1. cool- now let me have a copy of colin mcrae please

   
   Comment by Paul — Oct 5, 2007 @ 4:43 pm

2. “new model does not support backwards compatible ps 2 games”

   oh oh … i can understand that if they’ve been asking the existing user base of ps3 owners that would be the case cos they are hardcore, but the mass population *will* i think want this and be disappointed

   
   Comment by bitchain — Oct 5, 2007 @ 4:52 pm

3. good move sony this will bring more people onboard especially with new games coming in the run up to xmas.

   makes me wish i waited instead of being an early adopter

   
   Comment by Akhtar — Oct 5, 2007 @ 4:53 pm

4. […] SiMpLy_ImPreSSd wrote an interesting post today onHere’s a quick excerptSony are releasing two new PlayStation 3 packs. As the press release states, “the existing PS3 Starter Pack will be replaced by a 60GB value pack at a price of £349. Additionally, a new 40GB entry level PS3 model will be introduced at … […]

   
   Pingback by Playstation » NEW ENTRY LEVEL PS3 ANNOUNCED — Oct 5, 2007 @ 4:56 pm

5. If the backwards compatibility was software only as in my 60gig console, why remove it from the entry level 40gig?

   
   Comment by Brian — Oct 5, 2007 @ 4:56 pm

6. instead of wasting time on the hardware,they better use their efforts on the software

   where is the global store to allow all customers the same content on the same time

   where is singstar (supposed to be available in august 2007)
   where is home (public beta supposed to be open july 2007 )

   or is this negative news and is threespeech only posting the silver lining of the clouds

   
   Comment by Darkie — Oct 5, 2007 @ 4:59 pm

7. Xbox360. R.I.P

   For the people moaning, buyers have a CHOICE!

   No BC, 40GB, no games: £299
   Software BC, 60GB, 2 games £349

   Personally, for the £50, I would buy the 60GB pack every time. Sony also know this, which is why the 60GB will sell like hot cakes, and the 40GB not so. (20GB US all over again, except at least this one still has Wifi).

   
   Comment by Mark Gillespie — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:02 pm

8. Not totally sure i understand why BC has been removed. I was under the impression that it’s firmware based so does that mean that it is partially hardware based on BC machines that don’t use the emotion engine.

   
   Comment by Neil — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:02 pm

9. I’m confused. As there is already no backwards compatible hardware in the UK boxes, what have they taken out to remove this? If they are now going to have two versions of firmware to support it will be more expensive rather than less expensive, speaking as a software developer.

   
   Comment by Derek — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:04 pm

10. @Neil

    Only particlaly. The EmotionEngine has been done in software on EU 60GB machines and US 80GB machines. However, there is still the GS Chip (PS2 Graphics Synthesiser), which sounds like it’s been removed from the starter pack.

    Anyone know when these will be available. I don’t see any dates mentioned…

    
    Comment by Mark Gillespie — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:04 pm

11. No ps2 BC? after all that ranting about having 100% BC? alienating all those people with a ps2 looking to upgrade to this generation? remove a feature that costs nothing to have in place? no-one asked for this, it’s just completely stupid, for god’s sake someone at sony needs firing. I got at 60gig at launch and it’s great but watching the mess that has followed is saddening partially because the more they f it up the less people will buy one and the less chance we all have of developers devoting the time and effort creating for it.

    would someone at sony please try listening to the people actually buying your stuff rather than consulting the fairies at the end of the garden.

    
    Comment by ken — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:11 pm

12. Sony can go to hell.

    Terrible decision to kill BC, absolutely shocking. Why on earth is it taken out? It was all software anyway! I was going to buy a PS3 now it was cheaper but not anymore, stupid decision to let go of compatibility with the two greatest consoles ever - the PS1 and PS2.

    
    Comment by Benny — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:11 pm

13. end of the 360?

    people,when will you learn…its the games that count.

    they could give the PS3 away free,it still wouldnt mean i would play on it the most

    price cuts are not what i am interested in,bring the games,sort the delays out and then i will be happy

    
    Comment by metallicorphan — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:12 pm

14. Thanks Sony,
    That’s £76 and two free games you owe me.
    I want them ASAP please.

    
    Comment by Ton Capone — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:13 pm

15. hmmm everytime sony has a great announcement they shoot themselves in the foot at the same time….

    no PS2 backwards compatibility is a HUGE mistake in the long term…. think about in a few years when all the people who bought PS2s recently are deciding to buy a new console…. with BC it would have been a no brainer decision, now there is less incentive to stick with the playstation brand. As much as i love wifi in my PS3, i think not having that would have been smarter…. sigh.

    
    Comment by ajefferism — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:14 pm

16. Excellent news. Now the PS3 is at the price it should have been launched at…

    
    Comment by Mick — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:16 pm

17. […] NEW ENTRY LEVEL PS3 ANNOUNCED […]

    
    Pingback by PS3Blog.net » Blog Archive » Sony announces new 40GB PS3 to launch at €399 - PS3 Fanboy — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:22 pm

18. Whats the problem?

    If you want BC, its an extra 50 quid. Sounds fair to me, it costs them extra - you also get two games.

    And FYI, a number of people that I know were holding back from buying a PS3 because of the price don’t even have any PS2 games. If they did, then its 50 quid more.

    I realise that there will always be moaners, but come on guys this is what people have been waiting for, give it a rest.

    
    Comment by Tom Eccles — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:24 pm

19. No BC? Wtf? Its software, this doesn’t make much sense. Anyway i got a 60GB version so i don’t give a damn.

    
    Comment by snake — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:25 pm

20. No BC, 40GB, no games: £299 =Cheaper BlueRay Player

    Software BC, 60GB, 2 games £349 = Cheaper PS3

    
    Comment by Peter — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:26 pm

21. No PS2 backward compatibility IS significant to a considerable amount of PS3 players. It is a bad decision to remove it.

    One of the major attractions (apart from PS3 games and Blu-ray movies) with the PlayStation Three was its ability to play the overwhelming majority of PS2 titles.

    .
    Also, the status of machine warranty is no longer clear for someone who buys the non-BC-crippled version of the PS3. If their machine goes kaput down the line, do they get an equivalent replacement (i.e. one with full 4 USB ports/full card readers/full backwards compatibility)? They should, having bought a higher spec model.

    
    Comment by Joel — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:26 pm

22. […] Sony announces new 40GB PS3 to launch at €399 NEW ENTRY LEVEL PS3 ANNOUNCED […]

    
    Pingback by PS3Blog.net » Blog Archive » Sony announces new 40GB PS3 at €399 — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:27 pm

23. For those wondering about the loss of PS2 compat I suggest looking at post 10. Where it is explained how it is not pure software currently. Also be aware that the 60GB version will still feature the backwards compat, so if you want it you can still get it for a little extra cash.

    As for complaining about the pricecut, well this is the way of the world. I bought the PS3 early on, before any kind of starter packs and thus the only thing I got bundled was the HDMI cable (which I dont use as I needed a special HDMI to DVI converter). But I don’t complain about it as I know that that is how electronics and computers are sold these days. With stepwise price reductions as time goes by. If you want one dirt cheap you should wait 5 years and they will be as cheap as PS2’s are today.

    
    Comment by Christian — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:30 pm

24. Do there are some idiots here

    @ ken
    @Benny

    Last week you were crying to your mums, that PS3 was too expensive, now you come crying to us, that Sony listended, and game you a cheaper PS3, but you wanted BC.

