Sony has gone ahead and ruined one of the greatest spousal justifications for buying the PS3 in one fell swoop, announcing the imminent release of a stand-alone Blu-Ray player that will retail for $599, the same price as the 80gb PS3 system in the US. The new player, due out this summer, has all of the features of the previously released $999 version, as well as the magical ability to play CDs.

Wait, the $999 version couldn't play CDs? You've got to be kidding me. If I pay nearly a thousand bucks for something with a tray made for a CD-shaped object, it better play CDs. Just saying.

Luckily I got in on the ground floor, when "It's a Blu-Ray player at nearly half the price!" was still a good way to justify the purchase to your significant other, especially those not impressed by "and it plays games too!" Michael Fahey

Sony slashes Blu-ray price in line with PS3 [GamesIndustry.biz]

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