Emma Boyes
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe CEO David Reeves today confirmed in a press conference that only North America would benefit from the PlayStation 3 price cut, which was announced earlier this week.
The console will definitely not be getting a price cut in Europe from the current £425/€599. Australia is getting a similar deal -- there will be no drop from the current price of A$999.
Another blow was dealt to European and Aussie gamers with the news that the souped-up 80GB version would also not be coming to the regions.
Instead, a new bundle called the 'value pack' will be made available, which will include a 60GB PS3, two controllers and two games -- Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm, which have been by far the most popular PS3 games in the UK. This will be available for the usual price -- £425 in the UK -- in all the regions, although the games would vary from region to region.
It's not all bad news -- the new PlayStation Portable will be coming to Europe at the beginning of September in black, silver and white "initially", indicating that other colours will eventually be available.
The new bundle will be available immediately in SCEE territories, and will be rolled out in all other territories by 1 August. David Reeves commented: "Why are we doing this? We believe added value works in the PAL territories."
The Sony exec also hinted that the company would be revealing three new features and services for the PSP that would be exclusive for Europe at the Leipzig Games Convention next month. There would also be "something really special" for the PS3 and more PSP colours, Reeves said.
Update: Gamesindustry.biz is reporting that the 'starter pack' will consist of a PS3, two SixAxis controllers and two games from a choice of Formula One Championship Edition, Genji: Days of the Blade, MotorStorm, Resistance: Fall of Man and Ridge Racer 7. The extra controller and two games would have a separate retail value of £115. The new deal is due on sale in the UK on 18 July and in Europe on 1 August.
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