    If you want BC, pay the extra £50, and get card reader, extra 20GB and 2 games.

    If you don’t pay the £299 and STFU..

    
    Comment by Mark Gillespie — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:30 pm

25. Tom Eccles wrote:
    “If you want BC, its an extra 50 quid.”

    There are a number of problems. For a start, that choice will be gone soon (i.e. only the crippled non-BC machines will be purchasable soon). Straight replacements (in the case of defects) for “full-fat” spec’ed machines will not be possible once only “skimmed milk” units are on shelves (instead Sony would have to add appropriate extras/credit as consideration for this).

    
    Comment by Joel — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

26. @Joel

    You have it wrong. The current 60GB full software backwards compaible version is going nowehere, it’s just dropped £75 in price (although I could be wrong, it looks like it’s also lost the 2nd controller).

    
    Comment by Mark Gillespie — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:32 pm

27. Worst kept secret ever!!!

    £349 is great value for the 60GB PS3, I’ll be interested to see how many people aren’t willing to pay the extra £50 for 2 USB ports, Media Card reader and B/C with PS2/1 games…

    Mind you the 40GB PS3 is still a far better budget model than the crappy Core 360, and people still bought that!

    
    Comment by Apnomis — Oct 5, 2007 @ 5:49 pm

28. Mark Gillespie wrote “The current 60GB full software backwards compatible version is going nowhere”

    I’d like to think so, but the release from the Sony press center indicates otherwise:
    http://www.scee.presscentre.com/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=4434&NewsAreaID=2

    Quote:
    “REMAINING ON SALE WHILE STOCKS LAST, THE 60GB MODEL REPRESENTS OUTSTANDING VALUE”

    .
    In other words, they’re gonna swiftly phase out the full-compat units and the feature-stripped non-BC units will eventually rule the roost. Unfortunately.

    
    Comment by Joel — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:01 pm

29. @Mark Gillespie - No, don’t be so ignorant. I wanted a cheaper PS3, not a cheap equivalent to a PS3. Considering I own over 70 PS2 titles and tons of PS1 titles, I want a PS3 that can at least play the majority of those.

    Why should I pay £299 for a butchered PS3 when I can pay £349 for a working PS3 with two games? It makes no sense at all. The two games make up for the £50 difference so why not just sell the 60gb PS3 as a standalone console for £299? Sony are being idiotic for such stupid moves.

    
    Comment by Benny — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:04 pm

30. @25: its more likely that they will roll out the 80GB model here also as soon as stocks of the 60GB model is gone.

    
    Comment by Christian — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:04 pm

31. http://ie.playstation.com/ps3/news/articles/detail/item80773/Entertainment-like-you%E2%80%99ve-never-seen-before/

    “Once stocks are exhausted the new 40GB model will be the only one available in the SCEE territories.”

    That official statement CONFIRMS that ONLY the crippled 40gb version of the PS3 will be available to purchase soon in Europe.

    .
    .
    .

    A real pity.

    
    Comment by Joel — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:09 pm

32. I’d really like a date for this, getting a ps3 soon and I’d like not to miss the last of the 60gb models, if that press release is true Joel its the worst mistake sony have ever made :S

    
    Comment by Tom — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:20 pm

33. What they have stopped updating the BC? God dam it I only need final fantasy 8 to work

    
    Comment by carl(not cut and paste carl) crawford — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:23 pm

34. I think earlier adopters (like my self who had one on the first day) should be given some compensation. Its been barely 6 months!

    At the very least a free game. (I’ll have Skate please)

    Nintendo did this with the N64 when they dropped the price, Sony you can do the same.

    
    Comment by Mj — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:34 pm

35. […] Announced today, there’s a new PS3 for £299 with no backwards compatibility, a smaller hard disk and only 2 USB ports, no media card drives. A pretty good price. The 60GB model drops to £349 and includes two first party PS3 games. So that’s what they are doing with Lair then!! […]

    
    Pingback by iand.net » Cheaper PS3 — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:39 pm

36. the point is not that BC costs £50 more, so those who want it buy it. that’s theoretical based on the fact consumers are rational and know what they are buying.

    in real life however people (parents and those with PS2s) will buy the lower cost model not realising BC is gone and they are going to get stung when they find out.

    this is just more confusion. i’m a 360 fan but i disagree with all these SKUs that *both* MS and SCC are doing - they see it as more choice, but in fact it’s more confusion and in the case of stripping out BC that’s just silly since you’re killing your own mass fan base of PS2 owners.

    Odd.

    
    Comment by bitchain — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:56 pm

37. that’s a pretty good move by Sony, i just hope the box of the 40Gb model is clearly labled that it won’t play ps2 games otherwise there’s gonna be a lot of pissed of people out there!!

    been waiting for something like this, i was gonna get a 20gb model once upon a time to dismantle it, bolt everything into a modded mini atx case and fit it with a 200Gb drive and more , now i can do it anyways.

    THANK YOU SONY!

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=HhWx2U6MYso

    
    Comment by mobiletone — Oct 5, 2007 @ 6:58 pm

38. Not to be rude, but why should you be compensated for buying the product early? You have, by your own admission, had it for nearly 6 months, and now because they drop the price, you are saying that everyone in the world who owns one already should be compensated for it?

    
    Comment by Tom — Oct 5, 2007 @ 7:01 pm

39. and another thing 480i 480p ???? my 60gig outputs 576p as a base resolution.

    would anyone care to explain why we are getting NTSC resolution.

    
    Comment by mobiletone — Oct 5, 2007 @ 7:44 pm

40. Way to listen to the consumers Sony! This will be a great leap forward for the PS3!

    
    Comment by Curtis — Oct 5, 2007 @ 7:50 pm

41. FFS Sony just can’t win! They don’t cut the price people complain, they cut the price people complain, they don’t release a Core model in the EU people complain, they release a core model in the EU and people complain!!!!!

    I VERY much doubt Sony will give a Core only option, if anything they will bring out the 80GB model, I would be amazed if they stop offering a full media model with the trimmings completely. If anything they will stop the core one when the good one gets cheap enough. With the extras and the 2 free games I can’t believe they’ll even sell many of the cheap ones - it’s already up at £275 on the net!

    @ Tom - not to be rude but if you didn’t like the price you shouldn’t have bought it. With ALL technology you pay a premium for the latest tech and the priviledge of being an early adopter. Prices go down it’s a fact of life (just look at PC components)! 6 months ago I was thinking of buying a Panasonic 50″ plasma for £1600, I didn’t and now that same one is £950 - do you think Panasonic will be handing out £650 cheques to the people who were first to own it? Not so long ago a crap quality SD 42″ plasmas cost £5000, that sort of money could buy you a top of the range 50″ 1080p/24 screen now…

    
    Comment by Apnomis — Oct 5, 2007 @ 8:12 pm

42. “The new model is also no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation®2 titles, reflecting both the reduced emphasis placed on this feature amongst later purchasers of PS3, as well as the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific titles (a total of 65 titles across all genres by Christmas).”

