60GB model phased out?
Over the past year Sony has consistently denied rumours that the 80GB PS3, which is currently on sale in North America, would come to Europe, but it looks as though someone may have let the cat of the bag.According to Pocket-lint, the author of a "Sony-backed" HD World newsletter has revealed that an 80GB PS3 will be released in Europe before the end of 2008.
The newsletter reads: "In Western Europe by the end of 2008, "Understanding & Solutions" predicts average player prices (as opposed to entry level model pricing), for HD DVD and Blu-ray of $275 and $475 respectively, with the yet-to-be-launched European 80GB PS3 retailing at just over $500."
The 80GB PS3 was launched in North America earlier this year and the 60GB model was phased out after existing stock had been sold. So, if this is true, this will surely mean the end of the 60GB model in Europe.
But why bring out a model that's only 20GB more than your latest one? Surely it would make more sense for them to bring out a 120GB model, which would be in line with the capacity of Microsoft's Xbox 360 Elite? Earlier this year even David Reeves, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe said that PAL territories wouldn't ever see the release of an 80GB PS3. Technicalities aside, Reeves cut to the chase and simply stated that the extra 20GB "is not worth it."
Has the writer made a dreadful factual blunder? Or has Sony's plans simply changed since Reeves (in July) seemed so cocksure that we didn't need a 20GB increase? All we know for definite is that someone will get their bottom spanked for letting this slip and, whether it's true or not, Sony will probably deny the contents of the HD World newsletter.
Source :: Pocket Lint
