Best Buy done with PS3 20GB model
by Alexander Sliwinski 
{ Mar 17th 2007 at 1:30PM }
The hard evidence is starting to flow in that retailers have had about enough from the PS3's 20GB model. A Best Buy employee sent us a printout from their computer system showing the status of the 20GB model as "discontinued." We confirmed the printout information by contacting three separate stores. This does not mean the 20GB PS3 model's production has been discontinued -- just that Best Buy will no longer carry it.
When Joystiq spoke with Sony's David Karraker earlier this week he told us, "Overwhelmingly, retailers have been requesting the 60GB model, the mix has been about 80 percent 60GB, 20 percent 20GB retailer orders." With Best Buy's decision to no longer carry the unit, a major retailer has walked away from the 20GB table, obviously the margins were better on the 60GB model. Sony says they are still producing 20GB models.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
James @ Mar 17th 2007 1:38PM
I work in a Circuit City on the east coast and our price tag lists the 20GB model as 499.96. 96 cents means it's either hard to get or discontinued in our stores.
On top of that we haven't gotten shipments of the 20GB since December. I think it's safe to say that model is quietly disappearing.
Britboyj27 @ Mar 17th 2007 1:54PM
No one wanted the 20 anyway, the only people who bought it around here were people who weren't in line early enough to get a 60.
Pal @ Mar 17th 2007 1:54PM
That's so sad. The 20GB is such a better deal, not to mention it looks a lot sexier. The 60GB version looks too...bling.
mrfong @ Mar 17th 2007 2:02PM
yep, not a surprise. I am expecting target to be next. I work at one, and I have been checking all the local stores' stocks of PS3s each week, and none of them have had any 20 gigs for the past month and a half.
Hikaru @ Mar 17th 2007 2:00PM
It's a shame knowing that this is the better model, at $100 more than the 360 WITH Blue-Ray it's really good, and it's not a 'tard pack like some ppl call it, you have a nice 20GB HD (like the 360) and you can upgrade it with usb adapters if you want Wi-Fi and Memory Cards readers, this model should be the only model, all this without most ppl knowing that you can replace the HD at any time with any laptop one.
E.P. @ Mar 17th 2007 2:10PM
So, when will the 60GB model be discontinued?
tmmoore_nc @ Mar 17th 2007 2:10PM
You can't find the 20gb unit anywhere, but can find the 60gb unit everywhere. I saw 15 in Best Buy the other day behind the counter (So they wouldn't get stolen obvioulsy; but it'd weigh you down too much to escape anyway).
The PS3 is just too much right now. It's not a good buy. You effectively need at least $2700 to play it right (60 gb unit, HDTV with 1080p, HDMI cable, game).
Digi Smalls @ Mar 17th 2007 2:15PM
you're right Hikaru, if the 20Gig version was the only version it'd be doing a whole lot better versus its competition the 360, even in its current game/online dirth. Sony just couldn't afford it.
.
oGMo @ Mar 17th 2007 2:32PM
Eh. Why does everyone think this was the "better" model? It's the "compete with the 360" model:
20G 360 - $399
HD-DVD - $199
Total: $598
PS3 with 20G: $499
Really, the wifi, memcard readers, and 40G is worth the extra $100. I've already used more than 20G, between 11G for FFXI and another 10G+ in games (usually 500MB a pop) and game data.
Saving $100 here is being penny wise and pound foolish.
vidGuy @ Mar 17th 2007 2:34PM
Not surprising. I've seen maybe half a dozen 20GB versions stacked among the hundreds of 60GB versions on the shelves. The version wasn't as crippled as the 360's core pack, but it was still really there only for advertising and marketing purposes. "Blu-Ray player under $500!"
Now at least when we complain about the price we won't have fanboys screaming that you don't have to buy the $600 version.
The question for me though is how will this affect future buyers and Sony's position with the PS3? The 360 is going to get an upgrade and a price drop sooner or later, but Sony isn't going to be able to match that.
The sweet spot for mass market is widely considered $300. If you don't have a version of your system selling for that, you aren't reaching the mass market. With only the 60GB version available, the new XBOX will be out before the PS3 hits that sweet spot.
eight @ Mar 17th 2007 2:39PM
I saw this coming. Sony looses more money on the 20 Gig, this we've known since the console launched. But when the 20 gig isn't even going to see a European launch, thats a thrid of the market, then I knew something was up. I think not having a lesser priced model is going to hurt Sony even more. 499 dollars is alot to spend on a console... and people were going to struggle to get that, 599 feels like so much more becasue it eclipses the 500 mark. They're having enough problems selling the system and getting the install base, this isnt going to be good.
