Rumor debunk: No more U.S. 20GB PS3 and Euro backward compatibility issues

144 Comments by Alexander Sliwinski Mar 14th 2007 2:25PM
Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Business

With the European launch of the PlayStation 3 next Friday, it's time to clean a little rumor house before the next wave. Two hanging issues out there are the lack of 20 GB PS3 models in the U.S. and an absolute misleading piece about European PS3 backwards compatibility.

Joystiq spoke with Dave Karraker, senior director of communications at SCEA, about the lack of 20GB PS3 models at stores in the U.S. We have received numerous reports about major retailers removing the model from their computer system. Karraker said, "The 20GB model of PS3 is available in North America, along with the 60GB model. While we make it available to retailers, they are the ones who ultimately place the order for what they want to sell, based on consumer demand. Overwhelmingly, retailers have been requesting the 60GB model, the mix has been about 80 percent 60GB, 20 percent 20GB retailer orders. So, the reason you might not be seeing the 20 GB is simply that retailers have been ordering more of the 60 GB unit."

The other story gaining unnecessary traction is about PS3 European backward compatibility. Although we're certainly staying cautiously optimistic that the European backward compatibility won't be a total disaster, the simple fact of the matter is that the Euro PS3 hasn't gotten its launch firmware upgrade. As Karraker put it, "No firmware update equals no software emulation." The real compatibility list will release on March 23rd, along with the firmware update making it all possible. Until that time, unless Sony releases an early list to media outlets, there is no way to report the final list of European backward compatibility titles.

(Page 1) Reader Comments

Matt B: Mar 14th 2007; 2:32PM

Thanks for posting this retraction.

ymmv: Mar 14th 2007; 2:35PM

Dave Karraker is talking crap about the availability of the 20GB PS3. Sony just doesn't distribute those 20GB models. Stores know this so when they want to order PS3s, they order 60GBs because those models are always available. This becomes a self-fullfilling prophecy afer a few months.

In Europe they aren't going to have the 20GB model up for sale for the foreseeable future.

silkylove: Mar 14th 2007; 2:37PM

^It's not a retraction. It's a debunking. There's a difference.

Jack of No Trades: Mar 14th 2007; 2:42PM

"Everyone hates multi SKUs, from consumers to retailers."

I like having more choices.

Crono: Mar 14th 2007; 2:44PM

I will choose the path thats clear:

I will choose free will!

...and not buy a PS3, in ANY SKU.

JodyAnthony: Mar 14th 2007; 2:46PM

Crono just became the coolest person on joystiq for his rush reference.

Andy D.: Mar 14th 2007; 2:47PM

Well Bestbuy online had 20GB this week, so we know it still alive.
And we already know at least 1200 or so games will be BC, as they already are now, Phil said so in an interview yesterday.

Evan: Mar 14th 2007; 2:47PM

"The real compatibility list will release on March 23rd, along with the firmware update making it all possible."

So, if you buy a PS3 during the European launch, it won't run PS2 games until you update the firmware. What if you don't have a broadband internet connection handy? Dumb.

oGMo: Mar 14th 2007; 2:57PM

"So, if you buy a PS3 during the European launch, it won't run PS2 games until you update the firmware. What if you don't have a broadband internet connection handy? Dumb."

Clearly someone who has never actually used a PS3. You can update your firmware from a variety of methods, including the network and memory cards. If you don't have direct network access, you're going to miss most of the next-gen features to begin with. If you don't have any network access anywhere at all, you're neither reading this nor likely interested in any game console anyway.

Violater: Mar 14th 2007; 2:57PM

I hate when people talk about things as if they know.
Firmware updates can be contained in game disks as well as downloaded from the PSN.

JodyAnthony: Mar 14th 2007; 3:00PM

summercamp, im just curious where you live, if you have a ps3

sheppy: Mar 14th 2007; 3:01PM

@9, 10, 11

Way to tard it up. Obviously if he's asking this question, he's a Europian gamer and, by all rights, has likely never seen a PS3 in person. Nor does he understand how firmwares are handled. It was really an honest bash brought about by ignorance on the subject. But an ignorance that is understandable so rather than informing him with "Blarg! Sony R god, you stupid bastard... duh..." how about some information without the bashing?

JodyAnthony: Mar 14th 2007; 3:01PM

I also enjoy having multiple choices. When I get a ps3 down the road it will surely be the 20gb model, just because it will be cheaper. x360 im kind of stuck getting the premium down the road, for the hard drive.

baby sea tuna: Mar 14th 2007; 3:08PM

"If you don't have direct network access, you're going to miss most of the next-gen features to begin with. If you don't have any network access anywhere at all, you're neither reading this nor likely interested in any game console anyway."

...or you own a Wii.

rijimbo: Mar 14th 2007; 3:12PM

If they already have over 1200 PS2 games playable, why would they keep the list to themselves until launch? Why not release it and stop all the rumors. If history is any indicator, I say Phil and Sony are full of crap.

