AfterDawn: News

Sony may discontinue 80GB PS3

According to an internal memo at retail giant Best Buy, the store will no longer stock and distribute the 80GB Sony PS3, thereby moving the console closer to a single SKU retail option. According to the memo, the store will no longer carry the product after January 28th of this year. The unverified memo reads, "The 80GB version of the PS3 is going closeout and won't be replaced at this time. Only the 40GB version of PS3 will be sold in Best Buy stores at this time."

This move as a whole would completely dismiss backwards compatibility for future PS3 owners from ever being achieved. As known in the past, the 40GB model saved money by going with a different motherboard which did not include the architecture needed for backwards compatibility for PS2 games. Of course, PS1 games are still playable via the digital download service they offer. If this memo serves as a direction that Sony wishes to take with future sales, it would mean that Sony has given up on supplying backwards compatibility to its customers.



To further substantiate this, North America is the only region that still a multi-system lineup. Japan and the UK have already dropped the higher capacity models in favor of the cheaper 40GB model. Earlier last year, Sony had dropped the 20GB and the 60GB model from their lineup, leaving only the 40GB and 80GB respectively.

Written by: Dave Horvath @ 25 Jan 2008 11:43

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• 46 comments

• emugamer

  Since you can install Linux on the PS3, wouldn't it make sense that you can run a Linux emulator for PSX games? And if there was a Linux emulator for the PS2, wouldn't the same theory apply, taking advantage of the cell processor? Someone correct my logic.

  25.1.2008 12:00 #1

• banned4Lf

  I see no problem with this. One user posted a comment a few days ago regarding his having bought a PS3 80GB model and he doesn't even use the backwards compatibility. As for HDD size...........anyone who puts any weight into that being a necessity or even useful is wasting their time. GUARANTEED that someone who "thinks they're going to make use of the backwards compat." simply won't.................some exceptions of course.

  25.1.2008 12:30 #2

• Mr_Pink

  Unless I'm missing something, where does it say that Sony, themselves, may drop the 80 gig? From this piece, all it says is that Best Buy no longer has plans on selling it and will only sell the 40 in the future.
  
  But I'm just playing devil's advocate. Considering that no one else has multiple models, I'm sure Sony does plan on dropping the 80 gig.
  
  Whatever. I've been happy with my original 20 now 120 PS3. It has all the backwards compatibility everyone wants--yet, I don't use it.

  25.1.2008 12:40 #3

• 7thsinger

  Agree Mr Pink, i also doubt Sony's gonna drop the 80g. If Best Buy does, then so be it.
  
  The people who may actually hurt here are the people who purchased their 80g from Best Buy along with the instore 2yr replacement warranty. What's Best Buy going to do when that happens and someone needs a replacement? Outside of buy direct from Sony or give the 80.00 back to the customer and say "Sorry."
  

  
  
  
  
  
  
  "Sir, i would not harm thee for the world, but thou art standing where i'm about to shoot."

  25.1.2008 12:51 #4

• bobino

  actually the best buy warranty is awesome because you get a voucher for how much you paid for it. for example i bought a ps2 for say 199 then a year later the ps2 online pack came out for about 179. i returned my ps2 under the warranty so i got a voucher for 199+tax and i bought the 179 ps2 and had money left over for a game. so if you were to buy the 80 gig ps3 and get the warranty i say that you are in very good shape

  25.1.2008 14:21 #5

• ZippyDSM

  Even BB sees the price gouging with the 80GB model set at 599,if they set it to 499 and the 40GB model to 299 then there would be no problem.

  25.1.2008 14:42 #6

• narmo

  for the backward compatability, most people that have a ps2 have it modded so all their ps2 games will not work on the ps3 because they are pirated. i personlly wouldn't really mind putting my ps2 next to my future ps3 because it will barely take up any space.
  
  i'm not sure abt this theory but maybe when the ps3 gets hacked and pirated games can be played on it maybe ps2 pirated games will play on it too? just a thought

  25.1.2008 15:28 #7

• 21Q

  Hey by all means drop but but darn it I want backwards compatibility by the time I buy one.

