E3 2006: Comparison of PlayStation 3 packages
A useful list of all known differences between the 20GB and 60GB version.
Saturday, May 13, 2006 - As announced in the pre-E3 2006 conference, the PlayStation 3 will be released worldwide in November 2007, in two different versions.
Japan
November 11, 2006
20GB - 59800 Yen
60GB - Open price
North America
November 17, 2006
20GB - 499 USD
60GB - 599 USD
Europe/Australia
November 17, 2006
20GB HDD - 499 Euro / 829 AUD (643 USD)
60GB HDD - 599 Euro / 999 AUD (771 USD)
As usual, European players must pay the highest price in the world to get a PlayStation 3, regardless of the version they choose. Basically, a European 20GB version costs more than a U.S. 60GB version. The European 20GB version of the console costs 150 USD more than the U.S. one, and the 60GB version costs nearly 170 USD more than the U.S. one.
Differences between the two version are also not a trifle matter. In fact, unless Sony announces new adapters in the next days, only the HDD of the 20GB version can be upgraded, so the limits of this version could be annoying in the long run.
HDD size
The 20GB version, according to Phil Harrison, is enough for those that plan to use the console mostly to play games and watch movies; those planning to use Sony download services, or to use the PS3 for recording and storing media should probably get the 60GB version.
Anyhow, even when it comes to play games, the importance of the HDD size shouldn't be underestimated; many PS3 developers are talking about the possibility to let players install files on the HDD for better loading times and game performance (HDD reading speed is always superior to the one of a removable optical drive).
The HDD is the only upgradeable part of the 20GB version; according to an interview published on Japanese site IT Media with Izumi Kawanishi, head of Sony Computer Entertainment’s Software Platform Development division, players can upgrade the HDD to a larger version at a later time.
HDMI output
The 20GB version won't have HDMI output; HDMI is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. The 60GB has one HDMI port. You obviously need a TV set with an HDMI port to use this.
Wi-Fi support
The 20GB version won’t have Wi-Fi support, only an Ethernet port for connecting the console to the Internet. With Wi-Fi, you can connect your console to your PC (equipped even with a cheap wireless card, also available as a pluggable USB dongle) and share your main Internet connection. Of course, if you use a Wi-Fi router in your house, things are even more straightforward: just turn on your PlayStation 3, configure it, and you are ready for online gaming.
Memory card reader
The 60GB features also a memory card reader not included in the 20GB version. The 60GB console can read memory stick, SD, and compact flash cards.
Japan
November 11, 2006
20GB - 59800 Yen
60GB - Open price
North America
November 17, 2006
20GB - 499 USD
60GB - 599 USD
Europe/Australia
November 17, 2006
20GB HDD - 499 Euro / 829 AUD (643 USD)
60GB HDD - 599 Euro / 999 AUD (771 USD)
As usual, European players must pay the highest price in the world to get a PlayStation 3, regardless of the version they choose. Basically, a European 20GB version costs more than a U.S. 60GB version. The European 20GB version of the console costs 150 USD more than the U.S. one, and the 60GB version costs nearly 170 USD more than the U.S. one.
Differences between the two version are also not a trifle matter. In fact, unless Sony announces new adapters in the next days, only the HDD of the 20GB version can be upgraded, so the limits of this version could be annoying in the long run.
HDD size
The 20GB version, according to Phil Harrison, is enough for those that plan to use the console mostly to play games and watch movies; those planning to use Sony download services, or to use the PS3 for recording and storing media should probably get the 60GB version.
Anyhow, even when it comes to play games, the importance of the HDD size shouldn't be underestimated; many PS3 developers are talking about the possibility to let players install files on the HDD for better loading times and game performance (HDD reading speed is always superior to the one of a removable optical drive).
The HDD is the only upgradeable part of the 20GB version; according to an interview published on Japanese site IT Media with Izumi Kawanishi, head of Sony Computer Entertainment’s Software Platform Development division, players can upgrade the HDD to a larger version at a later time.
HDMI output
The 20GB version won't have HDMI output; HDMI is an industry-supported, uncompressed, all-digital audio/video interface. The 60GB has one HDMI port. You obviously need a TV set with an HDMI port to use this.
Wi-Fi support
The 20GB version won’t have Wi-Fi support, only an Ethernet port for connecting the console to the Internet. With Wi-Fi, you can connect your console to your PC (equipped even with a cheap wireless card, also available as a pluggable USB dongle) and share your main Internet connection. Of course, if you use a Wi-Fi router in your house, things are even more straightforward: just turn on your PlayStation 3, configure it, and you are ready for online gaming.
Memory card reader
The 60GB features also a memory card reader not included in the 20GB version. The 60GB console can read memory stick, SD, and compact flash cards.
(Posted: Saturday, May 13, 2006, 2:00PM GMT)
- Harry
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