    First off, I freaking love the $400 price point (though that’s still “unofficial”). I wanted to tell my friends to get this one,

    But seriously, you need to inquire as to WHO is doing your market research. You competitors have 2 systems, Elite and Core, and both function equally aside from a hard drive. The PS3 now has 4 versions, each with varying levels of features. One could argue that the loss of Card readers or USB ports is negligible, but backwards compatibility is a HUGE system mover. People can then trade in their PS2s and move onto PS3, while being able to play their existing library upscaled.

    Why the hell is my PS3 able to upscale PS2 games if the feature is being cut from future systems?! You’ve already put so much effort into achieving a very good BC level, and now you’re just discarding what was a VERY attractive feature of your console. I am TERRIBLY glad that I purchased a 60GB model now, as I have full backward compatibility (hardware), and full card reader/usb/wifi features. This is officially the only PS3 with the entire suite of features now. The 20GB is missing Wifi/Card, the 80 is missing Hardware BC (that is still forgivable, but makes the 60GB preferable), and the 40 now is missing Cards/1/2 USB (not a big deal) AND BC (huge deal). The 40GB version is now only has Wi-fi over the 20GB version. I’d rather buy a marked down 20 GB, and get a linksys wireless adapter, than get a 40GB and lose BC.

    Legacy support of programs in windows is one of the MAIN reasons why windows is the primary OS on the market: They allow you to keep your old stuff, while using their new stuff. It’s a bait-and-switch.

    
    Comment by Skywalker6705 — Oct 5, 2007 @ 8:29 pm

43. @ Apnomis
    Think you got the wrong end of the stick there, I was saying exactly that to what someone said further up I would be perfectly happy to pay £425 for it, I hate people who claim its a rip-off even at that price without even really knowing what they are talking about.

    
    Comment by Tom — Oct 5, 2007 @ 8:38 pm

44. Erm…why are Sony phasing out the 60GB in Europe?

    http://kotaku.com/gaming/ps3/scee-ps3-60gb-nixed-for-uk-too-307651.php

    
    Comment by Youlikeyams — Oct 5, 2007 @ 8:49 pm

45. Why the hell would you phase out the 60GB model which has backwards compatibility?? That is heinous!!! I know a lot of people who were planning to replace their PS2 and DVD player with a PS3 and planned to use the backwards compatibility.
    Now the PS3 will simply replace the DVD.

    Everyone was hoping for a unified entertainment system, but with 60GB going out the window that is unlikely to sway anyone down the line. I can understand losing backward compatibility on the 40GB, but not having a 60GB with backwards compatibility is a bad move.

    Why not have the 40GB model as a limited edition and then phase that out in a year or so and keep the 60GB model which by then will be as cheap to produce as the current 40GB. If you lose backwards compatibility all together, then people are looking to upgrade, there is little incentive to stick with Sony. You might was well go with the console that that the most games then, if you have to buy a totally separate machine that won’t play your current game and that means people switching to Xbox 360.
    Sony you have not thought this through!

    
    Comment by Savage — Oct 5, 2007 @ 9:07 pm

46. @ Tom - sorry dude mis-read your post, glad to see there are at least some sensible replies to this article!

    
    Comment by Apnomis — Oct 5, 2007 @ 9:09 pm

47. An early adopter credit wouldn’t go amiss, if it works for Apple it could work for Sony. A game, dualshock 3, handful of BD films, I’m not fussy.

    Saying that, I’m glad I have the launch model and can run the majority of PS1/2 games that I want, in 720p, on a wireless controller.

    
    Comment by Philip — Oct 5, 2007 @ 9:33 pm

48. Any chance ThreeSpeech could get official clarification on this contentious issue?

    Only SCEE could issue a statement of a MAJOR price cut in time for christmas and have it completely overshadowed by the FUD over the future of the full fat PS3.

    If I were a betting man I would say it was a marketing tactic to clear stock of the 60GB model before Christmas by triggering a spending spree from people not wanting to be stuck with the stripped down model (similar to what they did in the US). Then in the New Year they will announce the new 80GB, or even a 120GB model.

    
    Comment by Apnomis — Oct 5, 2007 @ 9:39 pm

49. Btw, what I forgot to mention is that if anyone at SCEE wants me to become marketing manager for the region, I’d happily offer my services at a fraction of the cost of your current marketing types. .

    
    Comment by Savage — Oct 5, 2007 @ 9:46 pm

50. You know reading these comments and comments on any number of other sites I’m starting to think that Sony could come round to your house, give you a PS3, a selection of games, an HD TV and a reach around and people would still find some ridiculous ill-conceived gripe to complain about.

    If you want BC then spend an extra £50. You’re also getting 2 extra USB slots, memory card readers and an extra 20 gigs.

    If you want a PS3 for under £300 you have that choice too. CHOICE. Literally what is there to complain about?

    As for the Kotako article. It just seems a bit false seeing as it directly contradicts the official press release (maybe it applies to the rest of Europe instead of UK). At most it might be a sign that we’re moving from the 60gig model to the 80 gig.

    
    Comment by Octaeder — Oct 5, 2007 @ 10:54 pm

51. Im sorry im one of the ones who doesnt not agree with the removal of BC.

    Although im one of the early adopters it has no effect on, it feels like a huge mistake for sony to do. Sure there will be great PS3 games. But many people who buy Playstation systems, have a vast library of PS1/2 games already, sure you can just play them on the ps2.. but why? not to mention the fact that great PS2 titles are STILL being released, and as such people who never owned a PS2 would be able to go and Purchase a 4000+ library of games, thus making sony money without realizing that alot of the current PS2 sales are actually from PS3 owners

    
    Comment by KiraXD — Oct 5, 2007 @ 11:34 pm

52. It’s crazy that so many people are criticizing Sony over what is an extremely positive move. The PS3 is a really good buy at these prices and most intelligent consumers will purchase the 60gb model as the difference is well worth the extra price.
    As long as Sony labels the 40gb as non-BC I don’t see a problem with this. The GS chip costs money and they are just trying to offer an affordable option to those of you who keep complaining that you don’t want all the extras.
    I agree with Apnomis that this may be a move to try clear 60gb stock in order to phase in a higher capacity model so I don’t think it’s worth getting all worked up about the total loss of a BC unit.
    If only Sony was releasing KZ2 and MGS4 this xmas they would have very strong sales I feel.

    
    Comment by James — Oct 6, 2007 @ 12:01 am

53. so what is this new PAL model 480i/480p as stated or actually576i/576p like usual ???

    (damn thought the current model was DTS-TrueHD compatible while it was DDTrueHD actually. LPCM7.1 is the best choice anyway)

    
    Comment by Semi-unofficial Account — Oct 6, 2007 @ 3:18 am

54. you know what half u people piss me off… ive had a ps3 since launch and have a 360 a guess what i still use my ps3 more than the 360 regardless of them having so called better games i have bioshock (got borein) gears of war (got borein) and guess what the only game i turn my 360 on for is a game that though its fun doesnt deserve half the credit it gets Halo3… to me regardless of what anyone says people read into the rating and consumer reviews too much… i really dont see where all the good 360 games are at but i got at least 5 ps3 games on my shelf i still play… nehow the ps3 at 600 us dollars was well priced and well worth the money and u know whats funny no one complained about buying a psp at almost half the price of a ps3 so u know what people stop being critics on sony decisions because its your fault why this is happening instead i give them credit for trying to get the system out to other users so we can get better games keep our exclusives… as someone mentioned about the 60gb at the 40gb price yeah well sony should do that then theyll lose even more money selling the system at a loss… and whats funny is at the end of the day an xbox 360 after buyin everything to equal up to what equipped in a ps3 cost alot more than a ps3 but still doesnt evenly match up… stop cryin again you get the ps3 or u dont… if u dont have the money then save up just like you when u want something… still dont like the f off…

    ps i apologize people are to spoiled in this world…
    they want everything for nothing… god…

    
    Comment by GAT — Oct 6, 2007 @ 5:15 am

55. Seriously guys, if you want bc then don’t trade in your ps2 when you buy a ps3, I’ve only just saved up enough money to buy one, i was going to get a ps3 today but this announcement has given me an extra £80 in my pocket so thats a couple more games, if you guys thing no bc is bad then i guess i can’t stop you thinking that but a ps2 is relatively cheap now, also ps2 still has good games.

