US retailers drop 20GB PS3

While the 60GB PlayStation 3 continues to be widely available in North America, some retailers have stopped selling the 20GB model - including Sony's official online outlet, SonyStyle.

SonyStyle now offers only the 60GB version, which SCEI spokesperson Satoshi Fukuoka said has always been the more popular of the two machines. Speaking to IDG News he stated, "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 website. But if you go to a retailer you can find it."

[omansteveo]

How they say Retailers dropped it when Sony really discontinued it. Bc im sure the core is less popular than the premium bit its still in stores

[fjtorres]

...for retailers to drop it before Sony does.
Namely the extended warranties. An earlier post around here made the point that Gamestop and co are warehousing their stock of 20GB models to make good on the warranties they sold on 20GB PS3s. Cause otherwise, they'd have to make good with 60GB models.

The only reason for retailers to do this is if they *expect* Sony to cut off the supply of 20GB PS3s. Sony has not made any such announcement, officially, but the retailers might have early word that it is happening.
Which is why folks notice it when the 20's vanish...

Sony is likely moving to a single sku strategy.

[shikwan]

that's effed up! I'm pretty sure that the 360 Core is not as popular either-yet one can still be had at retailers. MS isn't saying crap like "We're basing it on demand."

Any SMART consumer would tell ya to buy the 20G version--you don't need memory card readers with usb ports--the hdd is USER upgradeable--and wifi isn't the best for online gaming or data transfer.

If they were "basing stuff on demand" then hell; LOWER THE PRICE!!!

[ben hates you]

sony is no longer selling the 20gig is because they want to be able to say that the ps3 is total wireless at least thats what i think

[rbanke]

I like the case of the 20gb better than the 60gb...

[SmokeyMcBear]

its not that big of a deal i think. I mean whats really the difference, wifi and an extra 40 GB of HD. oh right, and the handy media cards slot, which can actually say I used them this weekend, popped in my cousins memory card from her digital cam, worked like a charm, very useful. You only realize something is there, when you don't have it. It would be good to get one sku, and you do get some bang for your buck. But yeah, it does make entry into the next gen more difficult for ps3 wishers. But if you think about it, if you can afford 500, you should most like afford 600.

Well yeah, no one used the floppy drives anymore. But I have to disagree with you on the card readers. The sony cameras have some funky usb to some sort of connection cable, not the regular usb to mini like the controllers use. I'm also sure there are other types of cameras that use all sorts of camera to usb cable connections. Point is, its just one more cable I don't have to worry about. I pretty much despise cables, they are a hassle, look ugly and take forever to bunch up and hide so they don't mess up the clean look. The card readers allow you to just pop it in, download, and replace, no cables neccessary. You might not use, there are thousands of people who will.

[shikwan]

If you can afford $600 then should they have a $700 model?

Also, when I built my Dell-I OPTED not to have a floppy disk...to save money and cause I knew I would never use it. Same goes for the model with the card readers. It's not necessary when you have usb ports.

[BubblesDAVERAGE]

That is so much better value..wifi is fine for gaming wiht eifi on my ps3 it still isnt lagging..on resistance

[snoop_dizzle]

I haven't even used up half of my 360 hard drive. But then again, it could be possible that the 60gb will be dropped a 100 dollars.

[ITR]

For $250 bucks Nintendo can offer WiFi.

For $500 bucks Sony can't even include WiFi in their setup.

[gta_cb]

hmmm... this means Sony wont get my money for longer as my TV is right near my wireless network box, so theres no need for a WiFi which is why i connect my 360 to the net via Ethernet. the mem card reader, WiFi etc all nice to have, but when i could get the same game play for less i would have vouched for that. (means i would have wanted the 20GB model.

[Covenant]

My store hasn't seen a 20GB model since January...so yeah, this is pretty much on the spot. Although I have seen much higher demand for the 60GB, the 20GB offered an alternative for those not interested in wifi or a card-reader...an extra $100 goes a long way towards another controller and a game.

Dropping the 20GB model also undermines one of Sony's strategies for the PS3: Blu-Ray. Think about it: If I want a BR player, and have 2 choices between $500 and $600, which will I choose if I don't want the added features of the 60GB model? $100 isn't exactly chump change; that'll buy at least three Blu-Ray movies.

This seems odd that Sony would drop one of their wain weapons in the HD war, and also one of the main counter-points to the 360. Again, $100 difference: If I'm a consumer, and I see that I can get a 360 Pro for $400, or get a PS3 with wifi and Blu-Ray (if desired) for just $100 more (the price of the 360's wifi adapter)?

I'm not bashing Sony, but this move is odd and definitely runs counter to many of their stated strategies.

[kornbeaner]

Now a price drop to increase install base and they will be set.

Oh yeah and some more games being released would help this cause as well.