  25.1.2008 15:47 #8

• milkyoreo

  They should lower the price of 40GB and then just add the 60GB.

  25.1.2008 16:44 #9

• snowlock

  sony introduced bwc into the console game market...now their going to abandon it?
  
  not sure i'd believe it, but this story certainly suggests it in every way besides just saying it.
  
  i've said it before; if i bought a ps3 it right now it would be the 80gig, because of the bwc. i honestly don't think i'd use it, but i'd probably be trying to trade my old ps2 in for credit. bwc is industry standard, so i wouldn't buy a console that omitted it. i picked ps3 over 360 on the same sort of note; both other consoles have built-in wifi, and the 360 doesn't.

  25.1.2008 18:46 #10

• spydah

  Originally posted by ZippyDSM: Even BB sees the price gouging with the 80GB model set at 599,if they set it to 499 and the 40GB model to 299 then there would be no problem.
  I dont know about your stores Zippy but the 80GB PS3 is $499 where I live and 40GB model is $399. Now if the lower those prices that would be fine.

  25.1.2008 19:49 #11

• redux79

  DO NOT click on the game copy pro link advertisement next to this article it’s a scam. I know anyone with half a brain realizes you can't backup a ps3 game "yet". I'm not sure if they struck a deal with afterdawn but the "copy any ps3 game" above the link is very misleading.
  
  (game copy pro is a scam)
  forums.afterdawn.com/thread_view.cfm/592188
  
  Back on topic-
  I thought about getting the 60 gig then it was discontinued; now the 80 gig might get phased out... It just seems like both MS and sony jumped into the next-gen market to fast. Neither can make up their minds as to what is most important and they just keep attempting to "complete" their consoles and reach a standard single version.

  25.1.2008 19:57 #12

• SDF_GR

  Thats BS,Sony cant drop 80gb, cause expensive or not many people will want to buy a full extra PS3, and dont forget that 360 also has 2 versions, Sony cant go back now.
  
  I have the 60gb version, and i have never used the BW compatibility, even tho that i have many PS1+PS2 games.
  
  I haven't paid 659euros to play PS1+PS2 games.

  25.1.2008 20:01 #13

• ZippyDSM

  Sony has already dropped BWC as it should have been, its time to move on, the current over priced 80GB model will be by some chains, and i order to sell it thy will have to drop its price 100-200$.
  
  if they can bring a a sub 400 80GB PS3 out, that sounds good to me.

  25.1.2008 20:28 #14

• Xian

  Since the 2.5" hard drive is easily replaceable by the user in the 40 gig model, you can effectively get a 160 gig PS3 for less cost than the 80 gig PS3 by replacing the hard drive yourself. You would lose the limited backwards compatibility, 2 USB ports, SACD playback, and media card slots. If those are not important then there isn't really much reason to get the 80 gig. Another advantage is that the 40 gig PS3 is manufactured with the 65nm Cell processor so it runs cooler and quieter than the other models.
  
  I went with the 40 gig PS3 since I already had a USB hub if I needed more ports, USB media card readers, and already had a PS2 for playing PS2 games. SACD playback wasn't that important to me. I figured if I needed a larger hard drive I could get one at a later date.

  25.1.2008 22:36 #15

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by Xian: Since the 2.5" hard drive is easily replaceable by the user in the 40 gig model, you can effectively get a 160 gig PS3 for less cost than the 80 gig PS3 by replacing the hard drive yourself. You would lose the limited backwards compatibility, 2 USB ports, SACD playback, and media card slots. If those are not important then there isn't really much reason to get the 80 gig. Another advantage is that the 40 gig PS3 is manufactured with the 65nm Cell processor so it runs cooler and quieter than the other models.
  
  I went with the 40 gig PS3 since I already had a USB hub if I needed more ports, USB media card readers, and already had a PS2 for playing PS2 games. SACD playback wasn't that important to me. I figured if I needed a larger hard drive I could get one at a later date.even so its not worth more than 250 to me.

