Analyst theorizes why SCEA is dropping the 80GB PS3

Many of us were surprised with the news that Best Buy would stop selling Sony‘s 80GB PlayStation 3 units. If you’re still stumped trying to figure out why this version of the console won’t be seeing its first birthday, Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey might be able to help you. Read his opinion in the full article.

Gamers and analysts were recently stunned upon hearing word that Best Buy would soon stop selling 80GB Sony PlayStation 3 SKUs. While many were left scratching their heads in disbelief, Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey offered an explanation behind the development.

“Sony is likely dumping the 80GB version because it has failed to meet internal sales projections,” comments Hickey. “A recessionary environment will likely punctuate the 80GB version’s relative and absolute retail sales disappointment.”

He adds “the recently released 40GB version is getting traction at retail, suggesting backward compatibility takes a backseat to the console’s price point for current buyers.”

For its part, Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) kept its silence, saying “SCEA does not comment on rumor and/or speculation.”

Interestingly enough, Gamedaily.Biz pointed out that video game sales trackers NPD Group revealed the 80GB SKU to be the better-selling of the two current PS3 models. This further raises speculations as to why Sony is really pulling the plug on the more dominant version.

Pundits have theorized on a 120GB unit in the works. Others believe that Sony might be dropping backwards compatibility entirely and settling for next-gen focus.

Via Gamedaily