Luther @ Mar 17th 2007 2:49PM
@9
The 20GB model is a better deal for many because the HDD can be upgraded easily ($60 for 60GB drive), and many people already have a USB card reader that they could use. A WiFi bridge can be bought for less than $30 if someone wanted to get it later. The only problem is that supposedly the PSP's location free service will only work with the embedded Sony WiFi adapter, which I would hope they would fix in the future for those who wire their PS3 with a wireless router.
AssemblyLineHuman @ Mar 17th 2007 2:51PM
The thing is, if the folks at Sony carry through with this Game 3.0 stuff they have been talking about, there is no way the 20GB unit will have a big enough hard drive to deal with the future of PS3 gaming. Heck, if user created content is their future, 60GB may not be enough.
AssemblyLineHuman @ Mar 17th 2007 2:53PM
Luther: Oh, wow! Can you plug in a USB HDD to the PS3? I haven't been following it until recently because the price is too high for me, but if you can do that, the discontinuing of the 20GB unit is very disappointing.
Hateful_Hermes @ Mar 17th 2007 2:58PM
If you have a PS2 that played online, and you put the PS3 in the same place, why would you need wi-fi?
If the ethernet cord reaches to the PS3, is wi-fi really needed for the extra 100?
Feanor @ Mar 17th 2007 3:04PM
"The PS3 is just too much right now. It's not a good buy. You effectively need at least $2700 to play it right (60 gb unit, HDTV with 1080p, HDMI cable, game)."
Almost all PS3 games only run in 720p and you can get 720p HDTVs for a $1,000. So you're just trolling, really.
The True Gamer @ Mar 17th 2007 3:05PM
Just a matter of time until they discontinue the 60GB model too.
Mr Khan @ Mar 17th 2007 3:28PM
@ VidGuy
personally, i think that anything that is more than $300 is unacceptable to pay for a console, and the $400 360 is an exception only because the $300 version is technologically less capable than the Wii out of the box (not in terms of CPU and GPU, but in terms of being able to play games and such)
And i think it would be a bad idea to drop this model, because its poor sales are reflected by the fact that its only the hardcore gamers really buying up the PS3 right now, and they see the 60GB as the better deal (i would, too), but when the casual gamers ditch their PS2, they're not going to want an extra 40 Gigs, (most gamers i know find the 20 gigs to be fine)
Plus, with the possibility of a price drop forthcoming (with the 65nm and easier to make BluRay) it would take the PS3 that much longer to reach the $300 sweet spot for mass consumption, if they dropped the $500 model
This is, of course, assuming that the casuals even consider PS3 when they decide to upgrade, and don't go for a Wii or a 360...
Tim @ Mar 17th 2007 3:32PM
@16
True, most PS3 games run in 720p, but am I not right in thinking Blueray movies are designed for 1080p? Besides, one of the PS3's major bragging rights is the ability to handle 1080p for games and movies. Further in its life cycle I'm sure Sony expects more games to be running in 1080p; therefore eventually you will need a tv capable of that kind of resolution to get the most out of your new Playstation. Perhaps by the time the majority of games are utilizing this feature then the cost of these tv's will be more economical.
CYRiX @ Mar 17th 2007 3:38PM
if they drop to 300 some time a 20gb ps3 is an automatic buy.
punk @ Mar 17th 2007 4:16PM
I work for best buy and about a month and a half ago we got a letter handed down about future shipments and the main thing that stood out was we will no longer carry 20gig ps3 no future ads or delivers will be shipped
i5hawn @ Mar 17th 2007 8:17PM
this is to bad. reality check folks, most ps3 buyers don't have hdmi, wifi access or even have a reason to use the cards in the front. at 500 dollars the ps3 was almost a steal, as it still included everything one needed to enjoy the system to its fullest.
oGMo @ Mar 17th 2007 4:38PM
@Luther: Er, sure, you can spend $499 and then spend $60 on a cheapass hdd and $30 more to cobble on wifi... but then you've saved yourself $10 and you still don't have card readers, and you've lost some of the wifi capability (i.e., no WAP for the PSP, for instance). Sure, you can get an external USB card reader---another $15---or just a USB flash drive or full external hdd, but how much more is that?
