Sony Cancels 4GB PSP 3000 Bundle

Earlier, we reported on some strange emails from Amazon.com telling customers that their 4 GB PSP 3000 bundles were no longer available. Many sources speculated that these letters indicated a large scale product recall of the PSP 3000, perhaps due to issues with its interlaced display.

Today, Sony marketing chief John Koller came forward to clarify the situation, saying that the company has no plans to nix the PSP 3000, just the planned 4 GB multimedia bundle. According to Sony, the demand for the Ratchet and Clank package has been so strong, that the company has decided to cancel the 4 GB pack in North America. The company issued the following statement on its official website ealry today:

"Based on ongoing discussions with our retail partners and the feedback they have received from their customers, SCEA has seen significant interest in the Ratchet & Clank Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack in North America, which includes the updated PSP-3000. As a result, we will be streamlining our PSP hardware lineup and will no longer be offering the previously announced 4GB Memory PSP Entertainment Pack. "

We find this statement somewhat suspicious, considering that many fans who already own Ratchet and Clank: Size Matters have been patiently waiting for the 4 GB bundle. Perhaps the feedback from retailers has indicated that the new bundle isn't selling well in North America, forcing Sony to abandon the bundle strategy altogether?

A regular, non-bundled PSP 3000 will be available later this winter, but for now the Ratchet and Clank package remains the only way to purchase a PSP 3000 in North America. For the moment, there is no word on whether this cancellation also affects European customers.

The Ratchet and Clank PSP 3000 Bundle is now the only show in town.

[Source: Official Playstation Blog]