AUG. 29, 2008 • SCEE chief David Reeves told trade publication MCV that the upcoming 160GB PlayStation 3 was a “limited edition” model to test demand for a more expensive package. Reeves also said there would be no other changes to PS3 hardware ahead of the holiday period.

Impact:  DFC Intelligence admits to a prejudice against multiple SKUs that change the core hardware specifications.  Sony has done a good job of finally cleaning up its PlayStation 3 lineup with a focus on the 80 GB SKU.  Therefore we would view maintaining a “limited edition” view of the 160 GB PS3 is a good thing.  A hard drive is an easily upgradeable accessory for a game machine, but once you go down that slope of providing more, it may be hard to turn back.  Meanwhile, we wonder how many consumers hold back this holiday season to see if any new PS3 bundles become available.