20GB PS3 model dropped by Sony
With PAL regions not receiving the cheaper 20GB model PlayStation 3 console when the next-gen system was officially released on March 23rd, Sony said they would "assess" demand for the lower spec model and potentially introduce it where appropriate. Then we learnt that the 60GB top-end console was out-selling the 20GB model by 10 to 1 in North America and Japan, causing several prominent retailers to drop the 'economy' model altogether.
Then Sony Style stopped offering the console online. And we realised something really was afoot beyond the 60GB system being merely the model of choice with the vast majority of gamers. Sony of America this evening officially confirmed they are dropping sale of the 20GB console, citing poor demand for the lower spec PS3.
"At launch, we offered two separate models of PlayStation 3 to meet the diverse needs and interests of our PlayStation fan base. Initial retail demand in North America was upwards of ninety percent in favor of the 60GB SKU, so we manufactured and shipped-in accordingly. Due to the overwhelming demand for the 60GB model from both retailers and consumers, we have ceased offering the 20GB model here in North America," explained Sony's Dave Karakker. "In addition to the larger internal hard drive, the 60GB PlayStation 3 features added storage media slots and built-in Wi-Fi not found in the 20GB system. Based on retailer and consumer feedback, we have decided to focus our current efforts on the more popular 60GB model."
Karakker was quick to assure gamers already in possession of the 20GB system that their console will remain fully supported, swiping at the spec of the Xbox 360 Core model by implying that MS dropping their bottom-end offering would probably leave Core owners 'in the cold', because of the lack of any hard-disk. More on this as we get it.