We have just learned an hour ago from David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, that the announced price drop of the current 60-GB-version of PlayStation 3 in the US, from 599 to 499 USD will not be matched in the European territories. The announcement was made at a reception in Venice Beach, California. Instead, after the current 60-GB-version has sold out (supply has been deliberately short in the last few weeks, Reeves said), it will be replaced by the new Starter Pack. It will still be the 60-GB version, but with a second Sixaxis controller and two games included, at the same price of 599 Euro (roughly 780 USD). That will be the only version sold, as there is no 20-GB-version of the PS3 in Europe. In the US, a new version at 599 USD will have 80 GB of harddrive space and one included game.

The Starter Pack will be sold in some territories from today, and in all European countries from August 1st. The two games included will vary in some territories, Reeves mentioned Resitance - Fall of Man and MotorStorm. Reeves repeatedly emphasised that the extras are a 170 euro worth. And also, that so far 1.2 million PS3s were sold in the SCEE territories (which not only are in Europe, but consist of all PAL countries, including e.g. South Africa, New Zealand and Australia).