Report: Sony out of stock on US 60GB PS3

Dave Karraker reveals that inventory stores have dried up for $499 console; retailers have received their last shipments.

On the eve of this year's E3 Media and Business Summit, Sony announced that it would be dropping the price on its flagship 60GB PlayStation 3 to $499, a $100 break over the console's original $599 price point. Initially heralded as a positive and necessary step in spurring lackluster sales of the console, the price cut received one significant caveat several days later. Speaking to a Norwegian gaming news site, Sony Computer Entertainment America president Kaz Harai noted that a $499 PS3 would only be temporary, as once the current supply of 60GB PS3s had run its course, Sony would be offering only its $599 80GB PS3.

The price drop was quickly interpreted as a fire sale of sorts, as Sony cleared out its inventory of 60GB PlayStation 3s to make room for its new line of larger hard drive consoles. The strategy has also proved to be successful for Sony in North America. In July, the first month after announcing the price drop, the PS3 for the first time outsold archrival Microsoft's Xbox 360 console by 2,000 units in Canada and nearly doubled its preceding month's performance in the US, spiking to 159,000 units sold from 98,000 the month before.

With the strong uptick in sales, not to mention the further $150 discount opportunity revealed earlier this month, it was only a matter of time before the well dried up. It now appears that time has come. A visit to the online Sony Style store reveals that the 60GB is on back order. When questioned by industry publication GamePro on whether this status indicates that Sony has run through its stockpile of 60GB consoles, SCEA senior director of corporate communications Dave Karraker stated, "We no longer have any inventory in SCEA warehouses. All inventory has been purchased and shipped to retailers."

Speaking to GameSpot, Karraker addressed the back-order status of the 60GB console on Sony's online store. Karraker stated, "The 60GB is not out of stock in the US. SonyStyle.com currently has a back order notice up on their site, but they are shifting some inventory and will have it available again soon." When asked for further clarification, Karraker said, "All we can say at this point is we have ample inventory for anyone looking to buy a PS3 in North America."

450 Comments

  • Pineapple_Head

    Posted Sep 5, 2007 1:49 pm PT

    When I have enough money to get a PlayStation3 I'll be searching for the 60GB model. There's more backwards compatibility on that model than the new 80gig. The new 80GB model may have more memory but it still feels a lot less of a system than the 60 gig version.

  • Eimin

    Posted Sep 5, 2007 8:40 am PT

    Weren't those supposed to sell out like within a week of release.. wooo, tough for sony

  • The_Weekend

    Posted Sep 5, 2007 7:50 am PT

    gimme gimme gimmmmmmeee!!!

  • mr_killer_man

    Posted Sep 5, 2007 6:44 am PT

    They playing games to get sells! Had me about to rush out and buy this thing and they still got plenty. That's wrong don't use us that way for sales to beat out your comp!

  • osxgp

    Posted Sep 5, 2007 12:01 am PT

    koneko1991, the backwards compatibility of the 80GB PS3 is done just like the Xbox 360's BC; by patches and updates, etc. It does not have the Emotion Engine (which allows you to play PS ONE and PS2 games) to cut down on manufacturing cost. So it is not true backwards compatibility like Sony bragged about having on the PS3.

  • osxgp

    Posted Sep 4, 2007 11:53 pm PT

    magiroux MACMALLEON said: "My wife wont let me play it till my birthday though. (sept 7th)"

    Huh... Your wife treats you like a kid... "My mom won't let me play" would've sounded normal... Were you just looking for a replacement to mom when you married?

    OUCH!!! But unless you have been married, you wouldn't understand. Been there, done that.

  • osxgp

    Posted Sep 4, 2007 11:52 pm PT

    I wish Sony and Microsoft would make up their mind as to which system will be the standard. It gets too confusing. I guess Sony is going with the 80GB PS3 as the sole system...until the end of the year at least.

  • scottyskater77

    Posted Sep 4, 2007 11:32 pm PT

    Glad I got mine while I did. What's going to suck about the 80Gig version, is no backwards compatibility.

  • Kyukikun999

    Posted Sep 4, 2007 9:31 pm PT

    HEhehe so ps3 wins??

    but ps3 have a low frame rate!!

    xbox 360 have an higher one!!

    so i'm planning to buy a console but my mind is playing!

    Xbox 360 or ps3?
    i cant make Way!!

  • darkprince99

    Posted Sep 4, 2007 7:27 am PT

    evinco_DX something u said made me laugh u said poor sony fanboys lool hhahahahahahahaha well...i think xbox fanboys are the poor cuz they dont have enough money to buy a ps3....lol ps:im not making fun of xbox fans or anything but i just hate it

  • Phazevariance

    Posted Sep 4, 2007 6:33 am PT

    seriously.

