E3 2006: PlayStation 3 Launch Details (Prices and Dates)

Kaz Hirai, president of Sony Computer Entertainment America, revealed additional details surrounding the PlayStation 3 launch today during the company's pre-E3 media gathering.

The system will launch worldwide in November 2006. Two different packs will be available, both containing a BluRay capable disc drive, a built-in hard drive, gigabit network capability, and support for multiple wireless controllers.

Said Hirai, "Every PlayStation 3 system will ship with a hard disk drive."

One pack will come with a 60GB hard drive, an HDMI video output, and card slots for Memory Stick storage media. Another, less expensive pack, will include a 20GB hard drive, but will not offer the memory card slots or the HDMI output. This cheaper pack, however, will still offer the typical Sony multi-out for Composite, S-Video, and Component video output up to 1080i.

Japanese gamers will be able to purchase the system first, on November 11, 2006. The 20GB model will be available for 59,800 yen, and the 60GB model will be available at an open price (likely 69,000 yen).

November 17, 2006 is the launch date for Europe and North America. The 20GB pack will sell for $499, while the 60GB pack will sell for $599.

Read more straight from the source at PSX Extreme

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