This is like, "I'm going to save $100 on the lesser PS3, and then spend $100-200 to make it almost equivalent".
Of course, if you really don't want wifi and the other stuff, you might as well get the 20G version, then go spend $120 or so and get the biggest, fastest HDD you can drop in the thing.
killer_roach @ Mar 17th 2007 5:02PM
People keep asking "when's Sony going to discontinue the 60GB PS3?", thinking they're being snarky.
Wrong question.
The proper question is "when's Microsoft going to discontinue their counter-productive 360 Core?". For goodness' sakes... after all, as capable of a machine as the 360 is, the Core just completely gums up the works. I'd rather have a smaller hard drive (in the case of the "lesser" PS3, a hard drive as large as in the premium 360, with less being reserved by the OS) than no hard drive at all (and also keeping game developers from utilizing the hard drive as much, as they can't guarantee that their core audience has one).
That being said... the 20GB PS3 is hardly cripple-ware, and is actually, for a lot of people, a relatively intriguing machine. Sad to see it go, really.
syco @ Mar 17th 2007 5:32PM
Please do not consider movie playback capabilities when comparing GAME consoles! First of all, most people who have a 360 (and I bet a surprisingly large number of people who have a PS3) do NOT have an HDTV and thus have no use for HDDVD/Bluray! Secondly, movies are not games, and have no business even being discussed on this website... If you want to compare the PS3 to an 360 with the silly drive add-on, do it at Engadget!
As far as the 20Gb PS3 is concerned, I would only ever buy it if I were going to buy one at all, but I can see why it's unpopular... People don't buy the PS3 (right now) to play video games, they buy it to show off to people, so they can feel like they're rich and on the cutting edge of tech or something. It's the geek equivelant of a luxery car... overly expensive but not actually more useful than a normal car.
Blarg!
charlie @ Mar 17th 2007 5:34PM
Those who are saying that the 60GB is a better deal or that the 20GB SKU "is like the X360 Core" simply have no idea what they're talking about. You can buy a 60GB, SATA, 2.5", 5400rpm hdd to replace the 20GB model for under $60 shipped. You can buy an external wifi adapter for under $30. You can buy a USB card reader for under $10. Thats the same price for the same functionality- however, you actually get a lot more flexibility.
For example, if you have a hardwired ethernet network or are using draft n (802.11n) networking in your house, the 20GB model is at an advantage. Also, if you wanted more than 60GB of space (which will be especially important for people who end up using their PS3 as a serious linux computer for downloading, storing, and playing media) the 20GB SKU is a better option because you're going to replace the stock hard disk with something bigger anyway. A 120GB drive can be had for about $80, and a 160GB drive for under $110. That cost can be on top of a $500 PS3 or a $600 PS3 and it doesnt matter because you're throwing out the main difference anyway.
The simple fact of the matter is that Sony Corporate is lying out their ass again. I've been trying as hard as I can to get into the PS3. Last time it was that "force feedback is a last generation technology thats useless and incompatible with motion sensing", now its that "retailers can choose which SKUs they want to sell, and are overwhelmingly choosing the 60GB SKU". We know from analyst reports that Sony loses significantly more on each 20GB sold than each 60GB (they charge $100 for what costs them less than $50 to do), so clearly they're pressuring retailers in one way or another to stop selling the 20GB models.
Matthew @ Mar 17th 2007 5:46PM
Usually discontinued means the manufacturer is no longer providing it. If the manufacturer is still making the model and they aren't carrying it gets classified as "deleted"
n2 @ Mar 17th 2007 6:04PM
In the long run, this isn't good for Sony. So the only way to obtain a PS3 now is to buy the most expensive model, which is overpriced already.
I seriously doubt this is due to retailers, unless Sony limiting their profit on the 20GB model.
The only thing that can save the PS3 is a huge price decrease.
pacokorn77 @ Mar 17th 2007 6:20PM
I can't remember the last time I saw 20gigs at my store. All I keep seeing on the drop is 60gig models.
And when there is anything in the ad, it's always the 60gig. My store's RSS has been empty (on the 20gig side) for god only knows how long.
