Although it wasn't entirely unexpected, Sony has confirmed that the recent PS3 price cuts reflected in the US market won't be making it over here.
Everyone has been eagerly anticipating an announcement his week to find if the cost of HD gaming will become more affordable but instead Sony has only revealed plans of an 80GB upgrade model, which won't be making it across the Atlantic either.
Instead, Sony hopes to attract first-time buyers with a PS3 'starter pack' that includes two Sixaxis controllers for £425 - the pack will be available from August 1st.
David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, does not believe Europe needs a price cut just yet. “With sell through of over 1.2 million units in the SCEE territories to date, PlayStation 3 has proved to be an instant and huge success. The exceptional value of the new Starter Pack will bring the excitement of PlayStation gaming to a much wider audience. Add to this a stellar lineup of software titles for the second half of the year and we are confident that this amazing value Starter Pack will encourage many more keen gamers to join the PlayStation 3 community.”
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Spare a thought for us poor chumps who pre-ordered the console at launch and paid £540 to get the equivelant package that new buyers now get for £425. A lovely kick in the teeth from Sony to its loyal hardcore. Ahh, the curse of being an early adopter.