  25.1.2008 22:38 #16

• chaos_zzz

  ppl are getting the 40gb version and getting a 250gb hard drive at 150, at least a lot of ppl i know , plus there are tutorials everywhere for noobs
  
  it's really usefull, demos are big plus i got all my movie "backups"
  stored in there (around 180gb u know divx avi, now it reads everything)
  
  i guess i will upgrade when a bigger HD comes out, i have like 20 left :)
  
  
  (another thought, i saw a bunch of 80gb ps3 on ebay from best buy maybe that's why, maybe they are losing money with it aguy got one for less than 350 i already have one but isn't that a nice price)

  25.1.2008 23:01 #17

• rosedog

  I was in BB today and of course no 80gb units or at any other BB store. I was told that the 40gb won't be around too much longer and that Sony is either going to repackage the 80gb or come out with a 120gb unit.
  
  Either way I wasn't all to happy. I wanted to get the 80gb with replacement plan because I do know how to use that plan.
  
  Ended up going home and grabbing my Reward Zone coupons that included a 20% off from any HD-DVD or Blu-Ray player. I stated on the coupon that it excluded MS Xbox360 HD-DVD unit so I took it to Circuit City and they sold me a 80gb unit for $400. Saving the $100 I turned around and invested it into a replacement plan.
  
  Yeah Target, Wal-Mart, Fry's, Gamestop, Circuit City, ect... are still selling the 80gb units strong.

  26.1.2008 03:16 #18

• tin23uk

  personally i love the backward compatability, all my favorite ps2 games get played on my ps3 and i gave my kids the ps2 to destroy with all the games i didnt really like that much, hey it keeps their grubby little fingers away from my ps3.

  26.1.2008 09:18 #19

• Weirdo007

  I have a question about the whole BWC thing or lack there-of now that it looks like Sony MAY (key word there) at some point only produce the 40GB version of the PS3. I do still some play some of the older PS1 games on my PS2 een now, I'm an avid RPG player and still play through some of the older Final Fantasy titles such as 4 and 6.
  
  Here is my question:
  
  Final Fantasy XI
  
  I know this MMORPG is old and has been out for awhile and that it is really a niche game but I did play it a lot on my PC until my old PC bit the dust. My dilemma is this, I know Sony doesn't support the PS2 hdd anymore and that the slim PS2 can't even use it. However, I knew from reading and researching the PS3 that you could load the FFXI system partition files from Sony's website onto the PS3 HDD and thus load the PS2 FFXI games CD's themselves onto the PS3. An expensive option but it would work.
  
  But now that it looks like they will be dropping BWC altogether, what does that do for anyone such as myself wanting to play this game but doesn't have the extra couple grand to drop on a new PC? XBox 360 is an option I guess or build a relatively cheap PC to run it which I could do. Thoughts?
  

  
  
  
  We are the Borg...
  Resistance is futile....
  DVD's will be assimilated...
  Protection is irrelevant.

  26.1.2008 10:53 #20

• red2tango

  Originally posted by ZippyDSM: Even BB sees the price gouging with the 80GB model set at 599,if they set it to 499 and the 40GB model to 299 then there would be no problem.NEWS FLASH!!!! 80gb ps3's are 499 lmao GENIUS

  26.1.2008 12:44 #21

• mcmenace

  tin23uk
  Quote:hey it keeps their grubby little fingers away from my ps3.
  This is off subject but I think worth saying, I let my girls grubby little fingers all over my PC when they were old enough to reach it and now 1 is a chemical engineer and another an IT Engineer. Also got others the 80g PS3 for Xmas, looks like a good move now.

  26.1.2008 14:02 #22

• p303

  I work at a best buy and the word we're getting is the the 80 gig is gonna say and it's just gettin repackaged without motorstorm. Therea also rumor that it's getting a larger HDD sold sepretaly. And maybe with a different title. Thats all the input i have!

  26.1.2008 20:33 #23

• spydah

  Originally posted by Weirdo007: I have a question about the whole BWC thing or lack there-of now that it looks like Sony MAY (key word there) at some point only produce the 40GB version of the PS3. I do still some play some of the older PS1 games on my PS2 een now, I'm an avid RPG player and still play through some of the older Final Fantasy titles such as 4 and 6.
  
