Sony Computer Entertainment Europe head David Reeves told members of the European press at private event held in Santa Monica that the 80GB equipped PlayStation 3 Core Pack – first announced by Jack Tretton at the company’s E3 presser – will hit all PAL territories on August 27, with the exception of Russia.

The unit will cost £299 (€399), with additional bundle configurations set to arrive between September and mid-December at varying price points. Just like in North America, this model will replace the 40GB, while retaining all of its functionality. So – yes, that means no backwards compatibility.

E3 08: 80GB PS3 coming to Europe [MCV]

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