Sony will stop shipping the 20GB and 60GB models of Sony's PlayStation 3 to Japan this month.

The decision will leave only the cheaper 40GB model, which retails at 39,800 yen (£185 - yes, that's what we said, more than £100 less expensive than in the UK), available to Japanese consumers for the time being. That means that, once the remaining 60GB and 20GB PS3s have sold through, Japanese consumers will not be able to get a backwards-compatible PS3.

According to Reuters news agency, however, Sony has made a point of saying that it will release new models "to respond to end-user preferences sometime in the future."

The 40GB PS3 was released in October in Japan, contributing to the PS3 topping sales of the Wii for the first time in the territory.

"This is a good strategy", said Michael On, managing director of Beyond Asset Management Co. in Taipei. "The move can help Sony focus and cut inventory and management costs.''

We assume by this that Mr On means 'inventory management' rather than actual management staff.

Exactly what future models of the PS3 will be released is up for grabs, but the decision to only sell the 40GB model in Japan further demonstrates Sony's desire to sell a cheaper, more accessible PS3. Let us know your thoughts in the Forum.

^{Sources: Reuters, Bloomberg}