  Here is my question:
  
  Final Fantasy XI
  
  I know this MMORPG is old and has been out for awhile and that it is really a niche game but I did play it a lot on my PC until my old PC bit the dust. My dilemma is this, I know Sony doesn't support the PS2 hdd anymore and that the slim PS2 can't even use it. However, I knew from reading and researching the PS3 that you could load the FFXI system partition files from Sony's website onto the PS3 HDD and thus load the PS2 FFXI games CD's themselves onto the PS3. An expensive option but it would work.
  
  But now that it looks like they will be dropping BWC altogether, what does that do for anyone such as myself wanting to play this game but doesn't have the extra couple grand to drop on a new PC? XBox 360 is an option I guess or build a relatively cheap PC to run it which I could do. Thoughts?
  Honestly I think they are following M$ foot steps with the PSN store where you going to have to buy if over again which isnt fair to those whom already own and dont want to pay to play. It sucks all around in that category. I dont really care about the BWC but i do have the 60GB that supports it. It will take a seriously fun game thats old for me to buy it through their store online.

  26.1.2008 21:15 #24

• gmontalc

  The Sony Playstation management, all of them are smoking to much grass; - for example - the original PS3 60GB when came out with all the glorious hype everybody was static happy, And after all this craziness 80GB, 40GB market strategy they realized that the hardware are not going to make them super rich.
  
  Instead of focusing on "ONE" type of console and develop new features and originals games, by not doing that they have dig their own grave for failure and disappointment.
  
  Sony has already admitted that the PS3 have been the main reason for the delay of Grand Tourism 4, also for the quick buck crappy games. at the same token games developers still are not in favor for PS3 games format, but instead they are more comfortable in creating games for the Xbox 360.
  
  What Sony Playstation is going to do next?

  26.1.2008 21:50 #25

• Mr_Del

  Just curious, Can you put any HD in there or is it propiatary?
  
  -Del

  27.1.2008 04:02 #26

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by Mr_Del: Just curious, Can you put any HD in there or is it propiatary?
  
  -Delany NB/laptop sata HDD will do.

  27.1.2008 04:13 #27

• 3482

  i thibk this is a bad move by sony. they should sell the 80gb model this year.

  27.1.2008 07:25 #28

• NexGen76

  Originally posted by gmontalc: Instead of focusing on "ONE" type of console and develop new features and originals games, by not doing that they have dig their own grave for failure and disappointment.Its call cutting cost you can't keep one type of system the whole life cycle thats asinine.
  
  
  Originally posted by gmontalc: Sony has already admitted that the PS3 have been the main reason for the delay of Grand Tourism 4, also for the quick buck crappy games. at the same token games developers still are not in favor for PS3 games format, but instead they are more comfortable in creating games for the Xbox 360.See this is where you have no clue to what your talking about Gran Turismo hasn't been delayed.But if it was its because Kazunori Yamauchi will not release any of has games if he see one flaw.GT being delayed isn't anything new this happen all the time back during PS2 days.
  
  The Reason PS3 has seen crappie games because Dev's didn't want to take the time to learn how to code for the Cell a disc format has nothing to do with this please educate yourself before you make false claims like this.Dev's would take the cheap route & port the game from the 360.It has been showed that if Dev's code for the cell the right way then PS3 games will look just as better than 360 games...COD4,BurnOut: Paradise just to name a couple.They was comfortable with 360 because it was old tech & cheaper to produce for.

  27.1.2008 07:31 #29

• nobrainer

  Here goes backwards compatibility! Is it cost cutting or just forcing ppl to purchase new games out of frustration, due to a poor catalouge of PS3 titles regardless of the quality?
  
  or you can always purchase the same titles you already own with compatibility from the PSN!
  
  why don't they allow you to time shift i wonder.....
  
  Is Sony Dropping PS2 Compatibility?
  Originally posted by hyperlink: FTA:
  
  Long time ago, oh, say a year and a half ago, Sony director Phil Harrison called backward compatibility a "core value." Here's what he told GamePro in May 2006.
  
