In an interview with GameDaily, SCEA's Scott Steinberg talked about the various SKUs on the marketplace. The 40GB model was a big focus for Sony's holiday season, as the $399 price point was something they hoped would appeal to the mass market. With NPD numbers for 2008 so far, the plan has worked. However, Steinberg admits that they underestimated the appeal of the 80GB model: "Reality is the price wasn't that big of a deal and $499 sold a lot more than we thought."

Gamers, at least those in America, are willing to pay a premium to get the "complete" experience associated with the brand. For example, many Xbox gamers opt for the Premium model, as opposed to the cheaper (but HDD-less) Arcade model. Many new PS3 owners most likely want PS2 backwards compatibility, something that the 80GB offers (but the 40GB model does not).

"You'll see us replenish these in the marketplace," Steinberg said. In fact, we hope that they'll make a lot of 80GB systems. The upcoming 80GB Metal Gear Solid bundle will certainly have a mass market appeal -- even with its pricey $500 price tag.

source

Duh, they just now realized this. A lot of people want the bc and a larger hdd. Sony, if you sell it they will come. Well those that can afford it and still want one.

I think what's gonna sell this bundle is MGS4 hands down. The bigger HD is great, but as you already know, installing your own "cheap/much larger" HD is a snap.

Back-compat.

it's the only important feature for me, the other niceties are good too, though. (more USB, card reader,tec)


Now if this was released in the UK?

The rumor about the 80gb BC PS3 is still out there, but I'm not too sure about it being a MGS4 bundle...keep your fingers crossed?