Sony Computer Entertainment has decided to stop production of their 20GB PlayStation 3 (PS3), leaving the remaining 60GB version the sole console in their arsenal. The 20GB version has proved popular with Blu-ray owners with its low price point and high end performance. The move, however, comes as little surprise; Sony has only shipped the cheaper version - which lacked integrated WiFi and memory card readers in addition to the smaller hard drive - to Japan and North America, leaving a single option to most of the world. Sony claims that consumer demand in North America - where both models were available - was 9-to-1 in favor of the 60GB version, so they will now focus on delivering what consumers have overwhelmingly demanded.
This means, at least for the moment, that in order to get your hands on the most popular Blu-ray player, you're going to have to come up with another $100US. This news comes on the heals of rumors that a
new PS3 version - with a larger 80GB hard drive and better BlueTooth antenna - will be released at some point in the future. It is still unknown if this new model will replace the existing model, or if it will be introduced after a price drop for the current 60GB model.
Stay tuned. We'll keep updating as we learn more about Sony's popular Blu-ray player.