Sony discontinuing 20GB and 60GB PS3 in Japan

The PlayStation maker has axed the two more expensive models of its flagship console in the region.

The newest PlayStation 3 SKU, the 40GB machine, has proved a controversial choice for those who hoped that their current-generation console would play PlayStation 2 games. According to Sony, the 40GB PS3 is not backward compatible in any way, shape, or form.

However, it is cheaper. And it looks like the price is right for Japanese gamers, given that the new model--released in the region in both piano black and ice white colours in October--has helped Sony gain market share, according to Bloomberg.

At the moment there are three different PS3 models on sale in the region: the 20GB, the 40GB, and the 60GB. Price-wise, the 40GB is the cheapest of the three, weighing in at 39,800 yen ($362), followed by the 20GB at 44,980 yen ($410), and the 60GB, which retails for 54,980 yen ($501).

Sony intends to whittle this down to leave just the 40GB model on sale in the country. In the UK, a similar plan is underway. The 60GB model has been given a price cut (£350, $687) as it is phased out, with the plan to leave only the 40GB (£300, $589) on sale.

In the US, the 40GB PS3 ($399) is also on sale, along with an extra-large 80GB model ($499).

195 Comments

  • playa42018

    Posted Jan 14, 2008 4:48 pm PT

    I've lost track and interest of Sony's doing with their SKUs long ago.

  • edhc44

    Posted Jan 14, 2008 10:36 am PT

    The price is finally reasonable, and I don't know what the backward-compatibility fuss is all about. Are you people planning to throw away your PS2's after buying a PS3? My PS2 died on me about a year ago and after much harassment trying to get it fixed, I went on and bought a slim model. And it didn't cost me anything near a kidney.

    I too ain't buying a PS3 anytime soon, but that's for I'm pretty much settled with my 360 for now. No exclusives gave me a reason to buy a PS3 so far... Yeah, there is "that game" on the horizon, but let's see if it lives up to the hype first (and let's wait the hype to die out and see what the game actually is, IMO, MGS2 was THE MOST overrated game on the PS2 when it came out), and being the huge FF fan that I am... ok, let's just say that no game that is out RIGHT NOW is reason enough for me to buy it, but to blame it on pricing, array of SKU's available or the god damn backward compatibility... Nah, for me, those are no reasons.

    PS: I don't have any intentions on picking a bone with all the MGS zealots around, I love the series, but MGS2 just didn't make the cut for me.

  • Devvy01

    Posted Jan 14, 2008 5:25 am PT

    yeah good one... NOT

  • GrimBee

    Posted Jan 14, 2008 12:03 am PT

    And there's me thinking that Sony LIKED Japan!

    The 40gb here in the UK is great for regular peeps who just wanna play some ps3 games, but, pretty much all the proper gamers know that dual shock 3 is coming out and that a rumoured 80gb or 120gb will end up showing its pretty face sometime later this year.

    I imagine that Sony will end up putting ps2 BC back in sometime towards the end of the year. I work in a game shop, and we sell a load of second hand ps2's, but not so many new ones. People seem to be buying more second hand ps2 games, and people seem to see the 360 games' prices being lower than the ps3's (especially in second hand, some 360 games go for under £9) its more tempting for someone to shell their money out on NEW things.

    Ps2 has a great library, thats why people end up getting a ps2. For a second hand price, its a bargain. But for like £50 more you can get a wii.

    As the year goes on, you will see games like burnout paradise sticking to next gen, god of war on the psp and ps3, mgs on ps3 and all the excitement online with wii smashbros and home and little big planet on the ps3.

    With also the dropping prices of ps2 games, devs are looking for other consoles to develop for. Hence the rise in wii and ds games - check out the releases for those consoles... massive.

    When the ps2 stops selling well as a new console in the shops (which I think will be later this year) sony will probably end up putting the BC back in when they can afford it.

    All im saying is - we would of sold like 1000 ps3's if they were the 60gb ones, people turn their noses up at the 40gb, especially gamers.

  • kb8618

    Posted Jan 13, 2008 7:35 pm PT

    like a lot of other ppl, there is no way i'd buy a PS3 without BC unless i waited till 2010, by then my one and only PS2 would prob die and then id have no way of plying my fav games unless i'd get another PS2. Right now it looks like i'm gonna buy a PS3 in march, just in time for GTA IV.

  • Tebbit

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 9:54 pm PT

    The fact is, by the time they phase out the other models, most people who want BC will already have it, and whats left are those that want to play Singstar, Buzz, etc. But it certainly is stupid to not offer anything in the way of PS2 BC. With 7 years of quality titles for the ol' black box, why just cut them out completely? Software emulation costs them nothing.

    I recall them saying the move was to sell more PS3 software and less PS2 software, but the progression of time would realistically make that happen anyway. For instance, the only PS1 games i've played recently were brought from PSN. Oh sweet sweet Kula World...

