January 30

Clever or just plain sneaky?

That's the question that came to mind immediatedly after hearing Sony's announcement regarding the European release of the PS3.

Now I knew it was going to cost a few quid and yes, I had prepared myself that it would amount to around £425, but still.



In the official statement, Sony said: "Responding to retail and consumer demand, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed that initially only the 60GB model would be available, with the 20GB model to follow later in the year dependent on demand."

Do people REALLY need 60GB if they intend on saving a few games on it?

I realise that it is much better to have more and not need it than to not have it at all, but isn't it a bit sneaky?

Personally, (and I can hear my feelings echoed in households around the country) I'd rather pay a few quid less and just be able to buy it now.

Sony obviously knows the level of demand and so expects people to pay the full whack instead of waiting a few months. See? That's the clever bit.

Anyways, for those of us who probably will spend the money and get it sooner rather than later, this is for you... The Sony PS3 will be launched in the UK on March 23 at a price of £425.

An expected 1million PS3 units will be made available during the initial launch period across Europe.

A line-up of more than 30 game titles for PS3 will also be launched alongside it, including eagerly awaited titles published by SCEE such as Resistance: Fall of Man, MotorStorm, Genji: Days of the Blade, Formula One Championship Edition and Ridge Racer 7.

A range of titles in every genre will also be available at launch from the world's leading third party publishers, including Electronic Arts, Activision, Namco Bandai, Sega, Take 2, Ubisoft, Vivendi Universal, and Sony Online Entertainment.

In addition to games on disc, a range of fully-featured downloadable games will debut on the PlayStation Network.

These will include gaming icons such as Tekken: Dark Resurrection and Gran Turismo HD Concept.

Concurrent with the European launch, a new System Update to further enhance the entertainment potential of PS3 will be issued.

Announcing the launch details, Ray Maguire, managing director of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe UK said: "Following the hugely successful launches of PS3 in Japan and North America, we are absolutely delighted to be able to bring significant numbers of PS3 to the UK.

"To be able to launch with over 30 titles including retail versions and great downloadable gaming experiences across every genre shows that this is our strongest launch line-up in the history of PlayStation, and is what PlayStation fans in the UK have been crying out for."