Europe will only have access to 40GB model once stock has sold out
Sony has announced that once the current stock of 60GB PlayStation 3's has sold out, European regions will only have access to the newly introduced 40GB model.
The shock decision comes after Sony Europe announced a price cut for the 60GB model to GBP 349 / EUR 499, which the company said was in response to consumer feedback.
The company also unveiled a 40GB PlayStation 3 due to go on sale this Wednesday, but gave no indication at the time that the 60GB model would be discontinued.
"Our offering in the UK market place for Christmas are the two SKU's announced on Friday, but as the 60GB stock is depleted the £299 40GB SKU will be the only version available going forward," said a spokesperson for SCEE
Sony has already phased out the 60GB model in North America, where an 80GB unit sells for USD 599 with a copy of
MotorStorm.
Sony admits early PS3 adopters may feel cheated
As Sony ships its new model PlayStation 3 to stores for launch this Wednesday, UK managing director Ray Maguire has told GamesIndustry.biz that the new SKU is a natural evolution and the company always had plans to offer a cheaper product.
But he also admitted that he could understand that PlayStation 3 early adopters might feel cheated for buying the console earlier in the year when it commanded a luxury GBP 425 price point.