Local details for some of the big announcements from this morning's press conference.
Earlier this morning it was announced at the E3 Business and Media Summit in Los Angeles that Sony would be phasing out the current lower-end 40GB PlayStation 3 SKU and replacing it with an 80GB SKU in the US.
A representative for Sony Computer Entertainment Australia confirmed to GameSpot AU that the new SKU is planned for Australia, but "We're awaiting on timing and pricing". While no date was given for the announcement, we were told to expect it soon. The spokesperson also informed us that Sony will be launching a PlayStation 3 Platinum range for best-selling titles. The Platinum catalogue is equivalent to the Greatest Hits line-up in the US. No details were given on when the games would be re-released under the Platinum banner, or at the cheaper price, but Sony expects to outline it's plans for it alongside the 80GB PS3 SKU announcement.
The other offshoot from Sony's press conference concerned the PlayStation Video Store coming down under. Although Sony couldn't commit to a date, the spokesperson did confirm that the store will eventually make it to Australia, but "probably not this year, due to legal wrangling".
Later this month, Sony Computer Entertainment Australia will be hosting it's next PlayStation Australia Update & Software Event (PAUSE) event, so it's possible that the they will announce further details there. Stay tuned!
80Gb is not unexpected seeing as they are phasing out 40Gb HDDs, but I wasn't so sure PAL would get Platinum titles as soon as NA due to the PS3 launching four months later in that region.
