Inventory for Sony Corp.’s Playstation 3 160GB model was limited at U.S. retail in a recent status check at Best Buy Co. Inc. and select online retailers.

A check of 160GB PS3 SKU store availability in Best Buy locations across California and New York yielded a ‘unavailable’ status of the item.

Additionally, the PS3 160GB SKU is unavailable at EBGames.com and GameStop.com.

Several retailers still had the item available for purchase.

Retailer Amazon.com held stock 160GB PS3 model this week. It currently sells the bundle at $479.99, down from a $499.99 MSRP.

Bestbuy.com still had the product available for shipping.

Wal-Mart brick and mortar locations held scattered stock of the 160GB at select locations. Walmart.com still held availability of the item for direct shipment to customers.

The lack of product at major retail channels may be an indication that the bundle will be discontinued shortly.

The PS3 160GB was introduced in the second half of 2008. It includes a copy of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune and a voucher for the DLC title PAIN for $499.

A discontinue of the PS3 160GB would pave the way for a new pricing tier for the PS3 that could start at $299, with a premium model at $399. Analysts expect Sony to price cut the PS3 in the second half of 2009, though the company has not announced any new hardware discount plans.

Sony in May increased its forecast for PS3 sales to 13 million this year despite posting a $1 billion operating loss.

Sony this month showcased new game titles at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, including Uncharted 2: Among Thieves and God of War III.