  • wars45

    Posted Sep 4, 2007 4:22 am PT

    well at least it selling now like hot cakes eat u hart out exbox

  • Symphonycometh

    Posted Sep 4, 2007 3:40 am PT

    koneko1991:

    The 80 gig has backwards compatibility, but not as well as the 60 gig...in fact, I believe not nearly as good as the 60 gig.

  • koneko1991

    Posted Sep 4, 2007 2:12 am PT

    it is true that no bacward capability on 80 gig?????

  • Big-Rick

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 10:28 pm PT

    I don't think so is NOT out of stock yet i went to best buy today and bought myself 60 gb it still like 20 units left. Cuz of that i live in Houston, Tx.

  • xcollector

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 9:32 pm PT

    Lets all sing it...

    Na na na na, na na na na, hey hey-ey, goodbye

    ... one more time from the top

  • koneko1991

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 9:18 pm PT

    hey does any one know when sony give a pricedrop on 80gig
    pm me

  • lamprey263

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 5:38 pm PT

    The 60GB's BC is the only reason I'd encourage someone to get a PS3 at this point, but I wouldn't stress any current or upcoming PS3 titles to be a factor as everything since launch has left me feeling more ripped off.

  • -Sir-TiX-a-LoT-

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 2:19 pm PT

    I had applied for the Sonystyle credit card to get the $150.00 rebate. The card came last thursday and I immediately activated it and went to the Sonystyle website. Ordered the 60gb PS3 anyway even though the site said that it was on backorder. I recieved an email on Saturday from Sonystyle telling me that my PS3 had indeed shipped. It's still not too late to get the $150.00 rebate deal if you hurry.

  • MACMALLEON

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 1:47 pm PT

    Wow. I knew this would happen. If you peeps did not get it then you lucked out. This is the best deal for the PS3 to date. I bought mine at the beginning of Aug knowing this would happen. My wife wont let me play it till my birthday though. (sept 7th)

  • MGS4eva

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 11:04 am PT

    The 60GB model is the best #1people!! Hurry up and buy it because why buy the 80GB model when it has no backwards playability of PS1 and PS2 games and only 20GB of more space than the 60GB. Your going to need more space for the future thats why you can change the hard drive your self up to 250GB like the 360 or more.

  • -Squirrel- posted Sep 3, 2007 9:03 am PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    -Squirrel-

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 9:03 am PT (hide)

    Huh, they still selling PS3's? I thought they stopped that.

  • IMDLEGEND

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 7:44 am PT

    I think Sony's plan is to only have the 80Gig available for holiday shopping at $600, and then drop the price to $500 after the holidays have passed. I think the $500 price point will stay for a long time after that. I think a lot will depend if Sony wins the next gen DVD wars. If it wins, it can keep the price the same. If it loses, it will have to drop considerably.

  • Deadwalker_135

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 6:56 am PT

    im gonna buy a ps3 80gb i dont care how much it is although i have a xbox, ps, ps2, xbox 360, psp (and soon psp slim) but ps3 is unavoidable

  • ChaosXeno

    Posted Sep 3, 2007 5:29 am PT

    Kuda001 Every other website says that Heavenly Sword is a AAA game only lolIGN has a problem with the game. The ratings they gave Heavenly sword on IGN was bs seeing they gave it 9.0 graphics,9.0 presentation,9.0 sound,7.0 game play, and give lasting appeal a 5.0 because some of the extra unlockable content is made available free online is total bs. IGN is just as stupid as you are my good sir. Just wait gamestops review, just look at Warhawk, praised everywhere as a kicka$$ game (hell i dont disagree the game is awesome), but PSM gave it a 6.5. Remembers reviews are peoples opinion they will vary.

  • senjutsu

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 10:13 pm PT

    It's cool to have a 100$ price cut, but still, I hope that they're gonna stop making 60g and lower the 80g price of 150$, putting the price 50$ under the (soon to end) 60g.

    Still, I suppose it's not a firesale if they restock the 60g (not so soon to end I suppose...). I would have waited to buy mine, but I suppose I'll buy it now instead, if there is no firesell.. I suppose the 60g will dissapear only early 2k8...

    Then I'll say: "huh, why didn't I wait till now", but I'll know (in the bottom of my heart..??wtf) that I've made the right decision since I played all this time!

  • DoubleC3PO

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 5:42 pm PT

    Why do ppl stoll call it a pricedrop? It was a firesale

  • Evinco_DX

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 5:29 pm PT

    Poor Sony fanboys now they're back to the old 599.99 price point while the 360 is having a permanent price cut.

  • -SlipSkull-

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 5:12 pm PT

    It's good to know that a lot of units have been sold since the $100 price drop. Now I just wonder when they'll lower the price of the 80 GB PS3.

