Having brought you news that several stores across the U.S had decided to drop the 20G PS3, we can now bring you official word that Sony will discontinue the lower spec model in the US.

The official statement says, "At launch, we offered two separate models of PlayStation 3 to meet the diverse needs and interests of our PlayStation fan base. Initial retail demand in North America was upwards of 90% 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."

The 20GB model, for which a limited stock remains, retails in the US for $499, while the 60GB goes for $599.

SCEA spokesperson Dave Karraker has promised that gamers who own a 20GB model will continue to be "100% supported with software and services, since all PS3s have the same basic architecture".

There are, however, no plans at present to discontinue the 20GB model in Japan.

>> Read - American stores begin to drop the 20GB PS3