    At the moment my friends say buy a 360 because there are better games, Unfortunately I don’t agree with them since i’m not into first person shooters. So a Cheaper PS3 will do me, i don’t care about BC since i have a ps2 at well since some of you care about BC, a pre-owned ps2 will probably be around £40-£60 i’d say (not looked into this so don’t flame me)

    thats all i have to say feel free to say what the hell you want ^_^

    and yes GAT people are spoiled and want everything for nothing ^^

    
    Comment by Boredandalive — Oct 6, 2007 @ 6:32 am

56. wow, thats a rant and a half GAT . I agree with what Apnomis reckons, considering lots of other sites (gamespot and IGN notably) have quotes from the SCEUK president saying that they want to give people a choice of two consoles, I think they want everyone to clear stock of the 60gb ones before releasing larger hard-drives. Think about it, its the same reason people don’t announce price reductions until they happen, if you announced a 120gb ps3 for £425 but released after Xmas along with the price cuts, everyone would wait for that to come out rather than rushing out and buying the cut priced “value pack”.

    
    Comment by Tom — Oct 6, 2007 @ 8:26 am

57. I wonder how many people complaining about this move aren’t just POMMIE WHINGERS!!

    To expect compensation is stupid to the point of being childish. Relating this to the iPhone is also retarded as the iPhone dropped $200 in about 8 weeks. It has NOTHING in common with the PS3.

    And thank you Apnomis, you put forth some common sense words there. I suspect you are part of the silent majority and it’s just the vocal few who have their pitch forks out today.

    As for those crying about the loss of the 60GB: BUY ONE at £349 and SHUT UP. There will no doubt be an 80GB on the way. Sony need to move stock of the 60GB first.

    
    Comment by zetsurin — Oct 6, 2007 @ 10:08 am

58. This is a really obvious scam to boost Christmas sales figures as people who were considering a PS3 rush to grab the “limited edition” model that’s still got some BC - the prices have been set at such a level that you’d have to be a complete dribbling spacko to buy the 40GB.

    Another Christmas in 3rd place, thrashed by the 360 and Wii as is currently the case, would be the last nail in the PS3’s coffin as far as third-party publishers are concerned. So they’ve done this as stopgap short-term fix to try to keep within a respectable distance of the competition, then after Christmas they’ll respond to “public demand” and bring out the 80GB model with BC back in.

    Desperate, desperate days.

    Oh, and whiny early-adopters? STFU. If you’re so AMAZINGLY STUPID as to buy a console on launch day, you deserve everything you get.

    
    Comment by Spinky — Oct 6, 2007 @ 10:28 am

59. I really do not understand Sony’s marketing for the PS3. Has the whole department been replaced by children for this generation of the console or something?!

    After less than 10 months, charging UK/European customers the MOST expensive price for the PS3, they stiff early adopters by dropping the price of the original unit!

    Then they introduce a face-saving, we-need-to-catch-up-with-Microsoft-this-Xmas, marketing-ploy model at a ‘reduced’ price - still more costly than the X360 Elite, which has a huge HDD and (currently) a better on-line presence.

    The cut-down model (because that’s what it is, a CUT-DOWN MODEL) is a marketing mystery. I mean, are they seriously expecting everyone to fall for the excuse that if you cut emulation and the memory card reader out and have a slightly smaller HDD, you get to save nearly £150?! Does that really sound like honesty to anyone?

    As someone said earlier in this thread, if the emulation is in software (meaning in Flash ROM or on the HDD) then why cut it out? And seriously, how much money does that save on the overall cost? NOTHING, that’s how much!

    As for the smaller HDD, well if 1GB is now less than a £1, then I’m afraid I can’t fall for this one either. You can pick up a 500GB drive these days for about £150 or less, and that’s RRP price, not OEM prices, which are normally in bulks of thousands.

    And what about the memory card reader? Well, quick search on dabs.com will show you that you can pick up a RRP model (15-in-1) for less than £10, let alone an OEM version.

    So, I’m sorry but I cannot believe Sony about these cut-downs as being price-saving moves. It merely shows that they’re not being honest with their fan-base and consumers in general.

    It also shows that with the run-away success of the Nintendo Revolution (I’m sorry, but I simply cannot bring myself to call it by its crappy marketing name) - and let’s face it, it has been revolutionary - and the head start that Microsoft’s X360 has (along with its extensive games catalogue), Sony had to get off its arrogant high horse and do something, but this time, I’m afraid they have really destroyed their own reputation and put themselves into third place in pretty much all territories that are important to their precious bean counters.

    So what do they do? Drop the price of the Starter Pack and with some not-so-clever marketing, bring out a cut-down model, which really did not need any cutting down…I guess the song is right when it says “Don’t believe the hype!”

    So what’s next for Sony as they linger in third place? Oh yes, more customer stiffing bybundling the DualShock 3 Controller with all so-called models eventually and all those with the existing (lame) SixAxis Controller will be left with their proverbial d*cks in the wind!

    
    Comment by Zed Zee — Oct 6, 2007 @ 11:19 am

60. in response the to sony press release:

    LOL losers

    it’s like comedy writing it’s self with sony’s marketing dept.

    
    Comment by The Amazing Kazoo — Oct 6, 2007 @ 11:19 am

61. TO: The Amazing Kazoo

    You’ve basically said in one sentence what I wrote in an essay!

    Hats off…Nice one!

    :-)

    
    Comment by Zed Zee — Oct 6, 2007 @ 11:21 am

62. I can’t believe I’m doing this. I’m now even going to suggest to Sony’s Marketing Dept. what they should be doing.

    I just hate to see a brand that I’ve been so loyal to, get screwed up so badly in such a short amount of time!

    But because I’m so brand-loyal (although I’m boycotting the PS3, it doesn’t mean I’m going to buy a X360 or Revolution instead) and disappointed at their abysmal handling of the PS3 model range a pricing, I’m even trying to help them out with the following suggestions:

    Sony should release 3 PS3 models:

    Entry Level: No HDD but with option to upgrade. Wired DualShock3 controller (when it comes out). No games (tough!) at £150.

    Mid-Range: 60GB HDD but with option to upgrade. Wireless DualShock3 controller (when it comes out). One game bundled for FREE at £200.

    High-End: 200GB HDD (highest option). 2 Wireless DualShock3 controllers (when it comes out). 2 games bundled for FREE at £300.

    All other features should remain THE SAME for all models (emulation, USB, card reader - although I think this should be upgraded to a 15-in-1 model) and I tell you, Microsoft will NOT know WHAT hit them!!

    The software will come, just sort out the hardware, for crying out loud!!!