  "Backwards compatibility, as you know from PlayStation One and PlayStation 2, is a core value of what we believe we should offer. And access to the library of content people have created, bought for themselves, and accumulated over the years is necessary to create a format. PlayStation is a format meaning that it transcends many devices -- PSOne, PS2, and now PS3."
  
  I have a copy of Sony's January 23 "PlayStation in Review" press release sitting in front of me. Among other things, it devotes two of six bullet points to "PlayStation total [hardware and software] revenues." Clearly part of this company wants us to see the value of "PlayStation" as a brand, not a singular ailing third generation console.
  
  Another part -- the one making decisions about what configurations of the PS3 ought to be put to market -- would apparently prefer you kindly forget its second generation product. Forget it, that is, despite a library of some 1,500 games, December sales of 1.1 million units (beating the PS3, with 798k) and more software unit sales than any other console on the market.
  
  Why, if an unverified memo turns out to be correct, will Sony really drop its $600 80GB PS3 and the only currently available version that lets buyers play PS2 games?
  
  Maybe they aren't. Maybe they're planning to introduce a $300 model and add PS2 compatibility to the $400 model. Maybe they're in fact planning to discontinue a really dumb idea (making PS2 compatibility a buy-time decision) and add software compatibility to the $400 model. Maybe they'll even offer a system update to buyers of the existing 40GB model that up-flashes their systems.
  
  You know PS2 compatibility is just a software trick in the 80GB model, right?
  "You know PS2 compatibility is just a software trick in the 80GB model, right?"
  
  HU, DID I READ THAT RIGHT? So its not about cutting costs, surly sony wouldn't charge for something that costs either the same, or very little more, like the $1 difference between the 60 and 80 gig hard drives!
  
  

  The BPI Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, EMI.
  
  The RIAA Soundexchange Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, EMI.
  
  The MPAA Are: SONY, UNIVERSAL, WARNER GROUP, DISNEY, PARAMOUNT, FOX.

  27.1.2008 07:34 #30

• gmontalc

  *** NexGen76 ***
  "The Reason PS3 has seen crappie games because Dev's didn't want to take the time to learn how to code"
  
  First of all you only give excuses, and second is not "crappie" it is CRAPPY !
  
  Think for a minute... you'd agree that Sony Playstation is a fly by night company?, you'd think the management and all the people who works for are just someone found around the streets?
  
  If Sony Playstation are struggling with the PS3 is because they're thinking on how to make a quick buck. that's all.
  
  It is already been rumor that by 2010 will come out the next Playstation, this console will have a better cell processor, better video card capable handling a true High Definition 1080p, much larger central memory (RAM), WiFi 3g technology... and much more.
  
  Now, if this rumor is all true then what's the point for all this senseless "business strategy" for just a mere cut costing production?
  for a smaller or larger Hard Drive?
  
  We (the customers) all know that in this era of cyber technology, needs a very large hard drive, huge memory, crisp clear vision and fast connectivity.
  
  Why the PS2 was and still is the best choice for gaming?, just because the PS2 have large option of games!. and ironic the PS2 do not need a hard drive.

  27.1.2008 14:06 #31

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by gmontalc: *** NexGen76 ***
  "The Reason PS3 has seen crappie games because Dev's didn't want to take the time to learn how to code"
  
  First of all you only give excuses, and second is not "crappie" it is CRAPPY !
  
  Think for a minute... you'd agree that Sony Playstation is a fly by night company?, you'd think the management and all the people who works for are just someone found around the streets?
  
  If Sony Playstation are struggling with the PS3 is because they're thinking on how to make a quick buck. that's all.
  
  It is already been rumor that by 2010 will come out the next Playstation, this console will have a better cell processor, better video card capable handling a true High Definition 1080p, much larger central memory (RAM), WiFi 3g technology... and much more.
  
  Now, if this rumor is all true then what's the point for all this senseless "business strategy" for just a mere cut costing production?
  for a smaller or larger Hard Drive?
  
  We (the customers) all know that in this era of cyber technology, needs a very large hard drive, huge memory, crisp clear vision and fast connectivity.
  
