SONY has discontinued the 20-gigabyte PlayStation 3 game console so it can focus on a more popular – and expensive – model that has a bigger hard drive.

Since Playstation 3 was launched in November, consumers have flocked to the 60 gigabyte model, leaving the cheaper unit on the stands, Sony Computer Entertainment spokesman Dave Karraker told Yahoo news.

Both models have the same hardware, but the 60 gigabyte console has built in wireless support and space for memory sticks.

Mr Karraker said the company would focus their resources on the console the people wanted, but the 20-gigabyte version would continue to have a retail price of $500 until supplies ran out.

There are still several thousand 20-gigabyte models on store shelves, Karraker said.

Production problems shortly after PlayStation 3 debuted meant that thousands of consumers had to wait in long lines and still couldn’t buy a console. While those purchasing the PS3 online were willing to pay several times the suggested retail price so they could have the consoles for the holidays.