No More Backwards Compatibility For PS3 in Japan
40GB PS3 to be only Japanese model
Sony will stop shipping the 20GB and 60GB models of Sony's PlayStation 3 to Japan this month.
The decision will leave only the cheaper 40GB model, which retails at 39,800 yen (£185 - yes, that's what we said, more than £100 less expensive than in the UK), available to Japanese consumers for the time being. That means that, once the remaining 60GB and 20GB PS3s have sold through, Japanese consumers will not be able to get a backwards-compatible PS3.
According to Reuters news agency, however, Sony has made a point of saying that it will release new models "to respond to end-user preferences sometime in the future."
The 40GB PS3 was released in October in Japan, contributing to the PS3 topping sales of the Wii for the first time in the territory.
"This is a good strategy", said Michael On, managing director of Beyond Asset Management Co. in Taipei. "The move can help Sony focus and cut inventory and management costs.''
We assume by this that Mr On means 'inventory management' rather than actual management staff.
Exactly what future models of the PS3 will be released is up for grabs, but the decision to only sell the 40GB model in Japan further demonstrates Sony's desire to sell a cheaper, more accessible PS3. Let us know your thoughts in the Forum.
Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg
The decision will leave only the cheaper 40GB model, which retails at 39,800 yen (£185 - yes, that's what we said, more than £100 less expensive than in the UK), available to Japanese consumers for the time being. That means that, once the remaining 60GB and 20GB PS3s have sold through, Japanese consumers will not be able to get a backwards-compatible PS3.
According to Reuters news agency, however, Sony has made a point of saying that it will release new models "to respond to end-user preferences sometime in the future."
The 40GB PS3 was released in October in Japan, contributing to the PS3 topping sales of the Wii for the first time in the territory.
"This is a good strategy", said Michael On, managing director of Beyond Asset Management Co. in Taipei. "The move can help Sony focus and cut inventory and management costs.''
We assume by this that Mr On means 'inventory management' rather than actual management staff.
Exactly what future models of the PS3 will be released is up for grabs, but the decision to only sell the 40GB model in Japan further demonstrates Sony's desire to sell a cheaper, more accessible PS3. Let us know your thoughts in the Forum.
Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg
Companies:
Sony
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Comments
SuperSaiyan4 10 Jan 2008 10:52
1/3
Europe got the 40gb really quickly...Funny how that is really, you get the short end of the stick quick but the good stuff you wait for a year...
Japan gets the new model in October? Not much to say really.
Japan gets the new model in October? Not much to say really.
realvictory 10 Jan 2008 13:27
2/3
Well, I'm not impressed by different models, especially if it means removing features. It also makes Sony look like they don't clearly know what they're doing.
At the end of the day, unfortunately, it's not about what we want, it's about what makes them money. Unfortunately, too, people who buy them care more about quantity and less about quality. This is what you end up with - cheap, basic, low-end models.
I think, if you're going to get an ASDA Smart-price PS3, you might as well have bough an XBox 360 instead - and if you already had an XBox 360, put this money towards a better TV, or a few years' worth of Live.
Compromising on how good your PS3 is, is analogous to telling a plastic surgeon that you want the good aspects of being a man, and the good aspects of being a woman, and coming out the operation with half-sized breasts and a half-sized penis - that's what you get for paying half price for the operation.
But then some suckers actually believe they got good value.
At the end of the day, unfortunately, it's not about what we want, it's about what makes them money. Unfortunately, too, people who buy them care more about quantity and less about quality. This is what you end up with - cheap, basic, low-end models.
I think, if you're going to get an ASDA Smart-price PS3, you might as well have bough an XBox 360 instead - and if you already had an XBox 360, put this money towards a better TV, or a few years' worth of Live.
Compromising on how good your PS3 is, is analogous to telling a plastic surgeon that you want the good aspects of being a man, and the good aspects of being a woman, and coming out the operation with half-sized breasts and a half-sized penis - that's what you get for paying half price for the operation.
But then some suckers actually believe they got good value.
SuperSaiyan4 10 Jan 2008 13:42
3/3
Sony originally said they didnt want to confuse their customers with different sku's which was kinda an attacking comment at Microsoft's decision to do just that.
However its Sony who has released the most Sku's...and removed features...
Sony have concentrated all their efforts on blu-ray and recently have said now its about the games sheesh.
Looking at the release list for PS3 games there just isnt anything exclusive everything is constantly delayed!
I tell you what is a bargain Eye of judgement in the GAME sale for £39.98.
However its Sony who has released the most Sku's...and removed features...
Sony have concentrated all their efforts on blu-ray and recently have said now its about the games sheesh.
Looking at the release list for PS3 games there just isnt anything exclusive everything is constantly delayed!
I tell you what is a bargain Eye of judgement in the GAME sale for £39.98.