    
    Comment by Zed Zee — Oct 6, 2007 @ 11:33 am

63. i am really annoyed, and i think its obvious why…

    
    Comment by HenryMax — Oct 6, 2007 @ 11:56 am

64. YOUR PEOPLE FREKING COMPLAIN TO MUCH.

    You ask for a console thats cheap, here you go. Buy the damn ps3 for ps3 games god damn. Thats what its meant 4. If not, just stick to your damn ps2. You guys never learn and always complain like little bitches.

    
    Comment by Steven — Oct 6, 2007 @ 12:55 pm

65. By the way, it does cost money to implement backwards compatibility.

    
    Comment by Steven — Oct 6, 2007 @ 12:56 pm

66. sorry…couldnt be arsed to read all of the moaning comments…i bought my ps3 for 550quid from virgin…i got an extra controller and VF5 and motorstorm…is that cheap?no! but im not f’ing bothered because i wanted one!…listen lads…IF you want BC? play your f’ing ps2’s then!!!!
    i got my ps3 to play ps3 games…IF i want to play my old games..I CAN! theyre all there! linked up to my TV…jesus wept…everyone wants evrything on a plate,and its seriously beginning to get on ones tits!
    its a bloody good move by sony,and i wish them all the luck in the world (i despise micr$oft and everything they stand for!)
    love,peace and hair grease
    ;)

    
    Comment by seedaripper1973 — Oct 6, 2007 @ 1:29 pm

67. Thanks guys. So I saw the price and thought yeah NOW I’ll get a PS3. Then I read the details. No thanks.

    “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″ - Phil Harrison, Sony, December 2006.

    Your ‘discerning gamer and entertainment seeker’ wants backwards compatibility. Mainly because all the good games are on PS2 and PS1.

    
    Comment by Muckley — Oct 6, 2007 @ 2:06 pm

68. omg you lot are such bitch’s wots a extra 50 qwid i spend more than that on a night out for fucks sake , you want bc get the value pack i cant see the logic in buyin the 40gb modle and i dont think alot of other people will 2 i think sony has made a real smart move with alot of dumb chav like people in this country its price wot counts they see something cheaper they will buy it , i think sony is goin to have a realy good holiday season coz i for one have put my xbox 360 on ebay today get that cheap peice of american tat palmed off on someone coz lets face it its dead tecnolagy lol and get the smart sexy powerfull ps3 for chrimbo oooooo yes baby lol

    
    Comment by fatmash — Oct 6, 2007 @ 3:19 pm

69. i have a stunning surprise, it will outsell the xbox360 soon…
    PS1/PS2 started of allot slower then the PS3, so it will sell more units in December everywhere.

    
    Comment by mark — Oct 6, 2007 @ 3:56 pm

70. “i have a stunning surprise, it will outsell the xbox360 soon…
    PS1/PS2 started of allot slower then the PS3, so it will sell more units in December everywhere.”

    what a load of cobblers.. the gamecube has even whooped the p3’s botty in the same time frame when that was launched. I got a ps3 in the uk since launch.. with 3 games and still have the same three games… bar warhawk and a few psn titles…

    sony need a miracle now to get there gaming business back on track. this isn’t it. more of an insult

    
    Comment by The Amazing Kazoo — Oct 6, 2007 @ 4:54 pm

71. @57

    just becasue the games that came out arent of genres you liekd oesnt mean the rest of the world doesnt like it.

    THINK ABOUT THE WORLD, NOT YOURSELF YOU ASS.

    
    Comment by Steven — Oct 6, 2007 @ 4:59 pm

72. And everyone was like.
    ohhhh dualshock 2 was so last gen. they want dualshock 3 as in new technology

    guess what…. ps2 was LASSSSTTT GEN
    so you wanted next-gen, you have it god damn

    NONE OF YOU KNOW WHAT YA WANT. THATS WHY YOU CANT GET DECENT PS STORE UPDATES, YOU ALL BITCH ABOUT NOTHING WHATSOVER

    
    Comment by Steven — Oct 6, 2007 @ 5:01 pm

73. “sony need a miracle now to get there gaming business back on track. this isn’t it. more of an insult ”
    absolute bollocks 2008 in gunna be the year of the ps3 alot of big name games comin out and with this price cut and the xbox 360’s disgracfull reliability and cheap feel its the smart move to get on the ps3 band wagon a cheaper better machine which soon will also have better games lets face it the xbox’s days are numbered

    
    Comment by fatmash — Oct 6, 2007 @ 5:19 pm

74. Ray McGuire (Head of Playstation UK) needs a massive reality check and/or a severe punching.
    Also this marketing/advertising drive Sony are on is only about 8 or 9 months late, not surprising given the track record of the Delaystation 3.
    Sony have well and truly cocked this up. Nobody will know what is going on or what to buy and they are still too expensive. I know with the 360 Elite you have to buy a separeate HD player for HD but it’s the same price as the 40 gig PS3 and it comes with a 120 gig hard drive.
    Ray McGuire and Phil Harrison need lined up and every PS3 owner who feels agrieved can walk past them and punch them square in the face or a hard punt in the knackers. I personally would love to head that queue.
    If anyone else in the world anywhere did their job as badly as these guys and their underlings they would have been sacked a long long time ago.

    
    Comment by Ton Capone — Oct 6, 2007 @ 5:22 pm

75. Well coming from a future US ps3 owner I would advice sony to always keep a BC model available. I think it’s a good move, but if they honestly plan to just drop BC in europe (I’m sure the US and Japan would follow eventually) then I think they are making a huge mistake. Not everyone uses BC true enough, but many many people do; I still have 30 or so ps2 games out of which I need to beat 10-15 plus all the ones that I’ve yet to buy.

    
    Comment by MannyS — Oct 6, 2007 @ 6:01 pm

76. I think sony is ask for lose the console war. Is unbelievable how many mistake they make and the no BC on the the 40g is the big big big one. Sorry sony I like my PS3 but every day I found more people how hate it and I stat thing they are right.

    
    Comment by Macedo — Oct 6, 2007 @ 6:18 pm

77. Confusing pricing structures and removal of key features all just before Christmas? There’s only going to be one winner here, and Wii all know who…

    
    Comment by spacein_vader — Oct 6, 2007 @ 6:52 pm

78. @56 not only the UK,but also the Benelux,end SCEE,SCE (everywhere)

    where is Home,
    where is Singstar
    where is the global store (instead of the weekly disappointment we got now)

    
    Comment by Darkie — Oct 6, 2007 @ 7:11 pm

79. @ seedaripper1973:

    I think you should stick to gelling your hair, because you obviously have more money than sense.

    
    Comment by Zed Zee — Oct 6, 2007 @ 8:14 pm

80. Totally agree that someone needs sacking at Sony for this. Sure, an “entry level” PS3 is a great idea… but removing PS2 backwards compatibility? What??? Most users looking for the “entry level” will be the uninformed gamers, looking for a cheap next-gen console and won’t be aware of the implications of no PS2 playability until they get it home and are massively disappointed. I predict thousands will be returned. Without PS2 games, what on earth are current PS3 owners supposed to play? THERE ARE NO GAMES OUT! PS2 games are far more impressive than PS3 at the moment. I’d rather play Resident Evil 4 over Heavenly Sword any day of the week. This is a kick in the guts to millions of PS2 players… “your old games, your gaming history, and what you desire is no longer important”.

