Sony Europe confirms 40GB PS3 as sole model on market; 60GB phased out

298w ago - Sony has confirmed that the £299 40GB PS3 SKU will become the only PS3 model available in Europe once the current stock of 60GB PS3s have been depleted. To quote:

The specification of the new 40GB model has been determined following feedback from thousands of PS3 owners, and features two USB 2.0 ports rather than four and no longer includes the multi memory card port.

The new 40GB model is also no longer backwards compatible with PlayStation 2 titles. This is due to a reduced emphasis placed on this feature by later purchasers of PS3, as well as the availability of a more extensive line-up of PS3 specific games, which will number a total of 65 titles across all genres by Christmas 2007.

As with the PLAYSTATION 3 60GB, the 40GB model features system software updates allowing new features and functionality to be added to the system as time progresses.

In the UK and Ireland, a Value Pack consisting of a 60GB PS3 with extensive backwards compatibility and two first party titles will be on sale at a price of €499 (£349). Remaining on sale while stocks last, the 60GB model represents outstanding value for the keen gamer wishing to upgrade to the High Definition capabilities of PS3. Once stocks are exhausted the new 40GB model will be the only one available in the SCEE territories.

"The introduction of the 40GB model has been the result of extensive research into the entertainment needs and preferences of the next generation of PS3 owners," said David Reeves, President of SCEE. "It has allowed us to deliver an extremely advanced, yet highly affordable High Definition gaming and entertainment system, configured to the needs of the next generation of European PS3 owners. PS3 has always been the device of choice for the discerning gamer and entertainment seeker, and the new 40GB model is more than ever the perfect High Definition entertainment system."