Register Hardware

Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/29/ps3_capacity_rumours/

Monster-capacity PS3 in the pipeline?

By James Sherwood
Published Tuesday 29th January 2008 12:40 GMT

Sony may soon phase out sales of its 80GB PlayStation 3, in favour of either a 120GB or 160GB capacity package, also featuring the long-awaited DualShock 3 controller.

An alleged mole close to Sony has confirmed (http://arstechnica.com/journals/thumbs.ars/2008/01/27/mole-80gb-ps3-dead-120-160gb-with-dual-shock-3-incoming) to Arstechnica that the 80GB model is to be phased out to make way for a higher-capacity replacement. The source claimed that either a 120GB or a 160GB PS3 are the likely candidates for the 80GB model's successor, to be sold at the same price.

If you’re thinking, 'Hold on, I was never offered an 80GB PS3 anyway', it’s because the model was only ever available in the US and a couple of other countries, but not Europe. But if the rumours are right then it’s possible that the UK may also take delivery of the larger-capacity PS3 package.

The source also hinted at the appearance of the DualShock 3 controller, which features a dual-rumble facility. So far, only Japan has taken delivery of the controller, but it's expected to come to the US and Europe this year (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/09/20/sony_dualshock_ps3/).

Sony has already confirmed that it’s phasing out sales of the 20GB and 60GB PS3 in Japan (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/01/10/sony_dumps_ps3_japan/). It hasn’t stated the official reason behind its decision, but many gamers have since speculated that it’s because the company wants to concentrate on selling the 40GB model over there.