80GB PS3 Coming To NZ (Update 2)

French site JeuxVideo claims that it has recently received confirmation that the 80GB PS3 will indeed be coming to Europe, complete with DualShock 3, and retailing for €400 (NZ$820). Given that New Zealand often gets lumped in with Europe into the PAL regions, and given that €400 is close to what we currently pay for our 40GB PS3s, there's a good possibility that New Zealand will also get the 80GB model.

There is no official word yet, so this should definitely be considered rumour and speculation, but rest assured we will get hold of Sony for official comment on whether or not New Zealand will receive the 80GB PS3.

Update: We have just heard back from SCE-NZ that the 80GB model will indeed be launching in New Zealand. Pricing and dates are as yet unavailable.

Update 2: We now have an official announcement from SCE-NZ that the 80GB PS3 will becoming to New Zealand on August 27th, will retail for $799.95, and will replace the current 40GB model. Check out the official press release below.

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) held its E3 media reception this evening at the Viceroy Hotel, Santa Monica, with David Reeves, President of SCEE, providing a European perspective on the announcements made at the Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) press conference yesterday.

Launching on 27th August 2008 throughout the PAL territories (shortly after in Russia), the new PLAYSTATION 3 80GB model will become the mainstay of the company’s hardware line-up. The 80GB model will retail for NZ $799.95, and will offer all of the features and functionality of the 40GB model with double the storage to accommodate more games, movies, graphics, music, photos and other entertainment content – all for the same price.

As with its predecessor, the new 80GB model will be a complete entertainment system comprising the highest quality games and films on Blu-ray, as well as the ability to download exclusive content, play games online and access the internet at any time through an integrated Wi-Fi connection. The multi-functionality of the 80GB PS3, combined with an incredible number of exclusive first and third-party titles, as well as PLAYSTATION Network, makes PS3 a comprehensive entertainment value designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers from hard-core gamers to general entertainment enthusiasts.

“We have been listening to our customers and are pleased to be able to answer one of their key requests”, said David Reeves, President, SCEE. “There is more downloadable content than ever before, with the emphasis moving towards user generated content, something clearly seen this week in LittleBigPlanet. When you add this to the already compelling entertainment offering on PS3, where you can store games, music, videos and pictures, the extra storage becomes invaluable.”

David Reeves also confirmed the introduction to the PAL territories of the Platinum range for PS3, launching on the 8th of August, at a price of NZ$59.95, including numerous blockbuster first and third party titles, such as Resistance: Fall of Man, Uncharted: Drakes Fortune and Assassin’s Creed.

David Reeves also confirmed that new bundles would be introduced throughout the SCEE territories on both PSP and PlayStation 2, but would vary by territory, continuing the successful policy of providing local content for local markets.

Keep it locked to NZGamer for more updates as we get them!

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