This news? Hot. So hot it couldn't wait another couple of days. David "Don't Call Me Davey" Karraker has confirmed that starting today, the 60GB model of the PS3 will drop to $499. Excellent, if not entirely unexpected, news. Better still is a second announcement: that North America will be getting their hands on the 80GB model of the PS3 (to help with Sony's plans for HD movie downloads), which will be bundled with MotorStorm, and will cost $599 (though won't be available until August). Keep in mind this news is for North America ONLY, so everywhere else, sit tight. No...tighter. If you want, kill some time by reading the AP press release after the click.

Sony Corp. announced a revised PlayStation 3 console Monday with a
bigger hard drive for storing downloaded content such as video games
and high-definition movies.

The new $599 PS3 increases the system's storage capacity from 60 to 80
gigabytes and also includes a retail copy of the online racing title
``MotorStorm,'' a company spokesman said.

Starting Monday, the current 60 gigabyte model will cost $499 _ a $100
price drop.

The larger capacity machine won't be available in the United States
and Canada until August.

It plays into the company's upcoming strategy of eventually offering
downloaded high-definition movies, video games, movie trailers and
demos, Sony spokesman David Karraker said.

Karraker said further details on high-def movies for download would be
released at a later date.

The announcement comes two days before the E3 Media & Business Summit
in Santa Monica, Calif., where dozens of industry heavyweights
including Sony rivals Microsoft Corp. and Nintendo Co. are expected to
show off their latest games and related products.

In April, Microsoft began selling a version of its Xbox 360 with a
120-gigabyte hard drive and a souped up high-definition video
connection. Called Xbox 360 Elite, the black-colored system sells for
$479.99.

Xbox gamers who already own the $399.99 20-gigabyte model can buy a
snap-on 120-gigabyte hard drive for $179.99.

Karraker said Sony would use the E3 show to focus on two areas: ways
to increase the number of consumers who own PS3s and other products
such as the PlayStation Portable handheld system, and expanding the
system's library of available games.

He said Sony would be releasing 100 new video games during the current
fiscal year, including 15 titles that are exclusive to the PS3 such as
the hack-and-slash action title ``Heavenly Sword.''

[Thanks Greg!]

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