PS3 40GB Model Pushed by Sony

Sony will discontinue selling the 20GB and 60GB models of PS3 for a 40GB one.

Sony Favors 40GB Model of PS3

Sony said that it will discontinue selling 20GB and 60GB models of PS3s in Japan this month to emphasize a single, more cost-efficient 40GB model.

The 40GB model, which excludes backward compatibility, sells for less in the country than the already discounted and outgoing models; US$362 for the 40GB compared to $410 for the 20GB and $501 for the 60GB.

In the U.K., similar plans are under way where Sony has began selling 60GB inventory at a discounted price in favor of the single 40GB model.

Of the three major game territories, North America is the only location supporting a multiple SKU lineup. Sony of America abandoned the 20GB and 60GB PS3 models last year, leaving two available models: 40GB ($399) and 80GB ($499) versions.

So is a single, worldwide PS3 model in the future cards? Sony says it's open to change.

"We will continue to read and evaluate market trends and communicate with consumers to determine appropriate configurations for each territory," a company official said on Thursday.

As it appears, maybe gamers only want one model.