PS3 80GB Launch Date

Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand Confirms PLAYSTATION®3 80GB Model Launch Date
Double the storage capacity, plus a DUALSHOCK®3 controller, for $799.95

Auckland, 18 August 2008 - Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand (SCENZ) today confirmed the 28th August 2008 as the New Zealand release date for its new PLAYSTATION®3 (PS3™) 80GB model, replacing the current 40GB version. The new model, announced at E3 in July, offers all of the features and functionality of the 40GB model, but with double the storage to accommodate more games, movies, graphics, music, photos and other entertainment content €“ all at the same recommended retail price of $799.95.

Not only does the new PS3 model offer increased storage, but it also ships with a DUALSHOCK®3 Wireless Controller. Utilising Bluetooth technology for wireless game play, the DUALSHOCK 3 provides the most intuitive and involved game play experience thanks to the inclusion of SIXAXIS™ motion sensing technology and in-built rumble, ensuring each hit, crash and explosion is more realistic than ever.

€œHaving shipped over 44,000 consoles to date, the PS3 has already found its place in many New Zealand homes,€ said David Hine, Sales and Marketing Manager New Zealand SCENZ. €œWith more compelling content being made available to PS3 owners every week through the PLAYSTATION® Network, the extra storage offered in this new model will prove invaluable.€

€œIn addition, the 80GB memory allows you consolidate all of your digital music, photos and movies in one central place within the home and experience them on a high definition TV. Add to this the ability to enjoy Blu-ray movies and games and it€™s clear why the PS3 has earned its place as the leading entertainment hub in today€™s home.€

Thanks to a constantly expanding and diverse software line-up, the PS3 continues to grow in its appeal to a broad range of consumers; from hard-core gamers through to general entertainment enthusiasts. While upcoming exclusive blockbuster PS3 titles, such as Resistance 2™ and SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation™, appeal to gaming enthusiasts, other titles like MotorStorm™ Pacific Rift and LittleBIGPlanet™ can be enjoyed by anyone who€™s looking for pure entertainment. Add to this the arrival of PlayStation€™s leading social gaming titles like SingStar® and Buzz!™ to the PS3 platform and there is something on offer for every type of entertainment seeker.

ENDS

For more information and images of the new 80GB PS3 or other PlayStation products, please visit www.playstation.co.nz

About Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand:
Based in Auckland, Sony Computer Entertainment New Zealand (SCENZ) is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PLAYSTATION®3, PlayStation®2 and PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) software and hardware in New Zealand.

Since the PLAYSTATION 3 launch on 23 March 2007 in New Zealand, over 44, 000 consoles have been shipped and after seven consecutive years as New Zealand's number one game console, over 498,000 PlayStation 2 consoles have been shipped. PlayStation Portable has also enjoyed strong results in New Zealand with over 129,000 units shipped to date, placing the PlayStation Portable in the number one spot for portable gaming consoles in New Zealand (figures to 15th March 2008). For global figures, please refer to the Sony Computer Entertainment Europe information below.

For more information on PlayStation products visit www.playstation.co.nz.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited:
_Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PLAYSTATION®3, PlayStation®2 and PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) software and hardware in 102 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories. Since the launch of PLAYSTATION 3 in November 2006 and the end of January 2008, over 10 million units have been sold globally and continue to be sold at a record level. Between the beginning of April 2006 and the end of January 2008, over 26 million PlayStation 2 consoles have been sold worldwide, continuing its position as one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history. Between the beginning of April 2006 and the end of January 2008, over 20 million PSP systems have been sold worldwide.

More information about PlayStation products can be found at www.playstation.com or visit the Virtual Press Office at www.scee.presscentre.com.

PlayStation, PSP and the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. UMD (Universal Media Disc) is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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