Sony names PS3 date

SONY has named March 23 as the day its PlayStation 3 games console goes on sale in Australia, confirming a list price of $999.95, making it easily the most expensive console in the market.

 

The PS3 will initially be available only with a 60GB hard disk, with the planned 20GB model held over till later in 2007. The 20GB model will only be launched if Sony believes there is sufficient demand to warrant its inclusion in the line-up.
The PS3 will go on sale in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and New Zealand - regions which also use the PAL television standard used in Australia - on the same date.

 

Sony said it would make around 1 million units available for the launch, which is expected to be accompanied by 30 game titles.

 

"We will endeavour to get enough stock to ensure that no consumer is left wanting," Sony Computer Entertainment Australia spokesman Adrian Christie said.

 

  ADVERTISEMENT
 
 
 
 
 

 

However, shortages could not be ruled out, and consumers were encouraged to pre-order machines, he said.

 

While the price of the PlayStation 3 was greater than other games consoles, it also offered many features over and above gaming, Mr Christie said.

 

"For the product offering, assessed by features, I don't think it's a high price," he said.

 

Sony would continue to sell the PlayStation 2 and PlayStation Portable for customers looking for lower-priced games machines, Mr Christie said.

 

The PS3 will compete against Microsoft's Xbox 360, which first appeared in November 2005, and Nintendo's Wii, which debuted in December.

 

The fully-specified version of the Xbox 360 costs $649. The Wii, while lacking the technological firepower of its two rivals, was a surprise hit with Christmas shoppers, thanks to its innovative game-play and $399 pricetag.

 

Microsoft welcomed the new competition.

 

"I really want to welcome PlayStation 3 to the ANZ market," Microsoft entertainment division regional director David McLean said.

 

"After all the talk, Australian gamers will finally have the chance to compare the consoles side-by-side and more importantly decide for themselves what's the best all round experience."

 

In addition to the basic console, Sony also announced details of several add-ons that will be available for the PS3.

 

These include a wireless controller priced at �49.99 ($83), a DVD remote control for �24.99 and a range of cables priced between �16.99 and �24.99. Local pricing for the additional components has not been announced, but is expected to be equivalent to pricing for Europe.

 

The PlayStation 3 went on sale in the US in November. PAL-standard markets were originally scheduled to make the PS3 available at the same time, but shortages of components for the Blu-ray DVD player included in the machine forced its debut to be held over to March.