Bye-bye 20gig! Going the way of the 360 Core.
Awesome.
Tom @ Mar 17th 2007 9:53PM
Ouch, if this is true it will be a MASSIVE hit for sony in the future. The people buying the consoles now are mainly hardcore gamers. A group who are far more inclined to be willing to pay a bit more for extra stuff.
The casual gamer on the other hand is not, they don't care how much storage their system has. As long as it plays games they are happy. This won't have an immediate effect as hardcore gamers can keep the system going for a while however its now going to have a much harder sell to casual gamers.
Im don't really want a ps3 right now because the choice of games is awful however I would consider getting one in the future. If I was going to buy one I would prefer the cheaper version that really doesn't have any outright disadvantages for me (I still have 13gb left on my 360's hard drive and can't see it being anywhere near filled in the consoles lifetime)
oGMo @ Mar 17th 2007 6:45PM
@charlie: So Sony is lying when they say retailers can choose the models they carry, because retailers are in fact choosing which model to carry, and you can't get the one you want?
"We know from analyst reports that Sony loses significantly more on each 20GB sold than each 60GB (they charge $100 for what costs them less than $50 to do)"
It costs them less than $50 to include a bigger drive, hardware for reading flash cards, and wifi? Your own estimates put this at around or over $100.
"so clearly they're pressuring retailers in one way or another to stop selling the 20GB models."
"Clearly"? "I can't get a 20G PS3, so CLEARLY it's a Sony conspiracy!" What sort of leverage over retailers do you think Sony has, exactly?
NoHitHair @ Mar 17th 2007 7:52PM
I would say this news bodes very poorly for Sony. Best Buy isn't a Mom & Pop retailer and they still carry the core model of the 360 to this day.
This clearly paints at least the 20GB model of the PS3 a failure.
http://blog.myspace.com/nohithair
Chris @ Mar 17th 2007 8:02PM
Please don't tell me I'm the only one who notices how that image is obviously doctored.
"DISCONTINUED" is not properly aligned with the word before it on the same line, "Status." It's obviously higher than it should be.
charlie @ Mar 17th 2007 8:05PM
@oGMo"It costs them less than $50 to include a bigger drive, hardware for reading flash cards, and wifi? Your own estimates put this at around or over $100."
Dont put words in mouth. I said that a CONSUMER can get a SEPERATE, RETAIL PACKAGED 60GB hard drive for $60 shipped. I didnt say that the price DIFFERENCE that Sony, a major purchaser, would pay between a 20GB and 60GB hard drive would be $60. It would be A LOT less. Also, its significantly cheaper for an interal, integrated wifi chip at wholesale than for the retail packaging of a USB wifi adapter. Ditto for flash card reader.
""Clearly"? "I can't get a 20G PS3, so CLEARLY it's a Sony conspiracy!" What sort of leverage over retailers do you think Sony has, exactly?"
As of right now, they actually probably have very little leverage. PS3 and PS3 games are selling much worse than Sony had retailers believing, and sales of overpriced Sony LCDs has long been noted to be a problem since budget makes like OLEVIA and WESTINGHOUSE have come to the scene. Nobody buys CD players anymore, and Sony cant make an MP3 player worth a shit. Their home audio products have never been particularly good either. However, they certainly can just not ship 20GB models.
I said not to take this the wrong way. I'm really looking for any excuse to eventually buy a PS3, I really appreciate how Sony has for once been more open with it (allowing standard 2.5" SATA drives, supporting USB and Bluetooth over proprietary technologies, supporting alternative operating systems, etc). However, there must be some sort of disconnect between the people who designed the PS3 and those that are currently marketing it, because all we've gotten from Sony talking heads has been shit.
Zig @ Mar 17th 2007 8:38PM
Awww.... Thats the one I would've gotten in 2010. This sucks.
sheppy @ Mar 17th 2007 8:48PM
@charlie
You're just soo full of shit, this is almost tragic. Sony isn't pressuring companies but there is a general feeling that the cheaper variants are a ripoff. And at $500, a "cheaper" variant seems like a ripoff in general. But if you think it's some sort of conspiracy, then do this. Write your companies and tell them you desire more 20GB variants. These buyers always have their heads up their asses (seriously, just look at the shit they buy) and applying pressure on a higher corporate level changes the decisions made.
