Rumor: Wal-Mart memo says 40GB PS3 to be 'replaced' in August

by Alexander Sliwinski { Jul 8th 2008 at 7:00PM }

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A Wal-Mart spreadsheet allegedly listing products that the company is having difficulty stocking states that the 40GB PS3 "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August." We received this sheet from an employee that's sent us solid information in the past though s/he can't confirm the origin of the note that the model will be replaced. Of course, in the eternal battle over semantics, "replaced" could simply mean some minor tweaks to the model and the addition of the DualShock 3.

For those keeping track, if the 40GB version actually ceases production it would be the third version of the PS3 to do so. Let's take a trip down memory lane: The 60GB PS3 was last seen in late 2007 roaming the plains of retail (some still speak of finding them in random places today) and the 20GB was officially declared dead in early 2007 after it went missing from retail for months. Perhaps next week's E3 will shed some light on the fate of the 40GB unit.

Update: Adjusted for the possibility that "replaced" could mean basic changes to 40GB model, like the addition of DualShock 3.

Tags: 40gb, 40gb-ps3, sony, wal-mart

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)

Vegasadelphia @ Jul 8th 2008 7:07PM

Give me a backwards compatible large HDD with HDMI that meets or beats MS's price, and I will be first in line.

jimmygotsmack @ Jul 8th 2008 7:09PM

You ask for the impossible!!!

kingofwale @ Jul 8th 2008 7:11PM

why do they have to beat Microsoft's price?

and for that matter, are you factoring in Blu-Ray player and built in wifi??

Want a bigger harddriver? Go buy one, they don't charge you $150 for 120GB.

Want to get HDMI cable? Go buy it for 10 bucks.

What we want is more FEATURES!

whymog @ Jul 8th 2008 7:46PM

I hate to sound like a needy brat, but this is exactly what I'm waiting for.

There are a number of exclusives I'm psyched to play, but a PS3 is a significant investment, no matter how you look at it.

severian00 @ Jul 9th 2008 2:11AM

Don't get your hopes too high because Sony has actually gone through 6 skus since it's launch. Everytime they put a different pack-in in the box Sony changes the model number and the sku. So far there's been the 60, 20, 2 80's (Motostorm and MGS4), and 2 40's (1 with Spiderman Blu-ray and 1 without). My guess is that it'll be a movie pack-in and a dual shock 3. They will be cutting the price before Christmas I can almost guarantee that though.

4MyFriends @ Jul 9th 2008 10:26AM

"and for that matter, are you factoring in Blu-Ray "
Not everyone gives a fuck about Blu-Ray

"What we want is more FEATURES!"
Lets worry about getting games first. There's nothing currently announced that's of any significance that is 100% certain will be released in 2008.

Residentevil72501 @ Jul 8th 2008 7:07PM

They need to bring back the 60gig its what i have and its epic lewts!

SoCoolCurt (PSN: KillaKornbread) @ Jul 8th 2008 9:23PM

yea i have a 60 gigger too and it's the best PS3. well at least the most complete one, all the others are missing something.

tamanchama @ Jul 10th 2008 12:50AM

i concur

The Aggie CEO @ Jul 8th 2008 7:08PM

I wonder if they mean new SKU......

they might just package it with another game or 2 Blu-ray disc.......

Bluebrake @ Jul 8th 2008 10:28PM

Yeah. From Wal-Mart's perspective, new model and new sku are the same thing.

Is the 40gb still bundled with Spiderman 3, or not? I've heard conflicting reports and I haven't been paying attention in stores. If they dropped it, didn't that involve another sku change?

The Aggie CEO @ Jul 9th 2008 9:07AM

the ones in my area still had it packaged with it..........

but when I think about it it'll prolly just have the Dualshock 3..........

Voltanis @ Jul 8th 2008 7:08PM

I don't believe it's going to be a change in the unit or the hard drive size at all. I'm going to guess that it will be something much less exciting. Likely, all it will be is that Sony will start bundling the DualShock 3 controller in the 40GB model as opposed to the Sixaxis it currently puts in the box.

That's my guess anyways.

Nightvortez @ Jul 8th 2008 7:14PM

Eh, I'm betting it's going to be another in-game bundle, or at least for Sony's sake. Soul Calibur 4 would be a good, if the Kratos thing turns out to be true, or Mercenaries 2. They could also be just replacing the Sixaxis controls that come with it with Duel Shock 3's. I just hope this isn't another stupid move on their part.

SimbaDogg @ Jul 9th 2008 4:58AM

"Duel Shock 3's"
i dont believe there are any shock 3's fighting, i think you meant dual

jimmygotsmack @ Jul 8th 2008 7:16PM

Soon, all play station 3 owners will be able to identify each other with their different models.

"What model you got, 60gig? O 2006? O thats a good year"

Are they coming out with another model to replace it, or are they done with trying to make a budget version, and this will will be the super premium version?

theclaw @ Jul 8th 2008 7:21PM

Remember... Sony is addicted to SKUs. They cannot control the burning urge to make countless revisions to every platform of theirs. Think about how many minor adjustments PS1 and PS2 had.

Cesaria (cesariatic.wordpress.com) @ Jul 8th 2008 7:21PM

I refuse to buy a PS3 until Sony figures out what the fuck they want to sell me.

Nugent @ Jul 8th 2008 7:21PM

This is probably just a replacement 40 Gb unit with the smaller chips and a Dualshock3.