  • teirdome

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 12:10 pm PT

    I'm not getting a PS3 without backwards compatibility. Period.

    And with how poorly I've heard the 80GB performs the upscaling to 1080i, I'm not sure I'm going to spend the money on the 80GB. Just when I start getting excited about getting a PS3, I do some research and find a great reason why not to.

  • norabbitnofun

    Posted Jan 12, 2008 11:18 am PT

    No backward compatibility = I am not buyging this until Q4 of 2009. At best. Even if LittleBigPlanet came out tomorrow. (Wanna try me, SOE? )

  • ShuuMutou

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 8:36 pm PT

    What if people wanted to play PS2 games on their PS3 Sony? If only they just price-cut for the backwards-compatibility versions then people would buy their console. At the moment I don't plan getting a PS3 anytime soon, perhaps sometime later in 2008 I will, depending if my parents decide to get one.

  • hleflore

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 7:55 pm PT

    Sony has finally discovered that 599.99 is too expensive. The console is now at the perfect price point they have also reduced the clutter in the retail space. This move will pay dividends soon.

  • p00phead

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 3:16 pm PT

    what a stupid move sony people are gonna want backwards compatibilty this is like when you put the emotion engine only in 60 gb ntsc ps3s

  • CaptainHerlock

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 2:50 pm PT

    As long as the PS2 is still in production there most likely won't be a problem with discontinuing those models.

  • stevo-millz

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 2:35 pm PT

    I agree with "polkastripe" i was gunna get the 60gb one, but now they have stopped making it! and im not gunna get a crappier 40gb one when they should be bringing out the 80gb one in the UK soon, Sonys just tryin to compete with Micrsoft in bringing out a bigger hard drive! I mean when will it stop, in 2009 there will probably be a 300gb ps3 or summat!

  • FallenAngel

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 1:36 pm PT

    Get_Shorty: I'm guessing Japanese gamers didn't really want it. Unlike us Americans, the Japanese don't necessarily adhere to the bigger is better formula.

  • PolkaStripe

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 11:49 am PT

    Oh come on.. i wish they wouldnt do this. I'm in the uk and i was saving for the 60g but by the time i have enough it will have been phased out and i only like buying the best one available (like i was with 360)... i say BRING THE 80G GLOBALLY FOR THE HARDCORE..

  • Get_Shorty

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 10:19 am PT

    Japan doesn't get an 80 gig version?

  • kejigoto

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 9:29 am PT

    @ im-a-roustabout

    Here's the difference between Sony and Microsoft, Microsoft sticks to their various models and they truly serve a purpose because they are designed and marketed towards certain types of people. Sony on the other hand produces a new model and discontinues all other models forcing customers to purchase only one time, which completely eliminates their choices to customize their console.

    Microsoft has 3 different models, the Arcade sku which is geared towards a more casual group that isn't interested in online play (this replaced the core model by adding in a wireless controller instead of a wired controller, as well as a few arcade games and a memory card), then there's the Pro sku which is geared towards your typical gamer whom is interested in online play (it comes with a 20 gig hard drive), then there's the Elite which is geared towards the bigger is better group coming with a 120 gig hard drive and a few extra goodies. Each model serves a purpose and has a target audience.

    Sony has 2 models here in the states that you can easily find, the 40 gig model that was created to bail Sony out of its nose dive and is kinda the catch all sku without a real target audience. Then there's the 80 gig model that I guess would be for the bigger is better group but beyond that I can't find a major difference between the models behind them besides the ability to play PS 2 games. Sony just finds something that works and then forsakes all other versions of the console.

    I'll grab a PS3 when it comes down abit more in price and the console has a game I have to play, until then the 360 carries me nicely and I also have my Wii for those other titles the 360 doesn't get. I don't see any real strategy to Sony's moves and I wouldn't bother getting the 40 gig model because its so stripped down and offers nothing I'm truly interested in.

  • zer0ne

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 9:25 am PT

    Come on! When it was release, the premium PS3 cost about US$599. Now its US$399. Isn't 200 bucks a big save? If you think it is to expensive for you, better don't get it, period!

    For BC issue, I agree for those new comers to the PS3 world who would only eye for the latest games that will be coming out in PS3. But I have over 120+ genuine PS2 games and I wanted only one Playstation console sitting with me in my living room. Luckily I manage to get a US 60Gb 1st edition PS3 with the PS2 Emotion Engine built-in. But sadly not all PS2 games are still BC with PS3.

    Sony currently having problems facing a financial war with their competitors over the sales of their gaming products. That's why they are doing their best to lower the PS3 price to increase sales to cover their profit and expenditure. So I have no complaint on what they are doing as long they won't interrupt the firmware support to my classic PS3.

  • ftjx

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:54 am PT

    still too expensive to me....

