What we heard: There's no question 2007 was a bumpy year for the PlayStation 3. It began with the console in scarce supply postlaunch, and progressed with month after month of disappointing sales reports. In an effort to jump-start the platform, Sony began a shakeup in its game division's management, which culminated in Ken "Father of the PlayStation" Kutaragi's retirement in June. The electronic giant also tweaked the PS3's configuration, discontinuing the 20GB and 60GB models in favor of 40GB and 80GB editions. Last week, reports surfaced that the 80GB PS3 may be next on Sony's chopping block. This week, Opposable Thumbs reported that it had learned what would fill its slot in Sony's two-model PS3 strategy. The blog reported that Sony is phasing out the 80GB version and will replace it with a new configuration with a larger hard drive--either 120GB or 160GB. The new console will come with the new rumble-enabled Dual Shock 3 controller, which Sony said would be available in North America and Europe this spring. (The controller is already available in Japan.) The official story: "As you know, we don't comment on rumors or speculation."--A weary-sounding Sony rep. Bogus or not bogus?: Judging by the track record of ArsTechnica's source--who successfully uncovered the $399 40GB PS3 bundle--this looks not bogus.
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