E3 '07: No PS3 price cut or 80GB PS3 for PAL territories

SANTA MONICA, Calif.--Sony announced on Monday that it would be cutting the price of the PlayStation 3 in North America to $499 in the US and $549 in Canada, and that the 80GB version of the console, originally announced to be coming to Korea only, would also be making its way to North American soil in August. However, the company refused to say whether or not price cuts and the 80GB machine would also be coming to other regions, stating simply that, "This is a North American announcement only." However, a Sony Europe spokesperson said that an announcement "following on from the SCEA one" would be coming later in the week.

Today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe CEO David Reeves confirmed in a press conference that the price cut would only be for North Americans, and that the console would definitely not be getting a price cut from the current £425/599 euro price (approx $850). Aussies are getting a similar deal--there will be no price drop from the current price of A$999. Another blow was dealt to European and Aussie gamers with the news that the souped-up 80GB version would also not be coming to the regions.

Instead, a new bundle called the "value pack" will be put on sale for the same price at which the stand-alone console was previously available, which will include a 60GB PS3, two controllers, and two games--Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm. This will be available for the usual price in all the regions, although the games would vary from region to region.

It's not all bad news--the new PlayStation Portable will be coming to Europe at the beginning of September in black, silver, and white "initially."

The new bundle will be available immediately in SCEE territories, and will be rolled out in all other territories by August 1. David Reeves commented: "Why are we doing this? We believe added value works in the PAL territories."

The Sony exec also hinted the company would be revealing three new features and services for the PlayStation Portable at the Leipzig Games Convention that would be exclusive for Europe, and that there would be "something really special" for the PS3, as well as more PSP colors.