  • xgalacticax

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:36 am PT

    U can't find a 60gb PS3 in UK anymore but I was lucky to get one last christmas. I didn't even know a 20gb model existed. But man, isnt that white PS3 the cutest thing ever. When, in a couple of years Sony releases the PSThree (smaller version), lol, i'll definitely get a white one, hoping there is a white one.

  • rpgisforme

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:16 am PT

    I just have a little 20 as that was all I could get when the launch rush was on, but so far it hasn't refused to play anything I've put in it. So I couldn't be happier. Just hope this nonesense ends with this one and we don't have to choose between 18 versions of the PS4 when it comes out. Just make 1 console, make sure it's BC and everyone will be happy. Am I wrong?

  • Yuck_Too

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 5:37 am PT

    Removing BC from the Japan market might not be the best idea.

    Frankly software BC is fine and doesn't cost them anything, funny how this was a MAJOR issue people had with the 360 compared to the original PS3 and now look at it.

  • MetalZombieII

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 5:20 am PT

    I could care less how many versions they make the only people that are going to be confused by this probably aren't planning to buy one anyway.

    I do have a issue with no BC though, as one of Sony's reps already admitted that it isn't saving them that much money, it is a way to get people to purchase PS3 games for their PS3, instead of just playing their old PS2 games or worse (in Sony's eyes) choosing to purchase PS2 games over PS3 games.

  • bam226

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 2:34 am PT

    nothin new here, moving on.

  • im-a-roustabout

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 12:29 am PT

    ADEANGEL2002 Lol, for god sakes Sony, stick with a model. It took them only 48 different marketing tactics to widdle down a good bet for themselves
    -=--------------------------------------------------
    What is Sony doin'g wrong that MS isn't? Doen't the 360 have alot of differ versions as well? Isn't there something else coming out that's even better than elite? Geez you need to calm down and realize this is business.

  • casmar82

    Posted Jan 11, 2008 12:02 am PT

    Whatever I got my 60GB PS3 so i'm good. Too bad for those who will get one this year or next they would have missed out on the launch consoles that are worth more now than the new 40GB and 80GB, Yes they did cost more at launch but who here agrees that having full BC is not worth it. The 80GB is there only hope but it's not as good as the 20GB or 60GB.
    Sony stop playing these mind games ok. You will confuse the consumer to buy a Wii over yours..... oops too late.

  • minox2109

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 11:03 pm PT

    Wel... most people do not realize is tht the article specifically says that they are doing this in japan... if the console sales tht hve BC stay strong then they will keep it on the market.... Most people here who like BC already own a ps3 so it will not be a problem in the future.... anyway all the consoles are still BC to ps1 games jst not ps2...

  • mabrown

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 10:21 pm PT

    Personally, I Fully enjoy being able to play my old PS1 and PS2 games with nicer/smoother graphics, and in higher definition, using my PS3 (first 60G SKU). A few perfect examples of this would be ICO, Shadow Of The Colossus, God Of War 1 and 2, Okami, etc, etc (just a few great games that I still like to go back to).

    I actually kept my old fat PS2 so that I could still play older games if any issues arose. As it turns out, just one glimpse at older PS2 games running on my PS3 made me immediately sell my old, beloved, fat PS2 so that I could put the money towards new games.

    Nobody seems to have mentioned that older PS1 and PS2 games (especially PS2 games) look FAR better running on a PS3 that will actually run them!!!

    I am struggling with space for my "next gen" consoles (not to mention the tangle of cables and switch-boxes). So for me, a "next gen" console that plays older games, BETTER than they ran originally, is a TRIPLE bonus!!!!
    I am treating my first release PS3 like a baby and VERY seriously looking at trying to pick up another one as a spare!

  • ItsBriskBaby

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 10:16 pm PT

    Don't get mad at Sony, MS is doing it too. Typical fanboys!

  • Aushan

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 9:42 pm PT

    Jesus, just pick one and stick with it!

  • thesaxmaniac

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 9:33 pm PT

    Oh don't worry. Sony will release another model soon enough. Slimmer or something, with a bigger hard drive. Confuse gamers even more Sony, you are only assisting your own demise.

  • DarkStreetDev

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 9:16 pm PT

    Agree with you, higgs64 - it's a pain but I suppose there is SOME sort of strategy involved. Don't ask me what, though.

  • ADEANGEL2002

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 8:50 pm PT

    Lol, for god sakes Sony, stick with a model. It took them only 48 different marketing tactics to widdle down a good bet for themselves.

  • ivanfred

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 8:43 pm PT

    rockstar_88: Despite my vocal disappointment with the PS3 offering so far, I will openly admit that my world would fall apart if my 60GB Playstation 3 stopped working. It's the last remnant of a fully backwards compatible system (besides the Wii) and with the way things are headed, I'm starting to doubt the generation after this one will have backwards-compatibility at all.

