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There's been some confusion about all the various PS3 models that are available. Sony has introduced, and discontinued, so many different SKUs over the PS3's relatively short lifespan so far. Did you know, with the discontinuation of the Metal Gear Solid 4 model, there will only be two SKUs on the market? And did you know that neither will have backwards compatibility? Check out Joystiq's handy reference guide to see the stats of each SKU -- and if make sure you've nabbed the system that fits your needs exactly!

The discontinuation of the PS2-playing 20 and 60 GB models of the PS3 have made them quite the hot item in Japan, so much so that Amazon Japan is currently selling 20 GB systems for ?63,800 ($617), around ?30,000 more than the 40GB system. 60 GB consoles are the priciest of all, currently selling for ?74,800 ($723). Hobby shops there are also apparently jacking up buyback prices, according to this blog (beware of NSFW ads).

Are we headed for a similar fate here in the states? No. Or at least, not immediately. With a mostly backwards compatible model already announced for June, it seems that that the folks who like to keep one foot in each generation aren't in danger of the chasm they straddle widening and swallowing them whole just yet.

[Via CVG]

Read -- JAPAN: older PS3 models price doubled! (NSFW ads)

The last bastion of safety for the 20GB and 60GB PlayStation 3s is nearing its end as Sony Computer Entertainment Japan announced that it shipped its last batch this month. Instead, Sony will focus on the 40GB model in Japan and will "vigorously promote the expansion of the PS3 platform."

Of course, this doesn't come as much surprise as Sony has discontinued both models in North America and Europe, and it only makes sense since the 40GB is currently the best deal money can buy when it comes to the PlayStation 3.

We bid you a fond farewell 20GB and 60GB, for we barely knew you.

Remember the 20GB system? Long thought gone, the system is still available at Gamestop.com for $380. This is the cheapest system you can get. At $20 less than the 40GB model, you lose wi-fi connectivity and 20GB of hard disk space. However, you gain backwards compatibility. For those that want the cheapest PS3 that can also play PS2 games, this one may be for you.

Thanks to the price drop, the 60GB model officially costs the same as the 80GB one. However, retailers aren't going for any of that nonsense and are now packaging the system with many other goodies. Walmart.com, for example, is bundling one free game and a Blu-ray remote with the 60GB system (making it a far better deal than the 80GB, in our opinion). Retail Best Buy stores will soon run a promotion where you can get a free copy of Heavenly Sword (or Lair, if you so dare) and an extra controller with the 60GB system. Obviously, these are "while supplies last," so you may have to rush to take advantage of these deals.

[Via CAG]

We know Sony probably has a new PS3 model in the works, but this is just plain ol' silly. Could the left-for-dead 20GB PS3 be making a triumphant return from the grave? If EB Games' website is to be believed, it could seem so as the retailer lists the stripped-down model for only $450, which is about $50 more than the rumored 40GB unit.

Most likely, the company is trying to burn through some of its old stock or it's just a mistake, but hey, if you really need a cheaper PS3 right now, why not take the plunge?

[via Destructoid]

Let's face it, 360 accessories are expensive. In the case of hard drives, 360 accessories are ridiculously expensive. As a service to our readers, we bring you the news that you can snag a 20GB 360 HDD for the tempting price of $49.90 from GoGamer.com (for now at least). Add $2.59 for shipping and you've got a brand new hard drive for $52.49. Not bad. But wait! there's more. Why grab a measly 20GB HDD when you can get a 120GB HDD for the bargain price of $144.99 ($35 off retail)? Head over to Newegg.com and you can purchase one for $164.99. Just slap on the promo code "Paypal20" and pay with PayPal and you'll get an additional $20 off. After shipping, you'll pay somewhere in the range of $150. Again, not bad.

Read -- 20GB deal at GoGamer
Read -- 120GB deal at Newegg

[Via TechBargains. Thanks, djphatjive]

We were on the edge about whether or not to bring this to your attention, because we didn't know how they would be in stock. But, just so you know, you can now buy a 20GB PS3 for $450 at Gamestop.com. It's weird, largely because it's just not really a good bargain. Is saving $50 bucks really a fair trade for a hard drive with less space than your discs? We don't think so.

But hey, maybe you've got an extra hard drive just lying around, who are we to say? Maybe you just like depriving yourself. Either way, we doubt these will last long, so you may want to act fast if you're in the market.

[Thanks, Justin]

Reports of the 20 GB PlayStation 3 SKU's demise are only partially true -- because, as you know, mostly dead is still slightly alive. There is still one very important country where gamers can choose their PS3 stylings: Japan.

Speaking to Famitsu, a Sony Computer Entertainment representative said, "We're currently not considering changes akin to North America. However we would like to react flexibly with the market." IGN also sought out some anecdotal evidence by checking a few Tokyo game shops, finding that both the 20 GB and 60 GB were in stock. Interestingly enough, the 60 GB used model is the same price as the 20 GB new model at 49,800 yen.

Interestingly, Sony UK has given a similar company line, telling CVG, "We'll continue to monitor demand for the 20GB model ... which will be factored into any future Euro launch plans." Of course, the 20GB model has never been in Europe anyways, so the chances of them bringing the second SKU in down the road are slim to none.

[Update: Fixed image.]

You've read it, we're sure. You know, the news where the 20GB model of the PlayStation 3 has breathed its last? Turns out that's only about 85% true. Luckily for those of us not bothered by the fact that the system is region-free, you can still get your import on if you just can't shell out the extra Benjamin (or whatever equally-valued currency you may have... but they might not have such a snappy name). That's right -- Japan plans to continue selling the 20GB model.