    Who the hell is running Sony these days? I’ve been a PS fan for years, a dedicated follower with hundreds of games in my collection. This… this is almost enough to make me defect to 360. I’ll certainly NOT be getting a crippled PS3, that is for damn sure.

    When will Sony learn to LISTEN TO THEIR CUSTOMERS? They will have none left before too long at this rate. FOOLS!

    
    Comment by Bentley — Oct 6, 2007 @ 8:17 pm

81. Quote from seedaripper1973 :
    “…listen lads…IF you want BC? play your f’ing ps2’s then!!!!
    i got my ps3 to play ps3 games…IF i want to play my old games..I CAN! theyre all there! linked up to my TV…jesus wept…everyone wants evrything on a plate,and its seriously beginning to get on ones tits!
    its a bloody good move by sony,and i wish them all the luck in the world”

    …and short-sighted comments like this don’t help. Good luck finding some PS3 games. I personally would love to be able to play my PS2 games wirelessly with all the upscaling options of PS3, and pack away my PS2 rather than have it taking up space and cables. It’s not too much to ask, unless you are asking a retard.

    
    Comment by Bentley — Oct 6, 2007 @ 8:21 pm

82. Hey guys, why are you so hot and bothered? Sony got this totally right. The 60 gig does it all. The 80 gig emulates PS2 and Ps1 games, and the 40 gig is for a consumer who wants a inexpensive PS3. Three favors for three types of consumers. If BC was included in the 40 gig there would be no incentive to purchase the 60 gig (which is also reduced in price).If you want BC send the extra money. Sony’s 3rd party devolopers want more machines out there for PS3 games to be sold, not PS2 and Ps1. Business is about decisions. This is a good one you do have options, all of which include a Blu-ray drive and a hard drive.

    
    Comment by AlexGrey — Oct 6, 2007 @ 9:11 pm

83. Hmmm..

    
    Comment by El_MUERkO — Oct 6, 2007 @ 9:17 pm

84. @63

    the ps2 doesnt have wireless capability.

    
    Comment by Steven — Oct 6, 2007 @ 9:37 pm

85. @62

    get your damn 360 then
    sony NEVER tells you dont buy a 360, i have both.

    I honestly think the ps3 is much STRONGER and HAS MUCH HIGHER capabilities than the 360. One thing you should realize though is companies can code for 360 already. IT IS AT ITS PRIME NOW. PS3 games are very similar to 360 graphics wise. What do you think will happen when the ps3 becomes easier to code for. THE PS3 WILL BECOME SUPERIOR. BE GOD DAMN PATIENT.

    and fi your one of those who is like, i wanna play games now, then get a life. Do something in life besides wait for games.

    
    Comment by Steven — Oct 6, 2007 @ 9:42 pm

86. being from a corporation that has recently launched, i can say that things don’t always go as planned, and dates change… but ultimately, what is promised is delivered. if you already have a ps2, why would you need a ps3 to play your ps2 games? eventually, they’ll be replaced by bigger, better versions, and you can sell them off. in the meantime, i’ll be playing warhawk and heavenly sword… without an HDTV.

    
    Comment by benjamin — Oct 6, 2007 @ 10:03 pm

87. Next time i won’t go out and spend £425 on the console +75 on games.

    Just to wait 6-7 months before anything good comes out.

    Thanks Sony… Gratz to you people that waited….

    
    Comment by anthonyp — Oct 6, 2007 @ 11:54 pm

88. Totally agree that someone needs sacking at Sony for this. Sure, an “entry level” PS3 is a great idea… but removing PS2 backwards compatibility? What??? Most users looking for the “entry level” will be the uninformed gamers, looking for a cheap next-gen console and won’t be aware of the implications of no PS2 playability until they get it home and are massively disappointed. I predict thousands will be returned. Without PS2 games, what on earth are current PS3 owners supposed to play? THERE ARE NO GAMES OUT! PS2 games are far more impressive than PS3 at the moment. I’d rather play Resident Evil 4 over Heavenly Sword any day of the week. This is a kick in the guts to millions of PS2 players… “your old games, your gaming history, and what you desire is no longer important”.

    wot the fuck are you goin on about listen if you cant afford a extra 50 qwid to get the bc if you want it, you shouldnt be buyin a ps3 simple as that, wots the matter with you people are you all dole bums or something facts are the ps3 is now just as if not cheaper than the xbox 360 , the ps3 is a better machine better made looks better feels better is better buyin a xbox 360 is like buyin an american car looks nice at first but after a while it will fall apart as we have seen with the informuse “red ring of death” and as for the game arument check wots comin in 2008 and even now warhawk best online game on any console FACT and this is a sign of wots to come so stop bitchin stop been bums get ya self a ps3 for crimbo capeshhhhh

    
    Comment by fatmash — Oct 7, 2007 @ 12:09 am

89. Personally, I think this is a complete waste of time and resources for Sony. The 40GB PS3 has only 2 USB ports, does not have a media-card slot, is not backwards compatible and does not come with any games!
    The 60 GB model has all of those things plus a bigger HDD and is only £50 more expensive. What kind of moron would ever buy the 20GB version. Even if you did not want the two games included with the Value pack you could easily sell them on eBay or trade them in at a shop for a discount on games you do want and be left with a far superior version of the console.

    Rather than making pointless new variations of your console Sony, you should be busy finishing Home!

    
    Comment by Mace — Oct 7, 2007 @ 12:50 am

90. It’s not the hardware that matters, it’s the games. Sony, stop messing around with different versions of the console, and get some decent titles out there.

    
    Comment by James — Oct 7, 2007 @ 10:16 am

91. It’s a very good price now and it hope this helps it to sell better. 6 months ago I bought the equivalent of the “starter pack”. I.e. the 60gb model PS3 plus two first-party titles and an extra controller. This cost me £533 (actually a slight saving on the RRP at the time). The same thing now has an RRP of £349 - 34% cheaper, a cash saving of £184

    I was an early adopter and I don’t mind paying a slight premium for this priviledge. But 34%! Apple released the iPhone at a high price point and then dropped the price a few months afterwards. As compensation to their early adopters they offered them some vouchers which could be used towards payment for other Apple products. Apple understood that these customers were the loyal ones so it would be worthwhile keeping them sweet!

    I hope Sony will take a leaf out of Apple’s book. Some store credit in my PSN account wouldn’t go amiss!

    
    Comment by reakt — Oct 7, 2007 @ 10:31 am

92. ” Apple released the iPhone at a high price point and then dropped the price a few months afterwards.”

    but they didn’t hack out half the innards of the phone.. if anything the opposite.. offering the 8gb version at the same price of the 4gb..

    sony really should bite the bullet and tie up some exclusive titles.NOW! GT and MGS are not the be all and end all of the world. GTA was a shocking title to lose.

    
    Comment by The Amazing Kazoo — Oct 7, 2007 @ 10:59 am

93. I wish people would stop whinging about the BC. It’s shame that the 40Gb model doesn’t have it, but if it bothers you so much, buy the 60Gb model which does. It’s fairly clear that removing the BC was a way to shave money off the production price and as a consequence the PS3 is €200 cheaper than it was a launch. That should be something to be happy about. It means that now the PS3 is in the 360’s price territory and its sales are probably going to rise noticeably as people realise they’re getting a far better deal with a PS3 than a 360 (e.g. wifi, blu ray etc.)

