SCEA denies phase-out, wants to punch Sony Europe

Apparently, Sony Computer Entertainment of America has reacted with a bemused "WTF?" to David Reeves of Sony Europe's assertion that the 60GB PS3 is being liquidated, chalking it up to misinterpretation.

A rep for Sony of America, talking to Next-Gen.biz, said:

"As announced this week, SCEA's product offering in North America consists of a 80GB PS3 available in August at $599 and a 60GB PS3 available now for $499. We will have ample supplies of both models to meet the needs of our consumers for the foreseeable future."

"The foreseeable future" isn't an outright rejection of Reeves' prior statement that the discounted American 60GB PS3 would be discontinued once supplies ran out, but the rep also clarifies:

“Those quotes [published by a UK-based game industry website] from David Reeves are not accurate.  He said that if they had lowered the price in Europe, that territory would have run out of their current inventory by the end of July.”

...Okay. The unfortunate London PR rep who initially backed Reeves' statement is now backing away, also telling Next-Gen:

“I believe that is the plan, but SCEA has not formally made an announcement on any timeframe. As it affects the US you should confirm with SCEA.”

 So, sounds now like they might have gotten their wires crossed -- but god help Sony if they deny it now only to confirm it later, right? 

[via NextGen.biz ]