  • Big-Rick

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 3:08 pm PT

    I don't care about the price cuz i have too much money in my back Tomorrow get ready everyone cuz ima bout to go buy my own PS3

  • SavoyPrime

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 2:37 pm PT

    I'll get my PS3 from Best Buy this week then. I really want the 60GB because it has the 'real' backward-compatibility.

  • GrimBee

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 1:34 pm PT

    I wonder if they will bundle Lair and Gundam in with the next batch Its pretty much the only way they will get rid of those infernal games..

  • anamnawshad

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 1:02 pm PT

    Sony must drop the $600 PS-3s price after the $500 hundred ones are finished. If not then $ony will be in more trouble....

  • surppo

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 11:35 am PT

    i hope they will bring that two game and extra controller deal to the US for christmas atleast if they want all my money

  • KronikKilla

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 11:25 am PT

    All it really indicates is that people are unwilling to pay $600 for a game system. Sony should've just dropped the price and left it at that. I am going with a used/refurbished system myself if I can't find the 60GB model.

  • kuda001

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 11:16 am PT

    "You shouldn't play Lair. Not unless you have some morbid interest in experiencing what is quite possibly one of the worst control schemes ever devised. As a game, it's a nightmare and an embarrassment."

    How embarassing and Heavenly Sword.........?

  • Rumben

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 8:38 am PT

    Nappan is right. This is only bout the online section being empty and they are back ordering from their retailers. So there's no shortage. At least it is noticeable, that Sony is selling the 60GB model very well through their online store. It also could indicate, that the 60GB sold faster, than expected. But this is pure speculation.

  • dt2003

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 8:12 am PT

    if i have an extra 900 dollars in my bank account right now, i would drive to walmart and purchase a ps3 and 2 games along with it faster than i can type this out.

  • nappan

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 5:48 am PT

    People just seem as though they don't bother reading these articles before posting. The bottom line here is that it's just an inventory backup, and there IS NO SHORTAGE. In other words, this is a long article about NOTHING.

  • Hangman550

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 5:11 am PT

    Do not complain about the Stock of 60GB... A wise man once told me:

    "Ya Snooze, Ya Lose".

  • Big-Rick

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 1:28 am PT

    Wait a minute i thought PS3 60GB will gonna last before christmas???

  • gamepunk86

    Posted Sep 2, 2007 1:05 am PT

    why does everything have to be so expensive?!?!? i'm not a millionaire god, why? why? WHY!?

  • isephoenix

    Posted Sep 1, 2007 9:52 pm PT

    I don't really think any game can be 'perfect', every game will have its kinks and flaws. If you haven't read the 'other review' section for heavenly sword it shows that it has received 8-9's through the board. PSM is an exception because may of the flaws that it pointed out did not coincide with what other reviewers said. In regards to the news, lets hope that the 80gb will see some sort of discount or promotion which will hopefully move more systems.

  • Stan_Gable posted Sep 1, 2007 9:25 pm PT (does not meet display criteria. login to show)

    Stan_Gable

    Posted Sep 1, 2007 9:25 pm PT (hide)

    Let's talk about how Lair was a flop! The first "incredible and amazing game that truly shows the power of the PS3"to fail! I predict heavinly sword will also be a flop, not as mediocre as Lair but not a "perfect" game.

  • leapfrog91

    Posted Sep 1, 2007 7:52 pm PT

    "so will there be a price drop for the 80gb? Will the 80gb now support ALL old PSX and PS2 games?"

    No price drop in sight and roughly 70% BC. A worse system for $100 more.

  • StarKiller2127

    Posted Sep 1, 2007 7:13 pm PT

    @h4xx0rz not everyone wants Halo3 i for one wont be getting it i have never been into the halo series. as for no more 60 gig PS3's hopefully they will drop the price of the 80gig down in price.

  • FallenOneX

    Posted Sep 1, 2007 6:44 pm PT

    I'll start this off by saying that while I am not a real fan of the PS3, it is an incredible machine. The thing is this: Sony said that once the initial stock of 60gb PS3's was out, that was it, no more. Only the 80gb version would be available.

    "Sony Computer Entertainment America president Kaz Harai noted that a $499 PS3 would only be temporary, as once the current supply of 60GB PS3s had run its course, Sony would be offering only its $599 80GB PS3." If that was the truth, why of all sites does the Sony site have a backorder? Gamestop, I could believe, but Sony themselves?!?!?!?! I'll go out and buy PS3 right now if Sony would just admit that the price was @$%$#%@ed up from the word go. That is the only thing that stopped the previous generations' leader from being on top from launch this generation. Well, that and crappy games like Lair or delayed ports from an "inferior" system. And Sony fanboys wonder why people bash their system. It's because Sony seems to be to full of themselves right now to make a choice that would benefit their consumers more than them right now. They have to beat HDDVD right now, waaaaaay more lucrative than us gamers.

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