ThePerfectCompanion @ Jul 8th 2008 7:42PM

+1

However in addition I refuse to buy one until Final Fantasy XIII is released and proven to be a must have title for any gamer....

Plus a reasonable price would be nice too...

whymog @ Jul 8th 2008 7:47PM

Emphatically seconded.

PojoMofo @ Jul 8th 2008 8:11PM

and this differs from MS how??? at least Sony hasnt segmented the market by not offering HDD in all units

why not the LS2LS7? @ Jul 9th 2008 2:06AM

You're only doing it to yourself.

The PS2 has had 15 versions so far. Most of the time when it changes, you can't even tell the difference.

Just stop getting uptight about what SKU might come later and buy one that appeals to you. If none appeals to you, don't buy any of them.

Fatass of Rebuttalness @ Jul 8th 2008 8:10PM

"Final Fantasy XIII is released and proven to be a must have title for any gamer...."

Man, I don't even remember the last time any numbered Final Fantasy game proved to be a must have title for every gamer. Well, there is VI, and VII isn't all that bad (though IX > VII, IMO)...

ThePerfectCompanion @ Jul 8th 2008 8:19PM

WTF!? I could have SWORN I replied to Cesaria!

This comment system seems to get worse as the years pass by....really Joystiq its kinda getting old. With all these ads (okay there's not alot but its still here) you'd think you'd have enough money to FIX this shitty comment system.

jimmygotsmack @ Jul 9th 2008 2:06AM

@pojomofo

actually, sony has Microsoft beat.

Pureshooter @ Jul 9th 2008 8:17AM

Somebody went to college...

Dwag @ Jul 8th 2008 7:22PM

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I bought one Why are you screwng me over Sony?

Benny @ Jul 8th 2008 7:39PM

Ceasing to be in production doesn't mean your console will cease to work. I don't understand what you're complaining about.

Narles @ Jul 8th 2008 7:23PM

Ah, the good old 60GB. I just ordered a refurbished one on Sunday from Gamestop. It has shipped and should be in my hands soon. Funny that the next day the 60GB was taken off of Gamestop's website so I am assuming that they are very rare indeed.

343 Guilty Fart @ Jul 8th 2008 7:24PM

This is the entire reason why I'm waiting until AFTER E3 to buy a PS3.

whymog @ Jul 8th 2008 7:49PM

How long has Sony officially only had the 40GB SKU on the market? (Not counting the MGS 80GB bundle) It's been a long time. I wouldn't be surprised if something changes soon.

samfish @ Jul 8th 2008 7:25PM

I'm tempted to agree with the DS3 coming with it theory, if only because we've previously heard rumors of PS3's actual hardware revisions and such a couple months in advance previously.
As opposed to this which is about 3-4 weeks in advance.

Dwag @ Jul 8th 2008 7:29PM

Oh wait the same thing happened with these 160GB rumor. I'm hoping its just a New SKU 40Gb bundled with MSG4 and DS3 and they can leave the 80Gb alone with DS3.

Frankly I see no need for a 60Gb or a 160GB I mean sooner or later they can cut down load times without the need for installs meaning more space on that HDD for stuff like DLC,movies and vids.

Jak Logan @ Jul 8th 2008 7:34PM

embiggen ftw

Neovingian @ Jul 8th 2008 7:35PM

I was going to pick up a 40gig PS3 this week but now it looks like I'm gonna wait till after E3.

Are the 60gig models supa-expensive to find?

ThePerfectCompanion @ Jul 8th 2008 7:43PM

Not quite sure to be honest...check eBay? That's usually a good indicator IMO.

zo6_lover @ Jul 8th 2008 7:40PM

I think its a new SKU with the 45nm chip, But if that's the case the 80GB will probably be replaced too.

Residentevil72501 @ Jul 8th 2008 7:45PM

yeah i totally would not get rid of my 60 gig for anything, its like a rare lustrious diamond! And its the best model there is lol, not being biased its just the truth.

Thierry @ Jul 8th 2008 7:49PM

If it has the 64 nm GPU chip, then I'll get it for sure.

dave @ Jul 8th 2008 8:06PM

Are you kidding me find the cheapest PS3 and throw in a bigger HDD. That's what I did bought an old 20GB for $250 off of someone who had it sitting in his attic and bought a 320GB for $100. Works perfect couldn't ask for more.

jeremy @ Aug 27th 2008 4:41PM

yes i am getting a ps3 on sept 1,i seen you said you can upgrade your ps3,i was a little mad because all i can get is a 40 gb,my question is,where do i find a new hardrive,so i can upgrade,im new to the ps3.thank-you for your time sir......sincerly,jeremy,i think you make the most sense of anyone on the board.

Whytey @ Aug 27th 2008 7:27PM

All you have to do is go online and any 2.5" HDD will work! Try newegg.com they are really cheap but I just searched till I found the cheapest my 320Gb HDD only cost $110.

WhYtEbOy @ Aug 27th 2008 5:02PM

All you have to do is go online and any 2.5" HDD will work! Try newegg.com they are really cheap but I just searched till I found the cheapest my 320Gb HDD only cost $110.

PojoMofo @ Jul 8th 2008 8:14PM

new holiday bundle???

I think it can be assumed that the new sku would at least include a DS3.

Keiichi @ Jul 8th 2008 8:16PM

There is nothing I want to play on the P$3. Not a single damn thing. Not even a Blu-Ray disc. You couldn't pay me to buy one of these things, not after the way $on¥ screwed us over in Europe on all its features, not least of all the backwards compatibility.