Register Hardware

Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/13/no_euro_ps3_price_cut/

Sony says no to Euro PS3 price cut

By James Sherwood
Published Friday 13th July 2007 10:26 GMT

Updated Sony has left its European PS3 fans bewildered (again) after over its decision to launch a 60GB PS3 Starter Pack bundle over here instead of cutting the console's price. There was no mention of a European 80GB model, either.

The double-whammy was announced at an event in Venice Beach and is likely to anger European gamers who, earlier this week, were forced to witness US gamers' joy over Sony's decision to cut the 60GB PS3's price by $100 (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/09/ps3_80gb_hdd/) and announce that an 80GB console would be released there next month.

The starter pack, which is fast becoming known on fan websites as the "rip-off Britain pack", will retail for around £425. It will include a 60GB PS3 and come with two SixAxis controllers and two games, which will vary from country to country.

David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, described the starter pack as "exceptional value".

True, together the components of the £425 bundle would set gamers back £518 - hardly a massive saving and we suspect they'd rather see £50 knocked off the price of the console than get £93 of extras.

While many will see this as a half-measure designed by Sony as an attempt to dampen European gamers' cries over the US price cut, Sony's decision not to announce an 80GB version over our side of the pond will further infuriate PS3 fans.

The starter pack will be available in the UK on 18 July, and throughout the rest of Europe, Africa and the Middle East on 1 August. There's no word yet on availability in Australia or New Zealand.

In the US, a 60GB PS3 now costs $500 (£246/€363), while UK prices are sat at around £425. The 80GB model will retail for $600 (£295/€435) in the US and in Europe will cost, oh, wait a minute...