Uh oh! Remember how the other day I was talking about the Emotion Engine and how the 80GB won’t have it? Well it essentially now means you won’t be finding the Emotion Engine anywhere except a PS2. Sony is no longer carrying the 60GB model in the US and will be only carrying the 80GB version without the EE chip once 60GB models sell out.
Confirmed by SCEE President Dave Reeves, Sony says they’ll be using the 60GB drives overseas on UK models of the PS3 (the ones that already have no Emotion Engine). This means the 60GB model is basically on sale and the price cut won’t really be effective 6 months down the road. If you want a PS3 with an Emotion Engine chip, I suggest running out and buying one now. Otherwise, you may be forced to buy one off Craigslist or eBay, which could get hella pricey.
E3: No more 60GB PlayStation 3 in US after July, says Reeves [Games Industry]
The EmotionEngine is there for PS2 games compatibility. This should be achievable using software instead. I’m sure there will be a slew of games that don’t work with software emulation and users will have to endure numerous upgrades.
But, what’s the deal with Sony.
First they slash the price of the 60GB unit in order to get people considering the PS3, but they add a new 80GB model with some outdated game you can get for $20. 20GB + a $20 game is not the same as $100. Then they go and remove functionality from the system. I would think that the removal of this hardware would have an overall reduction in the cost to manufacture the system.
Bottom line, Sony needs to drop the 80GB model to 400 if they are going to compete with the likes of Microsoft and Nintendo. If Microsoft reduces the price of the Xbox360, Sony has no chance for this year.
What precisely is the point of a price cut in July? The vast majority of consoles more in November and December, and it is entirely possible that this holiday season you’ll find only the $599 80 GB PS3. At which point you’ll buy a Wii (if you can find one) or an Xbox 360.
Sony needs to stop killing models of the PS3 and have as many choices for consumers as possible. Microsoft has three models in various price points so more people can afford and buy an X-Box 360. Sony should do the same. The 20 GB model was fine for basic gamers without high speed internet (and there still are MANY who fit this mold), the 60 was a good middle of the road model, and the new 80 would be their Elite. Now Sony has killed the 20 and the 60 and made the PS3 desirable for only the top tier buyer – no wonder they have a small market share. What happened to wanting to expand the market base and all that rot? Guess they just want consumers who do have a PS3 to feel the need to “Upgrade” every few months.
It seems to be a clear out of old hard drives. 20GB is a small plus for dropping what was once one of Sony’s key features – backward compatiblity
If they take out the EmotionEngine, will that start causing problems with the compatibility or have they a better emulator?