Best Buy axes 80GB PS3

Conspiracy theorists would say that Best Buy is clearing up space for a new SKU, but no matter what the reasons ultimately are, Best Buy will stop carrying the 80GB PS3 starting next week.

An internal memo from Best Buy has been leaked across the internet, and in the memo it states that after January 28^th, 2008, Best Buy will no longer be carrying the 80GB model of the PlayStation 3. No reason was given as to why the electronics retailer has decided to cut the 80GB model, but many speculate that it could be opening the door for the potential release of a new SKU.

The memo reads, in full:

The 80GB version of the PS3 is going closeout and won’t be replaced at this time. It will come off the planogram on Jan 28. The 60GB version should already be gone from stores. Only the 40GB version of the PS3 will be sold in Best Buy stores at this time. This means that there currently isn’t a version that is PS2 compatible.

At this time, Sony hasn’t made any announcements about new products.

Best Buy is aware of the possible retaliation they could get from gamers who want the option of purchasing a PS3 with backwards compatibility. I know for a fact that if a console doesn’t have backwards compatibility, I’m not spending my hard-earned cash on it. “Why not just keep the old console?” you’re probably asking in a snide tone. Well, to be frank: I shouldn’t have to.

Every console manufacturer should have the foresight to realize that no matter how much their product may resemble the monolith (Sony), eventually it will die. It is a certainty. My PlayStation 2? I went through three Disc Read Error episodes before I got one that worked. My PS-X (or PSOne to you younger folk) crapped out in 2002. There is simply no excuse for a console to not be backwards compatible.

And if we’re still having this debate five or so years down the road with the next batch of consoles, and you tell me I should have kept my Xbox 360 because my Xbox 720 has poor or no BC, I’m smacking you with the red-ringed brick.

• Sony cuts 60GB PS3 by $100, introduces 80GB model to US
• 80GB PS3 due next month
• The 80GB Playstation 3 is being sold/shipped right now
• It’s official – Sony announces 80GB PS3 for the US and Canada
• 80GB PS3 launches in Korea