PlayStation 3's lifespan winding down
Sony Japan says shipments for its previous generation console will be ending soon
Sony has frequently said it wants its consoles to have at least a 10-year lifespan, and the PlayStation 3 has managed that and then some. However, the console's time on shelves may be nearing its end, as a Gematsu translation of Sony's Japanese PlayStation site indicates that the last remaining model of the PS3 in Japan is being discontinued.
"Shipments are scheduled to end soon," the site notes about the 500GB model.
The PlayStation 3 debuted in November of 2006 in North America and Japan. Despite some early uncertainty, the system rebounded and sold more than 80 million units by the time the PlayStation 4 launched in November of 2013.
As for timelines on the PS3's production outside of Japan, a Sony representative did not immediately return a request for comment.