Focus switches now to 40GB model
Sony has announced that they will be discontinuing both the 20GB and 60GB PS3 models in Japan at the end of the month, the reason being so they can "improve software development environment and the availability of a more extensive line-up of software titles for PS3".The final shipment of both models will be made at the end of January, before the company turns its focus to the 40GB model.
According to Famitsu, the PlayStation 3 outsold the Xbox 360 in Japan 5:1 during the two weeks in the lead up to Christmas.
Check out the press release:
Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. today announced that it would discontinue shipment of both 20GB HDD and 60GB HDD configurations of PLAYSTATION 3 originally launched on November 11th 2006, in the Japanese market after the completion of the final shipment scheduled in January 2008. Upon termination of the shipment, the sales of both models will be limited to stock in the market.
Along with both the increased efforts to improve software development environment and the availability of a more extensive line-up of software titles for PS3, SCEI will vigorously promote the expansion of the PS3 platform by further concentrating on the 40GB HDD (CECHH00 Series) model introduced in November 2007, equipped with the core technology components that make PS3 the most advanced high-definition entertainment system while realizing lower power consumption.
Following the ever greater line-up of the PS3 software during this holiday season, more and more software titles are scheduled to be released beyond January from third party game developers and publishers such as "Devil May Cry 4" (CAPCOM CO.,LTD./ Expected Release Date: January 31st in BD format), "METAL GEAR SOLID 4 GUNS OF THE PATRIOTS" (Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd./ Expected Release Date: second quarter of calendar year 2008 in BD format) and "Ryu ga Gotoku KENZAN!" (SEGA CORPORATION/ Expected Release Date: March 6th in BD format) as well as SCE Worldwide Studios, Japan Studio titles including "echochrome" (Expected Release Date: Spring 2008 as PLAYSTATION Network download content).
SCEI will continue to further expand the PS3 platform and create a new world of computer entertainment.