Thinking about it, I've never actually seen a 20GB model on the shelves of stores around here, so it's interesting to finally have confirmation as to why. Because. The best option, if you're really trying to pinch pennies, is to go ahead and find a used console in Japan (of course, the air fare might make it a little more expensive) which go for 42,800 yen (we're estimating that's about $450). So... you can get your 20GB model if you don't mind importing. The end!

PlayStation 3 is now officially 599 US dollars--and only 599 US dollars. In a move that surprises absolutely no one, Sony has officially discontinued the cheaper SKU. Dave Karraker told GameDaily BIZ: "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. In addition to the larger internal hard drive, the 60GB PlayStation 3 features added storage media slots and built-in Wi-Fi not found in the 20GB system. Based on retailer and consumer feedback, we have decided to focus our current efforts on the more popular 60GB model."

Hmmmmm, well this is certainly curious. Although there is no official word that the PlayStation 3's 20GB model is finished, the Sony Style stores haven't had them in stock for a long time and the SonyStyle.com mother ship is done with the model -- it's no longer listed on the site. We contacted SonyStyle.com and were told, "We haven't had it in stock for a month ... We're not getting any more. You could maybe go out and find one." Going to a Sony Style store isn't going to get you anywhere either. One store we called had the same story as SonyStyle.com. A sales representative said, "We haven't gotten those [20GB] models in for a long time. We have plenty of 60 gig models in stock." When asked if the model had been discontinued he said, "Not officially ... but we haven't seen any in a long time."

Best Buy stopped carrying the 20 GB model last month. As of mid-March Sony told us the 20GB model was still being manufactured and that "retailers have been requesting the 60GB model, the mix has been about 80 percent 60GB, 20 percent 20GB retailer orders." Sony's own stores are part of that 80 percent now. Having two models of the PlayStation 3 is a nice gesture, but if a product is no longer being stocked by anyone, including Sony's own retail chain, does it really still exist?

[Thanks Jason]

So, a much bigger Xbox 360 hard drive is a good thing, right? Well ... not when it comes with some fairly crippling conditions. Wired has the skinny on some of the small print on Microsoft's new little "Elite" storage device:

• You cannot put the data from two or more 20 GB hard disks onto one 120 GB hard disk. If you attempt to move multiple drives, only the last one you move will be stored.
• You can only move data from the 20GB Hard Disk to the 120 GB Hard Disk. Transferring data in the other direction, or any other combination, is not possible.
• Any data stored on the 120 GB hard disk will be automatically deleted.
• Any data stored on the 20 GB hard disk will be automatically deleted after it is moved over.
• Once you move the data over, it cannot be placed back on the original hard disk.

That first bullet point sticking out at ya, just a bit? It might rub a lot of people the wrong way, especially since Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg told everyone to buy two 20GB HDDs back when they released all of the TV and movie content, and people were worried storing everything. Zoinks.

It's hard to think about people not getting just a bit cheesed about this. If you have two hard drives, that Microsoft told you to buy, and then when they finally release the new bigger drive and then tell you that you can only put one drive's worth of good on it, that's a pretty bitter pill they're asking you to swallow.

We've contacted Microsoft to get some answers on how that data cable does its business.

We were told to expect Advanced Remote Play functionality in today's big PS3 update (version 1.6). Looks like we were played the fool: you will not be able to access your PS3's content from any wi-fi point: once again, you must be in wireless range of your PS3. Until they correct this, the Remote Play functionality loses a lot of its purpose: what's the point of being tethered so close to the system? Update 1: It looks like Sony has delivered, but in a very unreliable fashion. Personal tests show that a "PS3 is not detected" error message is given more often than not. A variety of factors may be causing this glitch: firstly, your PS3 may lose its internet connection, especially if it's not wired. Secondly, Folding@home seemingly activates even when your PS3 is in Remote Play mode, which can cause some glitches. Personally, I've been able to successfully connect to my PS3 from an external wi-fi source less than 1 in 10 times. We shall investigate further.

There are some additional improvements made in this firmware revision, but they are very subtle. You'll be able to easily register a PSP for Remote Play use by accessing Remote Play from System Settings on PS3. Also, you'll be able to connect a wi-fi bridge to 20GB PS3s, allowing them to interface with PSP like the 60GB versions do.

[Thanks, Ryan!]

There have been rumors surfacing that Sony is trying to discontinue the 20GB model. In Europe, low demand for the 20GB version caused Sony to not offer the cheaper SKU: only 60GB models are available in that territory. America may soon meet the same fate, as Best Buy has stopped ordering 20GB versions of Sony's latest console.

Phasing out the 20GB version is a win for both the retailer and Sony: the retailer earns more money, and Sony loses less on each system sold (they lose an additional $65 for each 20GB sold). Also, consumers seem to prefer the higher-end system. With Best Buy no longer ordering the "value" edition of the system, it won't be long before other major retailers follow suit. Will not offering a $499 version of the console make it less accessible to the masses? Or, does it further solidify Sony's "Mercedes" image?

[Via Joystiq]

The hard evidence is starting to flow in that retailers have had about enough from the PS3's 20GB model. A Best Buy employee sent us a printout from their computer system showing the status of the 20GB model as "discontinued." We confirmed the printout information by contacting three separate stores. This does not mean the 20GB PS3 model's production has been discontinued -- just that Best Buy will no longer carry it.

When Joystiq spoke with Sony's David Karraker earlier this week he told us, "Overwhelmingly, retailers have been requesting the 60GB model, the mix has been about 80 percent 60GB, 20 percent 20GB retailer orders." With Best Buy's decision to no longer carry the unit, a major retailer has walked away from the 20GB table, obviously the margins were better on the 60GB model. Sony says they are still producing 20GB models.