20GB version PS3 pricecut: 59800 yen -> 49980 yen and HDMI added!

[one]

20GB version PS3 pricecut: 59800 yen -> 49980 yen in Japan and HDMI added!

http://www.famitsu.com/blog/express/
http://www.famitsu.com/blog/express/2006/09/3.html

Ken Kutaragi has revealed it in the Q&A talk session at the end of the keynote speech.

EDIT:
http://www.1up.com/do/newsStory?cId=3153875&did=1

UPDATE: SCEA told 1UP that the price drop in Japan for the 20 GB version of the PlayStation 3 is exclusive to that territory and that the scheme for the U.S. pricing of the console would remain identical. $499 for the 20GB version of the console and $599 for the 60GB SKU. However, as previously reported, both versions now have HDMI.

 

[Bad_Boy]

whoa...what does that mean for the US?

 

[Farid]

They listened to me.

 

[NavNucST3]

I would imagine it means, in order to hit the production numbers, they found it to be easier to have one box. The differences being the hdd and disabling the wireless...

 

[Geo]

Yay, Sony! Maybe they've turned the PR corner.

 

[gokickrocks]

hopefully the price drop is brought over to the U.S...i would think it would translate to $50 off or so

its nice that they added hdmi to the 20gb version, now theres no need for me to get the premium pack...now all i need is mgs4 and re5 to be released

 

[-=P3tRaN=-]

if true, ps3 premium is out.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/734/734010p1.html

 

[Carl B]

hopefully the price drop is brought over to the U.S...i would think it would translate to $50 off or so

its nice that they added hdmi to the 20gb version, now theres no need for me to get the premium pack...now all i need is mgs4 and re5 to be released

Yeah, $50 off the US version is what I want to know...

With the HDMI in and the lack of superfluous chrome out, I think I just saved a hundred dollars... and I'd like to save a little more!

 

[Xenus]

I don't know it could come in at $399 as 59980 yen was $511 and change

 

[Carl B]

I don't know it could come in at $399 as 59980 yen was $511 and change

No no... I mean I saved a hundred going from the premium to the 'basic.' And if the price drop occurs for other territories, maybe I'll save like $50 more.

So like, $150 vs what I would have spent. But as it stands now, it's still $100.

(Thanks to HDMI inclusion!)

 

[Xenus]

I was pointing out at the current exchage rate we we're getting it cheaper than Japan at $499 vs $511. Thus concievably if they bring the price drop here it could be at $399. I agree with you that it isn't all thelikely but it could happen

 

[inefficient]

Wow that is huge news! That would bring it to only $429 USD.

But with only 100,000 avaiable for launch, it means my chances of picking one up on launch went from tricky to mission impossible.

 

[Carl B]

I was pointing out at the current exchage rate we we're getting it cheaper than Japan at $499 vs $511. Thus concievably if they bring the price drop here it could be at $399. I agree with you that it isn't all thelikely but it could happen

Yeah that would really be dumb of them honestly - $50 would be more than enough. Right now the yens weakness means that if they were to sell these things tomorrow, the loss they take on the console relative to what they predicted during their year-end conference call would be much reduced. They have to play to that exchange rate strength at leats to a degree, and not squander it.

To tell the truth, the best price when the prices were initially released (in yen) was going to the Canadians.

 

[expletive]

Why wouldnt this be announced in his keynote? Makes me think it may be a reaction to the japanese market only...

 

[one]

A bit of clarification, 59,800 yen for the 20GB version in Japan was without the sales tax. So it's a pricecut from 62,790 yen (incl. tax) to 49,980 yen (incl. tax). The actual pricecut is bigger than the subject of this thread suggests.

http://bb.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/news/15497.html

EDIT: sorry, the press are also confused!

 

[Bad_Boy]

if true, ps3 premium is out.
http://ps3.ign.com/articles/734/734010p1.html

7:22: A question on why HDMI only is in the high level version of the PS3 only. Kutaragi explains that sony was worried that if they put the HDMI in the lower version, some would complain about having to pay for something they don't want. However, HDMI penetration has come faster than expected. He then asks people if they want HDMI in all models. Everyone in the audience says yes. He then confirms that all models, including the 20 gig version, will have an HDMI port.

He makes it seem like it was magic lol.

KK: "hey guys you want hdmi?"
press: "yeah sure"
KK: "ok done! "

 

[Carl B]

A bit of clarification, 59,800 yen for the 20GB version in Japan was without the sales tax. So it's a pricecut from 62,790 yen (incl. tax) to 49,980 yen (incl. tax). The actual pricecut is bigger than the subject of this thread suggests.

http://bb.watch.impress.co.jp/cda/news/15497.html

Well whatever... I mean we don't include tax in the US pricing either y'know?

Only the Euro/Aussie crowd deals with that.

 

[inefficient]

I guess the only draw back is that this might bring the ICP protected BR movies sooner than predicted.

 

[Rangers]

So why would anybody get the premium now? Pay $100 for 40 GB more hard drive? On a console that supposedly can use generic hard drives anyway?

And if true, that 80/20 premium manufactoring split is basically going to be forcing people to pay $100 extra for those 80%, because it's much less desirable now.

I repeat: split sku's are stupid. I would eliminate the high end model altogether now.

This is kickass news btw, if it makes it to USA. It's basically $100 price drop as the tard pack is almost just as good as the premium. Moreso if they can hit 399 anytime soon, they will actually be a fathomable purchase for me.
________
condo sale Pattaya

 

[TrungGap]

He makes it seem like it was magic lol.

KK: "hey guys you want hdmi?"
press: "yeah sure"
KK: "ok done! "

Reminds of late night infomercial...