Sony discontinues 20GB PS3

[PsYkHoTiK]

In response to our earlier reports of the increasing market rarity of the 20GB PlayStation 3, Sony Computer Entertainment of America has officially confirmed with DailyTech that the less expensive variant of its console will no longer be offered in North America.

“At launch, we offered two separate models of PLAYSTATION 3 to meet the diverse needs and interests of our PlayStation fan base,” explained Dave Karraker, senior director of corporate communications for SCEA. “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,” Karraker confirmed.

Even before launch, it was estimated that the 60GB would be the preferred version of the PlayStation 3. Original shipment ratios were 80 percent 60GB and 20 percent 20GB, but with the larger HDD version outselling the 20GB model 10 to one, Sony may have decided that it would be more effective or efficient to concentrate its production capacity to a single model.

“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,” added Karraker. “Based on retailer and consumer feedback, we have decided to focus our current efforts on the more popular 60GB model.”

It would be reasonable to expect that any remaining stock of 20GB consoles on the market is the last of its kind. Thankfully, the 20GB PS3 has the same basic feature set as the 60GB model, making it equally capable and compatible with both games and Blu-ray movies – and every model made is assured to have the EE+GS PS2 chip for backwards compatibility. Sony has also indicated that the 20GB model, while discontinued, will still be supported by software and services, such as warranty.

Source: http://dailytech.com/Sony+Confirms+2...rticle6883.htm

Its been a while since I've last seen a 20GB model in stores. Rumors were true after all then.

[jamotto]

No real point in getting the 20GB version.

[1031982]

I agree. They took too much out of the 20GB version compared to the 60GB version. Like the memory card reader and the internal WiFi adapter.
I won't be getting a PS3 anyway, way to expensive.

[PsYkHoTiK]

But like I said, for those who want a Blu-ray player, this is real cheap. You get a gaming system 'free' with it too...

[Adrian Wong]

Originally Posted by PsYkHoTiK

But like I said, for those who want a Blu-ray player, this is real cheap. You get a gaming system 'free' with it too...

Ahh.. That's LICH people talk!

[jamotto]

Originally Posted by PsYkHoTiK

But like I said, for those who want a Blu-ray player, this is real cheap. You get a gaming system 'free' with it too...

From what I have seen, the 60GB models are now cheaper than the 20GB models

I only found one place selling the 20GB for less than $600, their price was $570.

[1031982]

Very true, but IMO, if you are going to get a media player of any kind, you should get something EXCLUSIVELY for that. Mainly because of drive ware and tear. That's one of the best things with the 360's HD-DVD drive, it's external greatly lowering the work both drives do. But, this is my opinion. I know a lot of people who would rather have one drive and use them until they die.

[PsYkHoTiK]

Originally Posted by jamotto

From what I have seen, the 60GB models are now cheaper than the 20GB models

I only found one place selling the 20GB for less than $600, their price was $570.

Where are you looking? I can waltz into target and buy the 60GB model for its MSRP. Infact, I did just that for mine (except I went to Wal-mart).

As for drive wear and tear, I doubt its a big deal. My PSone still works and its been there for years. My PS2 works and I've had it for about two years.

And you see, to get a PS3 and a Blu-ray player, thats an extra 1k for the Blu-ray player... Why the redundancy and unnecessary added cost?

[jamotto]

Originally Posted by PsYkHoTiK

Where are you looking? I can waltz into target and buy the 60GB model for its MSRP. Infact, I did just that for mine (except I went to Wal-mart).

Oh man, I think I read your post wrong. I thought you where talking about 20 GB models being cheap, but from what you wrote above your really saying is all PS3(20GB or 60GB) are cheap compared to other Blue ray players. If that is the case then pardon my confusion.

[PsYkHoTiK]

LOL! Yea. PS3s are the cheapest Blu-ray players in the market. Well until the lower costing $500 ones come out but still. A PS3 would still shine greatly in terms of value.