Sony Computer Entertainment Sets New Price for PlayStation®3

TOKYO, Aug. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) computer entertainment system with 160GB hard disk drive (HDD), currently available at a recommended retail price (RRP) of 29,980 yen (including tax), $299 and euro 299, will be available at a very attractive new RRP of 24,980 yen (including tax) for Japan, $249 for North America and euro 249 for Europe/PAL territories.  SCE will also reduce the price of the PS3® system with 320GB HDD, currently available at a RRP of 34,980 yen (including tax), $349 and euro 349, to RRP of 29,980 yen (including tax), $299 and euro 299.  The new pricing will be immediately effective for North America and Europe/PAL territories, and starting August 18, 2011 for Japan.

Since its release in 2006, PS3 has gained tremendous support from fans around the world and its cumulative worldwide sales reached a milestone of 50 million units as of March 29, 2011. Equipped with future proof cutting–edge technologies including the sophisticated processors, Cell Broadband Engine™ and RSX®, as well as the Blu-ray disc™ (BD) player and HDMI terminal, PS3 has continuously enhanced its value to consumers through system software updates to support new features and services including stereoscopic 3D content playback and support for the PlayStation®Move motion controller.  With the breadth and depth of services and content available for the PS3 system, including its impressive BD software line-up and the expansive portfolio of more than 60,000 games and video content (*1) available on PlayStation®Network, the new price will make the platform more accessible than ever and will appeal to a wider audience looking to buy the best entertainment system for their home.  With strong support from software developers and publishers, as of June 30, 2011, the worldwide cumulative number of BD software titles for the PS3 system exceeds 2,495 titles and downloadable PS3 games available on PlayStation®Store exceeds 3,100 titles (*2).  Of these titles, more than 120 titles (*3) are stereoscopic 3D supported and 200 titles (*3) are PlayStation Move dedicated or supported.  In addition to this extensive software title line-up, exciting and attractive new titles are expected to be released from software developers and publishers as well as from SCE Worldwide Studios, including Madden NFL 12 and Battlefield 3™ from Electronic Arts, Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare®3 from Activision, Assassin's Creed Revelations from Ubisoft, Resistance® 3, The Ico & Shadow of the Colossus Collection, Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One and Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception™ from SCE and more.

The PS3 system provides free access to PlayStation Network and its growing portfolio of marquee entertainment services for streaming hi-def movies, TV shows and sporting events. In North America, these services include Hulu Plus, MLB.TV, Netflix, NHL GameCenter, Vudu, and many more. PlayStation Network also features unique and compelling downloadable content from leading networks, such as the Discovery Channel, ESPN and HBO, and exclusive games, including the critically-acclaimed PixelJunk series and the highly anticipated Journey, to ensure PS3 customers always have amazing entertainment experiences at their fingertips.

Through these price reductions, the upcoming line-up of blockbuster software titles for the PS3 system and the industry's strongest offering of entertainment services, SCE will continue to expand the PS3 platform and deliver a world of computer entertainment that is only possible on PlayStation.

(*1) As of the end of July 2011.  The number includes downloadable PS3 games, game demos and video content.  The number does not include PSP content, game add-on or themes.

(*2) As of the end of July 2011.  Number of downloadable PS3 games including classics.  The number does not include game demos.

(*3) As of the end of July 2011.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufactures, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and the PlayStation®3 (PS3®) system.  PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment.  PSP is a handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio.  PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power.  SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America LLC., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide.  Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, SCEI is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

PlayStation and PS3 are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.  All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

SOURCE Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.