Retailers Drop 20GB PS3 In North America

A number of retailers including Sony's own online store, SonyStyle have apparentl stopped selling the less powerful 20Gb PS3 model. Despite the much higher price Sony stated that the 60GB model is in higher demand by consumers.

"The line-up [at SonyStyle] is decided based on market demand and so it's not surprising that they are not selling it on their Web site but if you go to a retailer you can find it," said Satoshi Fukuoka, a spokesperson for SCEI in Tokyo. He went on to say that the more expensive version with a 60GB hard disk drive has always been more popular among users and that's why some retail outlets aren't stocking the lower-spec model. The second version costs $600 and comes with a wireless Internet adapter not present on the cheaper model.

Despite Fukuoka’s comments, several top retail chains across the country have also stopped selling the 20GB version, including Best Buy, Gamestop and Electronics Boutique. But the console is still on sale at some retailers, such as Amazon.com.

Launched in November last year in Japan and the States, the 20GB model was not launched in Europe, as according to Sony, consumers here preferred the 60GB model.