Hey, you know the PS3 is also launching in Australia on March 23 – it's not just Europe who gets all the fun – and you Aussie gamers finally get an official price for the next-gen console: $999.95 for the Premium, which translates to about $788 USD and €599, exactly what consumers in Europe will pay. Sony has highlighted this last point, also citing "currency exchange rate and small population size" for justification for the seemingly high price tag.
"We have to realize that we live in a country with 22 million people, and the US supplies product to 300 million, which creates very different business dynamics," said Michael Ephraim, Sony's Australia and New Zealand managing director.
Sounds logical. In addition to officially releasing the price of the console, Sony further addressed the nasty Internet rumor that suggested there would be a mere 11,000 units in Australia for the launch. Sony has dubbed those rumors "false," but wouldn't give a proper estimate. Okay, all you gamers from the land down under, now you've got the price, so you know what you're up against. If it's any consolation, it could've been a lot worse…