  Why the PS2 was and still is the best choice for gaming?, just because the PS2 have large option of games!. and ironic the PS2 do not need a hard drive.
  and the 360 is practically dead becuise of space issues and poor dsign.... neither console is perfect pick your poison and drink up :P
  
  Oh and we are now complaining about upgraded consoles when the 360 has failed to do it right? oy vay......

  27.1.2008 14:17 #32

• arekisu

  Originally posted by snowlock: sony introduced bwc into the console game market...now their going to abandon it?Sega had bwc with the Mega Drive/Genesis and Nintendo with the SNES. Sony was 3rd. But i agree, they shouldn't abandon it.

  27.1.2008 15:47 #33

• ZippyDSM

  Quote:Originally posted by snowlock: sony introduced bwc into the console game market...now their going to abandon it?quote]Sega had bwc with the Mega Drive/Genesis and Nintendo with the SNES. Sony was 3rd. But i agree, they shouldn't abandon it.the SNES adopted BWC late, the Mega drive did have a add on pretty early in the game but sony had it from day one out of the box, so I'l give them props for that.
  
  BC is imporant to me and futhers my distaste for new gaming when they do not properly support BWC.

  27.1.2008 15:51 #34

• arekisu

  Quote:Quote:Originally posted by snowlock: sony introduced bwc into the console game market...now their going to abandon it?quote]Sega had bwc with the Mega Drive/Genesis and Nintendo with the SNES. Sony was 3rd. But i agree, they shouldn't abandon it.the SNES adopted BWC late, the Mega drive did have a add on pretty early in the game but sony had it from day one out of the box, so I'l give them props for that.
  
  BC is imporant to me and futhers my distaste for new gaming when they do not properly support BWC.Good point well made. Sony had the idea to have bwc out of the box, but to drop it is not a good idea.

  27.1.2008 15:58 #35

• NexGen76

  Originally posted by gmontalc: First of all you only give excusesFirst read my post everything i have said is facts i don't choose to live with rumors like you i deal with fact that are provided not rumors.
  
  
  Originally posted by gmontalc: Think for a minute... you'd agree that Sony Playstation is a fly by night company?, you'd think the management and all the people who works for are just someone found around the streets?No you need to do some research before you make these claims because Sony not a fly by night company there track record with the PS1 & PS2 speak for itself...longevity.
  
  
  Originally posted by gmontalc: If Sony Playstation are struggling with the PS3 is because they're thinking on how to make a quick buck. that's all.No wrong again PS3 was struggling because the lack of games worth buying & took a chance & actually made a true Nexgen system with new tech which push the cost up.Software sells hardware thats the only way any console going to be successful long term.Since the launch of Heavenly Sword last year(Sept)PS3 has sold very good compared to when they launched look at the numbers for yourself.Uncharted just sold over a million copies which is proof.
  
  
  Originally posted by gmontalc: It is already been rumor that by 2010 will come out the next Playstation, this console will have a better cell processor, better video card capable handling a true High Definition 1080p, much larger central memory (RAM), WiFi 3g technology... and much more. Sony has no reason to launch another system for a while as i said look at there track record not rumors.If there any system the may see a new version that would be the 360 which isn't built for the future.Just keep living on rumor & you will get no where.

  27.1.2008 17:14 #36

• ZippyDSM

  NexGen76
  
  I disagree sony could easily launch a "elite" system in 2 years with better spec that most futures would end up in the new revisions, consoles now adays are media focused and the companies are trying to push media, I don't mind revisions or even new models.
  
  Like I said a PS3 with hardware BWC or better BWC more options,upgraded spec and a 4X BR drive and theres 600 right there.... anything less and its only worth 400$.

  27.1.2008 18:11 #37

• red2tango

  why do you people care about backwards compatibility.you did not buy a next-gen system to play last-gen games.i got the 80gb for free rather than the 40gb because i just wanted more space.if 80gb is discontinued then buy a 40gb or 20gb(ebay,kijiji) and replace it with a sata 2.5 hdd.

  27.1.2008 18:51 #38

• NexGen76

  Originally posted by ZippyDSM: NexGen76
  
  I disagree sony could easily launch a "elite" system in 2 years with better spec that most futures would end up in the new revisions, consoles now adays are media focused and the companies are trying to push media, I don't mind revisions or even new models.
  
