back in yet?
yashichi8bit
Posted 7:23 AM 16/7/08
If you can afford the extra 100 bucks the MGS4 bundle is the way to go.
yashichi8bit
SeventhExile
Posted 7:18 AM 16/7/08
wait.. does this 80gb have better stats then the 80gb I just bought?
should I return mine asap? ....
SeventhExile
phantam
Posted 7:01 AM 16/7/08
face it their gonna drop the 40gb version ... hence this will now be the "core" and the "pro" will be a 80gb with added media features etc (the card reader backwards compatability etc).... so really the ps3 didnt get "cheaper" it just got a bigger drive in its lowest model... the lowest cost 360 is still much cheaper than the 360 dreams of being.
phantam
peteH
Posted 6:56 AM 16/7/08
@oo0cyst0oo: $400 is no small sum no matter what your bank account looks like. That said, assuming you could scrounge about $100 extra each month (that's $25 a week, or roughly $3.50 a day - the price of a Big Mac), you could save enough for a PS3 in relatively short order.
That said, having bought one for $500 about a month ago (MGS edition), I can honestly say that you're not missing out at all. Get yourself an Xbox at the far lower price point ($300 - you can get one even cheaper used, closer to $250) and a GameFly membership. You'll be golden :)
peteH
D-13
Posted 6:55 AM 16/7/08
damn i am selfish an i love my ps3 had to pawn some shit to get it but worth it
D-13
Dr. Evil Genius
Posted 6:50 AM 16/7/08
@D-13: Nice to see you only care about yourself. Very predictable.
In any case, Sony continues to manufacture and market slim PS2s. Need backwards-compatitbility? Buy one for around $100 or simply keep the PS2 you have. Most HDTVs allow multiple media connections so it shouldn't hurt too much to have both consoles.
Dr. Evil Genius
oo0cyst0oo
Posted 6:49 AM 16/7/08
Also, I hate that even if I have $400 dollars, and I could, I don't have 450, once taxes start adding up.
Sorry, for the rant... I really just need to know so I can figure out where I stand.
oo0cyst0oo
brakindeep
Posted 6:48 AM 16/7/08
Sony is glad to drop the BC support. They are losing money on each console. They even stated that they don't intend to drop prices so they can recoup costs/make profit. So this is no surprise to me. If you want BC then get older PS3 (20/60/80GB)
brakindeep
oo0cyst0oo
Posted 6:46 AM 16/7/08
It's still 400 bucks... what am I rich?
I'll never have a new system again, it seems. They're pricepointing me out, or maybe you are- readers of the 'Modo? Either way, I can pay rent or eat for a couple of months or I can game? Sucks.
I am always excited to see games and updates and all that crap, but I don't have the up-front to finance these monsters. I can buy a car or a motorcycle for this much.(Yes, I can assholes. I can keep them running.) Especially after games and accessories- a console does me shit without them.
I don't know if it's just me, because I surround myself with early adopters, fan-boys, Giz, and G4TV. I really can't tell reality from the intar-netZ/webs.
Anyone? Am I just that poor?
oo0cyst0oo
D-13
Posted 6:42 AM 16/7/08
who cares mine has BC an thats all that matters if u guys dont dik around an just buy the better system right away then there is no need to bitch about missing features to the machine
D-13
.Trenchant.
Posted 6:38 AM 16/7/08
Also, for those questioning it, it's pretty clear this model doesn't have Backward Compatibility.
As stated, it has "the same functionality" as the 40GB, only with 80GB's HDD space. It's pretty clear that means it'll be no different then swapping an 80GB HDD into existing 40GB models. No BC, no media ports, 2 USB ports instead of 4.
.Trenchant.
.Trenchant.
Posted 6:34 AM 16/7/08
So now they truly are charging $100 more for nothing more than limited BC, media ports, and 2 extra USB ports...
I get the feeling that this indicates the complete loss of a backwards compatible model coming pretty shortly. Sony's trying to cannibalize their own system and justify knocking it out due to "poor sales compared to the core model".
Say goodbye to backwards compatibility. Glad I got my 60GB.
.Trenchant.
Mike918
Posted 6:29 AM 16/7/08
@D-13: Yeah we know, but this one is Core.
Mike918
trystram
Posted 6:29 AM 16/7/08
Seriously though, have the announced whether or not the new controller would be included? Also, my bet is that they'll pull an Apple and simply stop making the 40 gb models rather than discount them.
trystram
peteH
Posted 6:28 AM 16/7/08
@jk: The MGS special edition came with the game and backwards compatability for $100 more. Assuming the game costs $65, that means you'd be buying BC for about $35 - SO you should only be happy if you would not have been willing to (1) buy MGS, and (2) pay $35 for BC.
peteH
D-13
Posted 6:27 AM 16/7/08
80 Gig is BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY!! I have one an its bad ass
D-13
weatherman
Posted 6:25 AM 16/7/08
Well if they drop the price on the 40GB in the meantime, I might just have to pick one up, finally. Things are looking good for Sony with all the games and the media...
weatherman
jk
Posted 6:20 AM 16/7/08
Makes me glad I held off buying the MGS special edition.
jk
Pope John Peeps II
Posted 6:17 AM 16/7/08
@revolution-inc: We are NEVER, never going to get that. What we are probably going to get is all possible PS2 games for sale in the sony store. It'll undercut the whole used games market, I guess, but it'll make Sony a crapload of money.