    ==================================
    I totally agree with you. Many of my PS2 games would be sitting on the shelf collecting dust if I had not bought the 60 gig. Oh sure, the 80 gig can play them with software emulation, but there is no guarantee that all of them will work. If I had space I would have kept my fat PS2. Sony really tricked me into buying the 60 gig when it announced that the 60 gig was being discontinued. No worries though, I am more than happy with "my precious".

  • sphinx-shadow

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 7:33 pm PT

    i love playing ps1 and ps2 games on my ps3 60 gig. if i could not play mort the chicken from when i was 10 years old it would suck and i never got to play the getaway the first time around.

  • Sandro909

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 7:26 pm PT

    Wow, I didn't even know they still had the 20GB and 60GB.

  • angelic

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 6:58 pm PT

    I love the idea of single SKU per console!

  • higgs64

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 5:25 pm PT

    It still seems silly to specifically exclude backwards compatibility from the 40GB model when, according to Sony, it doesn't cost any extra to include the BC emulation. Why intentionally and openly hold back something which costs you nothing but helps the consumer?

  • BXSENTINEL

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 5:10 pm PT

    once again people keep bringing up why play old ps2 games, hello thats cause some are still great. lets me ask you this ; when ps4 comes does come out all of sudden you dont wanna play games like mgs4, uncharted or god of war 3 cause all of a sudden they are old? if thats the way you think then maybe you shouldnt call yourself a dedicated sony fan!

  • N-REAL

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 4:36 pm PT

    Its all about choices. I got the 20 GB, with a 160 GB HDD. and its perfectly fine for me. You have to consider one fact: My opinion is that the 40GB model is OK for people who are newbies to playstation games and would not like to play PS1 and 2 games.....In my case, I am a 31 year old hard core gamer, and SONY FAN BOY SINCE 1997, I still hace my PS1. working fine (sold out my PS2 to get money for my PS3). I still play my games for PS1 (5 games) and PS2 (10 games) once in a while. Rigth know I have 6 PS3 games, planning to get MGS4, FFXIII; Killzone 2, tekken 6, GT5, etc.......
    If you are like me......and like to play with PS2 and PS1, try to get the 80GB model, or you may found one 20 or 60 gb model. To me Wi-FI is not a problem. and already have card readers on my PC.
    RESPECT TO ALL CHOICES AND OPINIONS.
    31 YEAR OLD HARD CORE GAMER SINCE ATARI 2600 ERA.....
    PS3 ONLINE: NREAL.

  • Apocolypse_Cow

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 4:27 pm PT

    On thie issue of backwards compatibility, if I'm picking up a PS3, I'm not going to use it to play the last iterations of God of War and Metal Gear Solid. Isn't the whole point to move forward, not to stay back?

    Having only the one middle option, and having it be relatively cheap, is the best idea, I think.

  • Triton

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 4:25 pm PT

    I have never understood why people get all mad about not being able to play their old games on next gen systems. What do people do with all the VHS tapes they have? Will they only buy a DVD player if it is a combo unit?

  • Pie_FOREVER

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 4:17 pm PT

    I love how people are making such a huge issue out of this like it's the reason the PS3 is going to fail or something.

    I have a 60GB PS3 which allows BC, and to tell you the truth I've used it a hell of a lot less than I thought I would. If it's such a problem, pull out your PS2 and play the games, seriously. If you own games from those platforms you're more than likely to have the system for which they are meant to be played on.

    You know, people just like to make an issue bigger than it really is. I'm actually playing PS3 more often than I thought I would. It's not a big issue, stop acting children and making it out like it is

  • Ozzie234

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 4:12 pm PT

    Sony caught up on Microsoft? Not a chance as long as the exclusives look like they do on both formats. The 360 is spankíng the ps3 silly. Not realizing this is just denial.

  • lextexrex

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 4:11 pm PT

    Why are people complaining about HDD space? You could get like a 250GB one online at ubid for like $80.

  • BXSENTINEL

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 4:07 pm PT

    people who claim that bc is not important cause you can still hook up your ps2 are not thinking. maybe you dont wanna have both systems sitting on your desk, especially as big as the ps3 console is ! also what if you sold your ps2 thinking ps3 will play your games, then you gotta throw another 50 bucks down the drain just to get another ps2! news flash not everyone likes to waste money like that.

  • LordReithgar

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 3:52 pm PT

    Well BC is pretty important to me, because yes I still do play Ps2 games and yes I intend to keep playing them and I'd ratherp lay them on my Ps3 then on my Ps2 since I don,t have to keep both consoles around.

  • peeweeshift

    Posted Jan 10, 2008 3:51 pm PT

    lol sony has caught up to microsoft. unless they upgrade the harddrives by next christmas sony might gain the trump upperedge finally

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