Just in case you missed this today, Sony Computer Entertainment America is ditching the 20GB PS3. A Sony source commented. "Initial retail demand in North America was upwards of ninety percent in favor of the 60GB sku, so we manufactured and shipped-in accordingly. Due to the overwhelming demand for the 60GB model from both retailers and consumers, we have ceased offering the 20GB model here in North America".

I wonder if this country-wide rejection was down to the hard drive size alone, or if the lack of Wi-Fi connectivity or media slots played a part. Strangely, the similarly under-featured Xbox 360 Core System is still selling. Does this suggest a difference in consumer expectations and perceptions regarding the two brands? Perhaps there's some kind of complex socio-economical tipping point between the Xbox and PS3 price points. With Xbox 360, it's reasonably cheap to buy the Premium system, so, hey, why not make the purchase cheaper still be selecting Core? But with PS3: "Jeez, I'm spending 500 bucks already, I might as well bump that up for the full shebang". No, hang on, that doesn't make any sense.

Or maybe it's because retailers were pushing the more pricey model. Who knows? Hey, at least they got a choice...

Update: There's an interesting piece of analysis at Playfuls.com, which suggests Sony ditched 20GB machines because the company is actually losing more money on them, per unit sold, than on the 60GB units. Alternatively, it could be because Sony is already lining up an 80gig model...