Sony denies PS3 160GB phase-out

The entry-level 160GB PS3 SKU is not being phased out at retail, an SCE UK spokesperson has told MCV.

GAME was until recently selling it for just 159.99 – a 90 saving over its RRP – but stocks have run out. Play.com has slashed the price to 199.99 while ShopTo is selling it for 224.86.

However, Sony has vowed to bring additional shipments into the UK shortly.

"Retail are currently being very aggressive with the price of the 160GB model to the obvious advantage of consumers," the spokesperson stated.

"This means demand is currently high and in some areas, stock is lower than we’d like. That said, we will be addressing this with additional shipments in the very near future."

Last week MCV revealed that Sony is preparing to announce a PS3 price cut at Gamescom in August. The result could be machines priced as little as 179.99 in the run-up to Christmas.