Timeline of PlayStation 3 SKUs

The PlayStation 3 was originally launched in Japan on November 11, 2006 and in North America on November 17, 2006 with two SKUs: a 20 GB version and a 60 GB version. Both of these models included hardware backwards compatibility for PlayStation 2 games. In January 2007, Sony announced that Europe's 60 GB version would exclude hardware backwards compatibility for PS2 titles and instead would provide compatibility through software emulation of the PS2's hardware. During the course of 2007, Sony announced several new PlayStation 3 SKUs and discontinued others.

Timeline of SKUs

*On November 11, 2006, the PlayStation 3 was launched in Japan, with both 20 GB and 60 GB models available.

*On November 17, 2006, the PlayStation 3 was launched in the United States, with both 20 GB and 60 GB models available.

*On March 23, 2007, the PlayStation 3 was launched in Europe, Australia, the Middle East, Africa and New Zealand, with only a 60 GB model available.

*On April 11, 2007, Sony discontinued the 20 GB PlayStation 3 model in North America, citing "lack of consumer demand." [

*On June 12, 2008 Sony released a 80GB PS3 Bundle which has "Metal Gear Solid 4", along with a DualShock 3 controller, and a voucher for a free download of the PlayStation Network game, Pain. This bundle was only released in America, and sold out quickly at most retailers at their stores and online stores.

*On July 17, 2008 SCEE President David Reeves announced the 40GB PAL PS3 would be replaced with a new 80GB model. Sony is planning a simultaneous launch on August 27 across all PAL territories. SCEE President David Reeves said Sony would not lower the price of the 40GB model in the meanwhile. [cite web|url=http://us.gamespot.com/news/6194583.html?tag=latestnews;title;0|title=E3 08: 80GB PS3 coming to Europe, Australia on August 27|accessdate=2008-07-17|date=2008-07-16|author=Randolph Ramsay and Luke Anderson|publisher=Gamespot]

*On August 20, 2008, Sony announced at the Leipzig Games Convention that they will be releasing a 160GB PS3 bundle which includes "", along with a DualShock 3 controller, and a voucher for a free download of the of the PlayStation Network game, Pain.

References