Sony today announced that their PlayStation 3 video game system will not be recieving a price reduction in PAL territories. Unlike Northern American gamers, who will recieve a price cut next month, European and Australian consumers will instead have a "Starter Pack" introduced in replacement of the current PlayStation 3 retail box.

The aptly titled bundle, set to be released in August, will contain a 60GB PlayStation 3 system, two official controllers and two current chart games. Included titles will vary from region to region, but generally will consist of Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm.

Additionally, the 80GB model planned for NTSC regions will not be making its way overseas.

Today, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe CEO David Reeves confirmed in a press conference that the price cut would only be for North Americans, and that the console would definitely not be getting a price cut from the current £425/599 euro price (approx $850). Aussies are getting a similar deal--there will be no price drop from the current price of A$999. Another blow was dealt to European and Aussie gamers with the news that the souped-up 80GB version would also not be coming to the regions.

Instead, a new bundle called the 'value pack' will be made available, which will include a 60GB PS3, two controllers, and two games--Resistance: Fall of Man and MotorStorm. This will be available for the usual price in all the regions, although the games would vary from region to region.

Xenctuary via e3.gamespot.com »