New PS3 and wireless keypad announced
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has just announced it would release a new 160GB PS3 in Europe for €449 (US$660) during the Leipzig Games Convention. Within minutes, Sony Computer Entertainment America announced the model--which boasts twice the hard drive space as the current 80GB kit--would also be making its way to the US, albeit in a different form.
Editors' note:
We've contacted Sony Computer Entertainment Hong Kong and are awaiting updates on the pricing and availability of these new offerings for Asia.
While the European model will come with €70 (US$102) in downloadable content localized to the user's territory, the US and Canadian model will be introduced November via a limited edition bundle. Costing US$499 in both territories, the package will include the 160GB PS3, a DualShock 3 controller, Naughty Dog's acclaimed adventure game Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, and a voucher for the downloadable game Pain.
In a statement, SCEA president and CEO Jack Tretton explained the rationale behind the new PS3 model. "As [the] PlayStation Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity," he said. "Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand."
Sony also had news today for those unswayed by the 160GB PS3 package's offerings--or those simply unable to afford it or wait until November. The company said that the new US$399 80GB PS3 had begun shipping to US stores. Announced at the E3 Media & Business Summit last month, the console is US$100 cheaper than the previous 80GB PS3 model, but no longer offers software-based backward compatibility for PlayStation 2 games. SCEA reps confirmed for CNET that the 160GB model would also be bereft of PS2 game support.
The last major hardware announcement is a new Bluetooth wireless keypad accessory for the PS3. The PS3 Wireless Keypad, designed to fit onto a DualShock 3 or Sixaxis gamepad, will give players an easy way to enter text on the PS3. Expect the PS3 Wireless Keypad to launch in the US this November.
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