@Mr. Kahn.
I don't know where the hell you get this "$300 is the acceptable level" shit since, historically, it's always been $200. Seriously, look at VG charts at the first Xmas PS2 and Xbox spent at $200. Oh wait, one console has a $300 variant. I smell agenda...
Shagittarius @ Mar 17th 2007 9:04PM
Just for the record:
Force Feedback != Rubmle feature.
They are two different things.
Hikaru @ Mar 17th 2007 9:28PM
Blu-ray is for games too....
I have an HDTV and I'm not rich by any means, I saved money for around 4 months to buy the cheapest one ($650 27") and now I'm saving for the 20GB PS3 (If I find one, if not, the 360 it is)
So stop saying HDTV is impossible and just work a little more to buy one, unless you're satisfied without one.
NineWingedOrphan @ Mar 18th 2007 12:10AM
its corporate greed and peoples lust for superiority thats made the logical 20 gig model an endangered species
m ike @ Mar 17th 2007 11:10PM
Shagittarius
tell em man. nothing like that wheel fighting you as you lose control.
with that said i just got the 360's wireless wheel. now thats a freaking sweet wheel. but pgr3 feels tacked on with its forcefeed back. Test drive unlimted feels more natural but the wheel was built for forza so i am anxiously waiting for may.
Eric @ Mar 17th 2007 11:52PM
http://ps3s.freepay.com/?r=37251405
$599, $499....it's all too much. Click the link, register and then start getting your friends to do the same, under your ref #. I found this when I was trying to find a reasonably priced PS3, and after checking into it a bit - the company is legit. They have been doing this for years (free CDS.com Free Condoms.com ect...)
chadianblue @ Mar 18th 2007 12:48AM
they are just stopping it from being sold at the store...but it will still be available on bestbuy.com
elrando @ Mar 18th 2007 1:23AM
@ Hikaru
"So stop saying HDTV is impossible and just work a little more to buy one, unless you're satisfied without one."
Don't propose to understand other people's financial (or even personal) situations. You come off as annoying and slightly arrogant.
syco @ Mar 18th 2007 3:29AM
Exactly.
I saved up for over six months to buy a Wii! Do you have any idea how long it would take to scrounge up the money for a HDTV? Even if I could find one for $500 that would take at least a year... for a small jump in resolution? I think not! HDTV's are for rich people, plain and simple.
Ace @ Mar 18th 2007 4:19AM
@44
6 Months to buy a Wii?
Methinks your budget doesnt include game systems.
Get a good job or stop creating children.
seedaripper @ Mar 18th 2007 7:10AM
jesus..if sony said they were givin away gold bullion in the box with the PS3..you guys would jump up and down on it....if you wanted to get a 20gig im sure with a bit of luck via online retailers you could get one...im looking forward to the 60gig as i bloody hate sodding wires everywhere(lumps under the carpet)!! i have SD cards with pics on!! (useful)!! and the PSN games are far bigger than live game downloads!!(that 60gig WILL get filled fast)!!
stop bitching....*sigh*
Matt @ Mar 18th 2007 11:14AM
20G 360 - $399
HD-DVD - $199
Total: $598
LOL @ #9. What a tool.
h0mi @ Mar 18th 2007 2:56PM
The funny thing about the 500 version is that theres no way to add wifi or the card reader to it but its otherwise just as functional as the 600 version. On the 360, the core version is upgradeable to premium but ends up costing a lot more as a result, and out of the box, its far less functional. Because of the 360, everyone assumes the ps3 is similarly "crippled", including thinking there's no HDMI, etc.
locust @ Mar 18th 2007 5:19PM
"Exactly.
I saved up for over six months to buy a Wii! Do you have any idea how long it would take to scrounge up the money for a HDTV? Even if I could find one for $500 that would take at least a year... for a small jump in resolution? I think not! HDTV's are for rich people, plain and simple."
Yawn. Then the next generation isn't for you. Took me an hour to decide to buy an HDTV and I'm not rich. Meh.
locust @ Mar 18th 2007 5:22PM
"The PS3 is just too much right now. It's not a good buy. You effectively need at least $2700 to play it right (60 gb unit, HDTV with 1080p, HDMI cable, game)."
That is so stupid. It's like saying a Wii costs $300,000 to buy because you need a living room to put it in.