    
    Comment by DrXym — Oct 7, 2007 @ 12:49 pm

94. “but they didn’t hack out half the innards of the phone.. if anything the opposite.. offering the 8gb version at the same price of the 4gb.. ”
    You misunderstood my comment. I wasn’t talking about the value pack with the smaller drive console, I was referring to the fact that the original 60bg PS3 is now a lot cheaper than it was 6 months ago.

    
    Comment by reakt — Oct 7, 2007 @ 1:23 pm

95. fair point.. my bad.

    being thou the 60gb is only around till the stock runs out.. it looks like were getting the 40gb gimped version only.

    I’m just getting tired of phil harrisons lies over the ps3.

    sorry all for the shameless link.. but…

    http://ukresistance.co.uk/

    latest update… is all true… >_

    
    Comment by The Amazing Kazoo — Oct 7, 2007 @ 2:04 pm

96. …and short-sighted comments like this don’t help. Good luck finding some PS3 games. I personally would love to be able to play my PS2 games wirelessly with all the upscaling options of PS3, and pack away my PS2 rather than have it taking up space and cables. It’s not too much to ask, unless you are asking a retard.

    Comment by Bentley — Oct 6, 2007 @ 8:21 pm

    if thats the case..get the 60gig version then!
    and what is it with people using the term retard??? are you american?? its just an offensive term for anybody with learning difficulties…does this make you clever for using it?? no…so fucking deck it!

    
    Comment by seedaripper1973 — Oct 7, 2007 @ 3:06 pm

97. Sony, the whole PS3 situation is farcical and that is being kind.
    Get Phil Harrison or someone on here pronto to answer some of these posts or organise a live web chat or something.
    Honest to God Sony, you can’t go 5 minutes without humiliating yourself.

    
    Comment by Ton Capone — Oct 7, 2007 @ 3:23 pm

98. He at least owes us an explanation on his backtracking on the backwards compatability and having more than 1 spec of system.
    He laughed at the lack of backward compatability on the 360 and the fact they brought out a core and an enhanced console, now PS3 goes and does the exact same thing they mocked but 6 or 7 months ago.
    I am phoning the PS3 helpline tomorrow to see of they will refund my money and take my PS3 away, I am sick to the back teeth of it and of the lack of answers.

    
    Comment by Ton Capone — Oct 7, 2007 @ 3:28 pm

99. It’s great, some parents who know nothing about PS3 may like the price.

    
    Comment by QY — Oct 7, 2007 @ 3:33 pm

100. Before I get rid of my PS3, I paid my money so I am entitled to my opinion.

     I honestly believe that a blindfolded chimp with a pencil in it’s teeth could have done a better job of launching,marketing,selling,securing exclusive games,customer relations than SCEE have.

     I am extremely disappointed with this console and I’m furious at the lack of response from heads of SCEE, I’m actually choking on my own rage.

     This is an experience I will definately NOT be repeating.

     
     Comment by Ton Capone — Oct 7, 2007 @ 5:46 pm

101. I have owned pretty much every console since the Dreamcast and was definitely going to buy a PS3 when I first heard it was in development. Then came the delay and the farce of the European launch where Sony expected us to but into a gimped machine (compared to US & Japanese models) at almost twice the price!

     When I saw how Sony decided to treat us loyal fanboys in the UK I went out and bought a 360 instead. Having grown up with the Playstation brand this was a big turnaround for me and I’m glad I didn’t waste my money on a one as no great games have appeared (just like my dusty, unused PSP). In fact every decision Sony makes appears to be a further slap in the face for it’s EU fanbase.

     Previous studies have shown that Europeans buy more games for their consoles than their Japanese counterparts, so why they should treat us in the manner they have is a mystery as it is the games they generally make their money from!

     Interestingly enough the 360 has quite good BC support now and in software! Only one of my old Xbox games doesn’t work and they keep on adding to the list.

     I really don’t know how Sony could have screwed up so much after the monumental success of the PS2.

     
     Comment by JonDoe — Oct 7, 2007 @ 6:20 pm

102. Why didn’t sony just drop the price of the 60gig ps3 to £299 instead of wasting more time and money changing the deisgn of the console for the forth time(20,40,60,80 gig versions), looks like this will be sony’s last console, good while it lasted.

     
     Comment by craig edwards — Oct 7, 2007 @ 6:36 pm

103. To let everyone here know, those who wonder why Sony removed the PS2 BC (thinking it’s all software), in reality, it’s 50% software and 50% hardware. The GS was still included while just the EE was emulated. Problem is, there’s no solution yet to emulating the GS and getting a decent percentage running. If Sony could get 75% PS2 BC at least without the GS and EE, you better bet the 40GB PS3 would have PS2 BC. Removing the GS saves a decent amount of money. Those who want BC, pay the extra money for it or just use your PS2 (or buy one, it’s cheap now).

     
     Comment by Mana Knight — Oct 7, 2007 @ 11:08 pm

104. Sony you suck..another failure once agian >_

     
     Comment by Peter — Oct 8, 2007 @ 2:33 am

105. I really do wonder what Sony are actually thinking. For me the biggest reason I bought the PS2 was the PS1 backward compatibility, and when my PS2 drive died I waited a month to get a PS3 (because backward compatibility is core) and then find out that it’s second rate. And now it looks like they are phasing it out entirely. Is it possible that someone made a huge mistake “oh yes we can do backward compat in software” and it just didn’t work as well as it should? Since I had my PS3 I’ve played more PS2 games than PS3, would play more if the back compat was better (Star Ocean, SSX Tricky). 65 games for PS3? probably only 10 max I’d want to play. How is that better than a 8000 game back catalogue?

     
     Comment by Ian — Oct 8, 2007 @ 7:52 am

106. I love my £425 UK launch PS3. I hope the price reduction / new model will mean more people will buy one and love it too.

     On BC - I have a massive library of PS2 games - I’ve only put one in the PS3 since launch, and that was when upscaling was introduced - I cooed for a minute or two, then took it out again and went on playing PS3 games. I did pretty much the same with PS1 games in the PS2.

     
     Comment by graeme — Oct 8, 2007 @ 11:06 am

107. Very interesting! I don’t think anyone would have predicted that the combination of the slim psp and games that have been out the last couple of weeks in Japan would cause the dramatic surge it did.

     Maybe with the right games launched alongside this console it could have a similar effect.

     The only thing is now that I’m getting really confused at all the different SKU’s that are available now!

     
     Comment by Arthur The Magnificiant Squirrel — Oct 8, 2007 @ 11:15 am

108. @70: Actually I think comparing the different spec’s of Playstation 3 and XBox is not really correct. As the different PS3 specs have all the same basic capabilities as a game machine, meaning that whether you have 20GB, 40GB, 60GB, 80GB or more diskspace means that at least you always have disk space. So game developers can assume they have some disk space available. For the XBox on the other hand, game developers have to assume that part of the userbase might not have a harddisk at all.

     The features removed (extra usb ports, media card readers and the PS2 BC) do not change anything fundmental for anyone writing PS3 games. They only reduce the PS3’s use as a media center system/hub and of course for playing legacy games.

     Also how the hell do the lack of BC support and there only being one spec of the box of the market influence your enjoyment of your system? Which since you already bought it have the BC support? If this move by Sony increases the number of PS3 sold then that means more PS3 games being made which in turn should increase the subjective value you get from your box.