  Like I said a PS3 with hardware BWC or better BWC more options,upgraded spec and a 4X BR drive and theres 600 right there.... anything less and its only worth 400$.He was saying that Sony was going to launch a new system not a new SKU.He wasn't talking about revisions.As we know Sony is the king when it come to new sku's.

  27.1.2008 21:03 #39

• temp2008

  I want an XBOX Multiloader program because i want to put more than one game one 1 DVD9

  28.1.2008 04:14 #40

• Amir89

  Wtf are you doing Sony??...
  
  They're dropping their best selling and most popular models just because the profit margins are currently not breaking even, and leaving consumers with 2 options: a 40Gb piece of crap that lacks all the standard features, or the overpriced and useless 80Gb model..
  
  My god they are hopeless at marketing. They should have kept distributing the 20 and 60Gb models, saturated the market, and then done what Microsoft is doing, jack up the price of accessories, games and services.
  It's been 2 years and the PS3 is still the least popular console with the lowest sales, even though in all honesty it is the best and most advanced.. and it's no wonder, because Sony just doesn't take consumer preferences into consideration.
  
  

  Current Specs:
  Intel82801BA Mobo, Intel D 945G @3.4Ghz, 2x2Mb L2 Cache, 1Gb DDR2 SD RAM @677Mhz, 250Gb WD Caviar @10,000Rpm, GeForce7600GT 512MB GDDR2, ASUSTek Tiger Digital/Analog TV Tuner, Samsung SyncMaster941BW 19" LCD, LG H20L DVD±R/RW DL LightScribe, LG GSA-4167B DVD±R/RW DL, Logitech Z-5500 505Watt 5.1 Surround
  
  

  28.1.2008 07:03 #41

• Nick7543

  If you are so worried about backwards compatibility go out and buy a ps2. Chances are if you want backwards compatibility you already have a ps2. I know its nice to have it on one system but you cant have your cake and eat it to. Besides did you really buy your ps3 to play ps2 games.

  4.2.2008 19:50 #42

• ZippyDSM

  Originally posted by Nick7543: If you are so worried about backwards compatibility go out and buy a ps2. Chances are if you want backwards compatibility you already have a ps2. I know its nice to have it on one system but you cant have your cake and eat it to. Besides did you really buy your ps3 to play ps2 games.Sorry that dose not cut it,Sony was the first to fully support BWC and now they are dropping it on a gray death whim(suits gotta love them), sorry its bull sht and chips without the chips,at least the 360 has teh chips :P.

  4.2.2008 23:04 #43

• borhan9

  Just give all Playstation 3 users or buyers a version that has half a tera byte and we will be set for life :)

  19.2.2008 07:10 #44

• babyhewy

  This mod maybe part of their reason to due away with bwc. All you need is a set of $10. switches to play burned games. With any other system the mod chip alone would cost at least $30. not including installation. This exploit is where Sony is losing the money. You no longer have to play those $60. disc, you can now back it up and play the backup, making it less likely to scratch the original or break it. (and yes, I know what the real reason for a mod is, this is just the legal way of saying it) If this is just Best Buy doing this, then the H*** with them, but I would bet this is a Sony thing, and maybe they are getting rid of this line of ps3's like they did with the original exploit of the first ps2's. Which they came out with the slimline version to get rid of the internal hdd of which you could use a normal desktop computer's hdd, and copy games over to. They blamed it on a bug, took it off the market, and the slimline was born. No more exploit of this type, and more games were sold at regular price.
  
  Here is the $10. mod. By, pizzag:
  http://forums.afterdawn.com/thread_jump.cfm/499497/3017630

  20.2.2008 01:46 #45

• zinzara

  i work at walmart in electronics and this is true. they are showing as "deleted" in our system too. so we won't be carrying it either. i'd say that since two big stores are already not gonna carry it, Sony probably is killing that version. but i'm not worried about it. i just bought me a 40gb and my ps2 still works, so i'm happy :D

  22.2.2008 09:57 #46