JodyAnthony: Mar 14th 2007; 3:12PM

anyone that thinks that having more expensive electronics than someone else makes them better than that someone else has more important problems than not realizing their setup is unimpressive.

I have my wii, ps2, dreamcast, and snes connected through a cheapo switcher to a 27 in no-name crt tv. what difference does it make if i have a no-name crt or a huge sony bravia or whatever? they both just display stupid pictures for us to look at and clap our hands stupidly. Just because summercamp and the like are willing to spend thousands of dollars on televisions or whatever doesnt make them a better person. I would rather use my same CRT that I have been using until it dies than waste money on a larger screen just so i could try to lord it over everyones heads on a stupid gaming blog.

Keith: Mar 14th 2007; 3:13PM

Seeing as the post was reported on The Inquirer, which are leaders in the online Sony Hate war, you can't trust a single word they report.

Some past gems of misinformation from The Inquirer:

1/"PS3 hardware slow and broken"
2/PS3 is going to fail because it's not got enough userbase
3/No PS2 backwards compatability for EU consoles
4/220,000 PS3 consoles for the whole of Europe
5/ "PS3 and Xbox 360 about the same"
6/ "PS3 games are �52 each"
7/ "PS3 to arrive with two SKUs in UK"

For more laughable Inquirer stories, visit their trashy site, and search for PS3 in the title, see how many inaccurate post you can spot, note how 3 simpletons can make up whatever they feel like, and post it as "news".

copa: Mar 14th 2007; 3:13PM

"While we make it available to retailers, they are the ones who ultimately place the order for what they want to sell..."

And Sony is the one that decides to offer razor-thin margins on the 20GB model, while offering more generous margins on the 60GB model.

What a load of crap. This is being driven by Sony, not the retailers. We are honestly supposed to believe that retailers don't WANT a $499 model to increase sell-through?

With the intriguing PSHome announcements, I am looking for a reason to give Sony a second chance and a fresh look. But it ain't going to happen if they are going to continue cynical lying.

Jack of No Trades: Mar 14th 2007; 3:14PM

@Jody

I was joking. Check the links.

JodyAnthony: Mar 14th 2007; 3:17PM

haha, jack, no yours was funny. my comment was meant for dave. although it was about people like summercamp that think more expensive electronics = a better person

Matt B: Mar 14th 2007; 3:17PM

@3
Being that the rumors were unfounded..... but posted in the usual anti-Sony way.... and bashed on by all the wii60 fanboys.

This is a retraction to those "rumors".

aegies: Mar 14th 2007; 3:21PM

Yeah, I call shenanigans on both of the Sony statements posted here; first, retailers don't have that kind of say in what they have access to, and as a poster above mentioned, the margin on the 60gb PS3 is better than it is for the 20gb. Not by much, but it is there. Regardless, retailers would carry more 20gb units if Sony would ship them, given that they sit on shelves for weeks before they're actually picked up.
And I hate to break it to people, given that I defended Sony's BC decision prior to today, but a .1 iteration on firmware is incredibly unlikely to fix as many BC issues as listed.

I_LUV_MICROSOFT: Mar 14th 2007; 3:22PM

Hey RIBJOB,

Where'd you see 1200? I read over 1000. Aside from that why would they release the list early while they are still working on the software? So dumbass fanboys like yourself can attack them more than is already happening?

Cee: Mar 14th 2007; 3:23PM

@ Dave
I don't think summercamp thinks his setup is more impressinve than it is, it is just a television and 2 game systems.

@ summercamp
How is the Sony Bravia? I just got a Pioneer 42" and was thinking of getting a Sony Bravia for my bedroom. Any thoughts on the Sony Bravia would be much appreciated.

Crono: Mar 14th 2007; 3:24PM

Hey Jack,

Whats in the SNES?

I_LUV_MICROSOFT: Mar 14th 2007; 3:26PM

@aegies

If you're going to post links to your dumbass blog, maybe you should run a spell-checker against it.

"edited" not "editted"

Why would anybody bother reading your crap when you can't even spell. What college are you going to so I don't fuck up and send my kids there. Stupid fuckin' retard.

baby sea tuna: Mar 14th 2007; 3:26PM

Huh...this list of comments just got mysteriously shorter. Let me be the first to say, "Thank you Joystiq."

Geo: Mar 14th 2007; 3:31PM

Oh Wow i wish to have a grill like that looks nice...

JodyAnthony: Mar 14th 2007; 3:32PM

i still have the best gaming setup, and even have a preview copy of the next wii zelda game.

http://www.jodyanthony.com/junk/vgsetup.jpg

sheppy: Mar 14th 2007; 3:34PM

@aegies

Where do you come by your information? The big box retailers have complete control over their ordering. They do not have Sony dictating how much of each sku they get, not anymore. Perhaps you should investigate your claims prior to making them.

