While the latest evidence points towards a new PlayStation 3 model, Sony has declined to comment on any such plans, although it seems the discontinuation of the 80GB model is inevitable. We may have to wait until the Game Developers Conference to get the official line on a new PS3, but in the meantime, DailyTech reports that Sony is "considering the distance it should put between SKUs." Obviously, this implies another model is definitely on the way; it's just a matter of when.
The rumors state that a new PS3 with either a 120GB or 160GB hard drive and the Dual Shock 3 controller is looming on the horizon, but this report says Sony hasn't yet decided what to do. In fact, they say SCEI is "currently holding meetings to settle on what the next package will be." Now, we would assume they're thinking about changes other than a larger hard drive, and that may include the hopeful return of backwards compatibility for PS2 software. Evidently, though, Sony doesn't want the two available models - whatever they end up being - to be too similar.
"There are a lot of different strategies under consideration, but nothing is final yet. They are considering ways to put some relevant distance between the two PS3 SKUs, but it's unclear how that will roll out," the source said.
DailyTech concludes that the Japanese market is "going forward" with just the 40GB model, which is currently available in Clear Black and Ceramic White. The Satin Silver model will hit shelves on March 6. We're hoping Sony will have come to a conclusion regarding a new PS3 model for North America within the next few weeks, and if they do, we'll be one of the first to let you know.
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