Pope John Peeps II
Voohoo
Posted 6:15 AM 16/7/08
My bet is NO BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY. Just think about it. Take a 40gb model fresh off the assembly line. Take out the HDD and replace it with a beefier one. From this I don't think backwards compatibility is magically installed from the new HDD.
Voohoo
TerryinSt.Paul
Posted 6:12 AM 16/7/08
@revolution-inc:
Me too.
TerryinSt.Paul
revolution-inc
Posted 6:11 AM 16/7/08
backwards compatability please sony.
if it is, consider me sold
revolution-inc
trystram
Posted 6:10 AM 16/7/08
Too bad about the PS2 failure...beyond that, can anyone confirm that this bundle will be using the new dualshock instead of the sixaxis?
trystram
CutePuppyz
Posted 6:08 AM 16/7/08
@draconis1492: Unfortunately...so that means the MGS4 80GB bundle still DOES have PS2 BC...right?
CutePuppyz
Karinabob
Posted 6:08 AM 16/7/08
If it's the exact same as the 40GB version, only with a larger hard drive, it won't play PS2 games. Damn.
Karinabob
draconis1492
Posted 6:07 AM 16/7/08
I would read '"the same functionality" as the 40GB model' as no PS2 compatability
draconis1492
FeuerrotBenz
Posted 6:00 AM 16/7/08
It better play Ps2 Games
FeuerrotBenz
zimstyles
Posted 5:58 AM 16/7/08
@analyticalmind84: Damn it beat me to it!
zimstyles
zimstyles
Posted 5:58 AM 16/7/08
is it PS2 backward compatible?
zimstyles
analyticalmind84
Posted 5:56 AM 16/7/08
backwards compatibility?
analyticalmind84
odnet
Posted 7:57 AM 16/7/08
yeah the MGS4 bundle plays PS2 games. I am super happy with my PS3, so much so the 360 is just collecting dust. I may just sell it.
odnet
shinchan
Posted 8:06 AM 16/7/08
@trystram:
Looking at the logo on the box (the controller with the vibration lines around it), it seems to have the new DUALSHOCK3 controller bundled ;)
shinchan
Tsumi91
Posted 8:29 AM 16/7/08
130 more PS2 games! YAY!
seriously though I love my PS2
I'm playing Persona 3 FES and Odin Sphere now. I paid 30 for Persona and 20 for Odin Sphere. both are great games.
Tsumi91
Slatter
Posted 6:37 AM 16/7/08
80GB Core Pack sounds like there will also be a "premium" bundle...
maybe sony will make a bundle with a ps3 with ps2 bc, 2 dualshock 3 and a game for 100$ extra...
Slatter
scoobidoo
Posted 10:22 AM 16/7/08
@Tsumi91: coincidence, i finally popped in Persona 3 last night. fun.
scoobidoo
toobadmynamewastaken
Posted 9:49 AM 16/7/08
Backwards compatibility pl0x
toobadmynamewastaken
Tsumi91
Posted 11:24 AM 16/7/08
@scoobidoo: I'm playing it right now. FES? or original?
Tsumi91
branchclarke
Posted 4:17 PM 16/7/08
I have completely lost track of the amount of versions this console has seen. Anyone want to do the math for me?
branchclarke
Mr.Wilson
Posted 6:08 PM 16/7/08
Geez, I have yet to get mine, and yet I'm hearing all sorts of stories on whether any of the types are backwards compatible. My uncle's telling me 80 gig ones are the best, and that they're compatible, yet there's none out in stores, and now I'm reading this!
Mr.Wilson
groovyone
Posted 11:54 PM 16/7/08
@branchclarke: 20GB + 60GB + standard 40GB + MGS4 40GB + 80GB + new 80GB = 6
That doesn't include any special packages like the Spiderman 3 package.
groovyone
groovyone
Posted 11:52 PM 16/7/08
@SeventhExile: NO! The 80GB you just bought is better. This is the 40GB with a bigger HDD.
groovyone
tkatz
Posted 6:07 AM 17/7/08
@branchclarke
@groovyone
Carry the 1, add the 3- Were looking at like 12... hundred different versions. Thanks Wikipedia!
No, but really - JUST 6.
[en.wikipedia.org]
tkatz
SeventhExile
Posted 7:22 AM 17/7/08
@groovyone:
oh good - somewhere along the lines I remember reading there would be a new processor coming out for the ps3.
Wasn't sure if this new ps3 was going to incorporate it and what the over all effects of the smaller chip set would be.
SeventhExile
basicxman
Posted 12:32 PM 16/7/08
Although I was not raised with video games except for a PS2 a year ago with broken controllers, this is awesome. I love the sixaxis technology with accelerometers in the new controller.
Although I have heard a few bad reviews with unstableness in the sixaxis controller, this is perfectly understandable with accelerometers as they must compare between forces of gravity and other variables in calculating
I hope they have worked out the kinks in the new version.
basicxman
VideoVampire
Posted 12:02 AM 22/7/08
I have this system, it is a little betterthan the others, but i had to pay $599 for it, (doh!) oh well I wasnt going to wait any longer for my playstation euphoria.
VideoVampire