Sony announces the Big 80 GB PS3!!!

Last month, there were stories about Sony coming up with a new, larger capacity PlayStation 3 (PS3) gaming console.

Now, Sony has put an end to the speculation by announcing the launch of a version of its PS3 console with an 80GB hard disk drive (HDD) in South Korea.

The company says that the PS3 console, which was launched last year, typically comes with a 60GB HDD. In some markets, Sony offers a second version with 20GB drive, but as sales have tipped in favor of the higher capacity model, the company is discontinuing the 20GB model.

Satoshi Fukuoka, a spokesman for Sony, said that the 80GB version will start selling next month in South Korea, where online games are enormously popular, and broadband connections are more widespread. Broadband tends to enhance certain games, and players are able to download features for games from the Internet.

Fukuoka said that though there is no concrete plan to sell the model in other markets, it could be an option depending on the needs of different regions. Also that while not confirmed, the company is considering selling the 80GB PS3 in the US.

Meanwhile, the 80GB PS3 is learnt to have specifications similar to the existing 60GB model, moreso in terms of core components and things like Cell, RSX, Blu-ray drive, and network capabilities.

The new 80GB PS3 model will go on sale in South Korea on June 16 this year, and will cost $581 (Rs 23,570 approx).

And, for all PlayStation fans who don't happen to be South Koreans, here's hoping you too get to lay your hands on the BIG PS3!