E3 2008: Sony Australia confirm 80GB PS3 SKU and Platinum titles for Oz

Earlier this morning it was announced at the E3 Business & 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 lineup in the US. No details were given on when the games would be rereleased under the Platinum banner, or at the cheaper price, but Sony expects to outline its 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 its next PlayStation Australia Update & Software Event (PAUSE) event, so it's possible that they will announce further details there. Stay tuned!

[UPDATE]: A SCE UK representative declined to comment on the bundle's possible British release, as well as if the Platinum catalogue and PlayStation Video Store would be making it to the Isles.