Sony Discontinues Current PS3 Lineup in Japan

Sony today said it will discontinue the sale of 20GB and 60GB PS3 models in Japan this month to emphasize a single and more cost effect 40GB model, which excludes backward compatibility.

The newer 40GB model 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.

Similar plans are under way in the U.K, where Sony has began flushing 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.