While margin does enter into it, there is no reason to not sell the 20GB model as it still earns them revenue. Obviously you aren't studying business at school. Look at Circuit City and Best Buy, for example, they both sell computers, much of the time at a loss, in order to sell the peripherals that go along with the machines. Games and accessories have a much larger mark-up than the consoles themselves.

It appears that you are simply yet another fanboy trying to pass themselves off as a blogger of some sort, as if that lends any credibility to your position.

Epobirs Wants A 360 But Won't Admit It: Mar 14th 2007; 3:38PM

"summercamp" is Epobirs, a troll who has been banned from more than one site in the past for his constant groundless bashing of the 360 and of Americans in general. Taking issue with flaws of a console is one thing, just being a dick is another. He falls into the latter category.

Epobirs Wants A 360 But Won't Admit It: Mar 14th 2007; 3:40PM

Ha, as I was typing that all his nonsense vanished. Nice job, Joystiq.

Chiguy: Mar 14th 2007; 3:40PM

@JodyAnthony

You live in Round Lake? Anywhere near Round Lake Beach, the armpit of the northern suburbs?

Emotep Wants A 360 But Won't Admit It: Mar 14th 2007; 3:44PM

HOLY CRAP, I confused Epobirs with EMOTEP, and that is a HORRIBLE mistake since Epobirs is a smart guy and Emotep is the useless troll. Apologies.

JodyAnthony: Mar 14th 2007; 3:46PM

@Chiguy:

I am close to round lake beach, and yes, RLB is a hellhole. (I'm right near wilson & 134)

sheppy: Mar 14th 2007; 3:51PM

And I officially have someone hijacking my username again...

Chiguy: Mar 14th 2007; 3:52PM

@JodyAnthony

Cool. I did some time at CLC and lived in/around the northern 'burbs for many many years.

Crono: Mar 14th 2007; 3:56PM

@Jody,

I love how the Wii fits perfectly, in its stand, in the same vertical space as a DVD.

Crono: Mar 14th 2007; 3:57PM

@Eric,

You're old. Like, 2 months old. Not joking.

aegies: Mar 14th 2007; 3:57PM

Sheppy,

From retailers. When you know retail managers at locations like Frys, Gamestop, Best Buy, and had access to the manager functions at Tower (until they imploded) you a) get to know the margins on product pretty well, and b) can find out when you don't know. So I'm not pulling it out of my ass, although to be honest, the exact numbers escape me on no sleep. As for other sources, they include people inside development studios, as well as sources inside 2 of the big 3 (unfortunately, all my Bothans died trying to make out it out of Sony's HQ).

@i_luv_microsoft
Are you for real? Yes. I mis-spelled edited. I also almost mis-spelled "mis-spell" right know as well. You are aware that you're commenting on a blog that FREQUENTLY MAKES SPELLING AND GRAMMAR MISTAKES ON POSTS YOU GO OUT OF YOUR WAY TO TALK SHIT ON.

I go to UC Davis. So, now you can do yourself a favor and not send your non-existent children here. And if we're lucky, you'll never actually have children.

You're right though. I'm clearly retarded (or have completely mis-aligned priorities) commenting toward a post that will, in all probability be deleted, while I have mere hours to complete two ridiculous papers. So I lose at the internet.

Joe: Mar 14th 2007; 3:57PM

You can walk in any store anywhere and practically trip over all the PS3 laying around. If you can't find a 20GB model, just let me know because Best Buy has so many, they're actually using them to prop open the front doors.

ShrimpRapist: Mar 14th 2007; 4:00PM

I am sheppy's colon. I am not a happy colon.

I am not sheppy. I am merely his colon.

ShrimpRapist: Mar 14th 2007; 4:01PM

I am sheppy's neck. I show sheppy where to go.

ShrimpRapist: Mar 14th 2007; 4:02PM

I am sheppy's colon.

I get cancer. I kill sheppy.

ShrimpRapist: Mar 14th 2007; 4:02PM

I am sheppy's complete lack of surprise.

Jack of No Trades: Mar 14th 2007; 4:04PM

What the hell was that?

a dirty bastard: Mar 14th 2007; 4:04PM

@ 43

how do u rape shrimp i wanna kno
i mean where do u start

mushiking: Mar 14th 2007; 4:04PM

"What a load of crap. This is being driven by Sony, not the retailers. We are honestly supposed to believe that retailers don't WANT a $499 model to increase sell-through?"

that's exactly right. no one wants the 20 gb model. it makes sense to just phase it out if it's gonna cut costs.

Vidikron: Mar 14th 2007; 4:05PM

@22
[And I hate to break it to people, given that I defended Sony's BC decision prior to today, but a .1 iteration on firmware is incredibly unlikely to fix as many BC issues as listed.]

Software/Firmware revisions numbers are completely arbitrary. A .1 update is as likely fix the BC as anything else. They could call the next firmware 234.56 ifthey wanted... it's meaningless.