New 160 GB PS3 Heading to Stores in November

20 Aug, 2008 By: John Gaudiosi

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Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) is upping the ante on storage capacity for its PlayStation 3.

Starting this November, a limited-edition 160GB PS3 will be available at retailers for $500. In addition to the extra hard drive space, the new console will come bundled with the best-selling Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune game, a voucher for the PlayStation Network online game Pain and a Dualshock 3 wireless controller.

Jack Tretton, president and CEO of SCEA, said this new 160GB hard drive will allow gamers to download more movie and TV content, as well as games.

“As PlayStation Network continues to evolve with our recently launched video delivery service and more exclusive games, PS3 owners are demanding more storage capacity,” Tretton said. “Consumers also are utilizing PS3 as an entertainment hub for their digital media, placing content such as their entire music collection on the hard drive. The 160GB PS3 system addresses this growing consumer demand in a compelling bundle that delivers significant value.”

Sony has just started shipping its $400 80GB PS3 to retailers nationwide. This model was announced at the E3 Summit in July and is replacing the 40GB PS3 model.

Sony has had increased success moving PS3 hardware in recent months, thanks in part to the the Metal Gear Solid 4 hardware bundle. Sony sold 224,900 PS3s in July alone, according to The NPD Group. From January to July 2008, more than 1.8 million PS3s have been sold in the United States, representing year-to-date hardware sales growth of 99%.

Sony game sales also have increased. PS3 software sales have grown 206% year to date.

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