     
     Comment by Christian — Oct 8, 2007 @ 11:28 am

109. Hmmm… good old UK:R!

     “I think we wouldn’t take that strategy. We wouldn’t create confusion” - Phil Harrison, Sony, August 2005.

     http://www.ukresistance.co.uk/2007/10/ps3-lie-watch-gold-phil-harrison-on-why.html

     
     Comment by Arthur The Magnificiant Squirrel — Oct 8, 2007 @ 11:29 am

110. @75

     The removal of the BC means that existing owners like me, who bought Outrun 2006 specifically to play on the PS3 in lovely upscale-o-vision have just been screwed, because now the chances are that BC is never going to be improved and this game (and the hundreds of others that don’t work) never will.

     So in fact this cheap-ass move DOES negatively influence my enjoyment of the system I already own.

     
     Comment by Spinky — Oct 8, 2007 @ 11:36 am

111. Owch!

     http://blogs.guardian.co.uk/games/archives/2007/10/08/why_buy_a_playstation_3_in_2007.html

     Very good set of points though!

     
     Comment by Arthur The Magnificiant Squirrel — Oct 8, 2007 @ 11:43 am

112. This is good marketing by Sony. i.e. a much needed price reduction AND the added bonus of a PURE PS3 for those who want just a PS3. The lower spec machine can have it’s HD increased at a later date, it has WIFi , Bluray, the loss of memory cards isn’t a big deal as it has USB2 posts so wil work wit memory sticks. What can I say except, well done SONY.

     My one small concern s the price of the lesser Unit, at £50 less than the full model ( which also has all the extra goodies ) it looks a little overpriced or is SONY’s trying to project that the full spec model is now Underpriced !!!

     Hmmm, clever.

     btw, I paid full whack on day one with NO extras and I’m not bitter, just happy that SONY has lowered the price to attract more buyers. So all you moaners out there should stop being so selfish and look on the bright side, more owners, more attractive to developers, more games and hopefully one day PS3 will become the main dev box instead of playing second fiddle to the 360 which as we know is developed for the BASIC HD’less unit…… shocking.

     
     Comment by Neil — Oct 8, 2007 @ 11:54 am

113. Who cares about BC anyway? I want PS3 games and more HD stuff ! PS2 consoles can be had for peanuts anyway, so if you’re desperate to play some blocky looking games buy a PS2 for that purpose.

     I agree with Neil, above the more people who have a PS3 the more effort developers will put into it. Europe is still up for grabs in console terms as the 360 hasn’t got ultra loyal Yanks supporting it (just look at the dire cars they buy over jap/european ones because they are american!).

     Next up a decent firmware upgrade please Mr Sony!

     
     Comment by Paul — Oct 8, 2007 @ 12:47 pm

114. not sure what sony were thinking here, i can see the advantage of having a smaller cheaper base pack but to remove the PS2/BC is ridiculous. I was actually considering getting 1 but not now i will pay the extra 50 quid- bad move sony but congratulations it will make you alot of money in the long run

     
     Comment by mani — Oct 8, 2007 @ 1:20 pm

115. Try reading the latest interview all you guys who are still complaining about removing the 60GB console, he quite clearly states that it is staying, but only in the UK, and to be honest, who cares what the continentals get?

     
     Comment by Tom — Oct 8, 2007 @ 5:05 pm

116. Although now IGn says that they are getting rid of it, christ have sony even decided yet 0.0

     
     Comment by Tom — Oct 8, 2007 @ 5:13 pm

117. @81

     It says nothing of the sort.

     
     Comment by Spinky — Oct 8, 2007 @ 8:55 pm

118. I am really disappointed in Sony’s forcing people who have ps2 games laying around since there ps2 broke. Any they were just waiting to pick up a ps3 later.

     I really think this is a cheap corporate way Sony gets to screw customers. I really thought Sony was better than something this low.

     
     Comment by subwayfox — Oct 8, 2007 @ 11:11 pm

119. “Who cares about BC anyway? I want PS3 games and more HD stuff ! PS2 consoles can be had for peanuts anyway, so if you’re desperate to play some blocky looking games buy a PS2 for that purpose.”

     being theres been nothing half decent released on it for over 7months on the platform…it means alot! lucky I own a 360 as well and pc.. etc.. so I’m spoilt for choice but if I had only a ps3 I would be bored stiff if it wasn’t for the BC.. now thats going… i feel sorry for new adopters of the ps3.

     on the subject of the 40gb hard drive.. thats just crazy. we all know how slow the blueray drive access time is and most games have to install files to the harddrive to run at a half decent speed then that 40gb will go fast! thats one plus point to the 360.. every game has to run from dvd… if the ps3 had to do that the load times from blueray would be shockingly bad >_

     
     Comment by The Amazing Kazoo — Oct 8, 2007 @ 11:44 pm

120. http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/gaming/games-consoles/news/new-sony-ps3-to-destroy-xbox-and-wii?articleid=632056731
     i totaly agree with this lad

     
     Comment by fatmash — Oct 9, 2007 @ 12:51 pm

121. http://www.tech.co.uk/home-entertainment/gaming/games-consoles/news/sony-man-says-xbox-360-doesnt-even-work?articleid=1892766123 …… the xbox sucks microsoft cant have hardware FACT

     
     Comment by fatmash — Oct 9, 2007 @ 1:12 pm

122. http://www.t3.co.uk/reviews/games/playstation_2/ps3 ps3 all the way baby

     
     Comment by fatmash — Oct 9, 2007 @ 3:44 pm

123. Why does none of this surprise me? Sony’s problem has been one of arrogance and non-repentence.

     They arrogantly assumed consumers would take all that shit they were shovelling and say, “Mmmm mmmm good. May I have more please?” The core of the problems started with Ken Kutaragi’s - well documented quotes:

     “The PS3 is cheap compared to what you get” er, no, it’s the most expensive games machine available without any decent games.

     “People should be willing to work harder and earn more money to afford a PS3″ er, no again. Just because you decided to drop a pricey Blu-ray drive into it doesn’t mean I have to like it….

     Sony seems to care more about saving face - their own - than they do about catering to their customers. Everything that has happened in this entire sad litany of missteps and total PR fuckups has been because Sony can’t be bothered to say two simple words, which are “We’re sorry.”

     Instead they are reacting to their own stupidity everytime they try to backtrack and put a positive spin on earlier stupidity…. who here believes that Sony’s magic elves worked out a way to make the rumble and motion sensing technologies co-exist through some “clever algorithms”? The most clever algorithms where those numbers that they wrote on a check to Immersion to settle the rumble lawsuit.

     Sony will continue to commit cockup after cockup because they can’t bring themselves to be honest with themsselves and their customers. They have to spin everything to make it seem like they’re never wrong or that they never have to admit to mistakes.

     This is not how to build consumer confidence in your brand or to build brand loyalty. Sony has gotten a lot of flack this generation and I say good. They deserve it because they have been nothing but arrogant SOBs.

     
     Comment by mikelimtw — Oct 10, 2007 @ 10:50 am

124. Cant ny1 tell me please wat will be the packages for the US and how much cuz i am goin 2 buy my ps3 next week. plz ny1 plz

     
     Comment by Andy — Oct 11, 2007 @ 4:24 am

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